Star-studded theatre festival to showcase 'different Pakistan'
Entertainment
Plays would be performed in Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, English, Persian and Turkish languages
KARACHI (Web Desk) - The star-studded Pakistan Theatre Festival kicked off here in Karachi with a bang.
As many as 27 national and seven international groups will offer 45 dramas, workshops and talks throughout the month.
The inaugural ceremony held at the Arts Council was graced by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman.
The event was attended by legends including Anwar Maqsood, Javed Sheikh, Sajid Hassan, Nabeel Zafar, Usman Peerzada and Nabeel Qureshi.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman said: "Art unites people and provides them a chance to express themselves."
“I am really pleased to see plays in so many regional and international languages which would help the people of Pakistan understand each other,” the governor said.
The plays would be performed in Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, English, Persian and Turkish languages.
On the inaugural day, iconic figure Anwar Maqsood was honoured with a shield by Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah in recognition of his contributions to Pakistani culture and theatre.
The Sindh governor lauded the services of Ahmed Shah for promoting the art and culture both in Pakistan and abroad.
The festival officially started with Director/Actor Salman Shahid's comedy-drama Patriot and Abdullah, which enthralled the audience.
Actor Paris Masroo said their finances were managed through TV dramas, but they do theatre out of sheer interest. “A true actor is one who always loves to perform in theatre,” he added.
The international groups have also started reaching Karachi to participate in the festival.
The Pakistan Theatre Festival will continue for a month in which different plays will be presented on a daily basis while two plays will be presented on weekends.
The festival would help revive the dying theatre industry of the country.
