Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, held a press conference at Haseena Moin Hall to announce the launch of its much-anticipated “Awami Theater Festival 2024,” a 17-day event starting on November 8. Renowned personalities, including humorist Anwar Maqsood, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, senior actor and Vice President Munawar Saeed, and Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, shared details about the festival, which aims to celebrate theater’s vibrant role in cultural expression. Speaking to the press, Anwar Maqsood highlighted the festival as a beacon of hope in the current climate, emphasizing the unique appeal of Awami Theater in attracting diverse audiences. “Awami Theater has an unmatched charm; even the world’s biggest actors can’t replicate its distinct allure,” Maqsood noted, while applauding the Arts Council team for their efforts in bringing theater to life with engaging scripts. President Muhammad Ahmed Shah outlined the Council’s recent achievements, noting that this year’s festival follows the success of the World Culture Festival, which featured international performances from Kosovo, Palestine, and a variety of art forms, including dance and physical theater. He emphasized the council’s commitment to hosting workshops for young talent, remarking, “Learning has no age limit; it’s a journey we continue until our last breath.” Shah also shared plans for a grander cultural festival slated for October next year. Veteran actor Munawar Saeed fondly recalled his theater days, including his work on the popular play Mirza and Sons alongside the late Qavi Khan. “Theater offers unparalleled training,” he said, encouraging young artists to approach the medium with dedication and care, as success in theater can pave the way for achievements in other fields. Secretary Ejaz Farooqi expressed gratitude to the gathering, noting that the press conference itself felt like a theater class. He affirmed that such learning opportunities will remain open to all at the Arts Council. The “Awami Theater Festival 2024” will run until November 24, featuring daily performances in multiple languages, each starting at 8 p.m., celebrating the richness of Pakistani theater and offering audiences a unique cultural experience.
