The Arts Council of Pakistan announced on Thursday that its annual Awami Theatre Festival will take place from January 22 to February 15, bringing a month of stage performances to theatre enthusiasts across the country. Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, said the festival follows other cultural events, including the World Culture Festival and the International Urdu Conference, and is scheduled before Ramazan to take advantage of favourable weather.
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“This month-long event will entertain theatre lovers with high-quality productions,” Shah said, adding that senior directors and artists, including the legendary classical dancer Sheema Kermani, will participate. Kermani, a long-time supporter of the festival, will present one of her plays during the event.
So far, 30 plays have been finalised, with two performances scheduled for each weekend. While most plays will be staged in Urdu, productions in Punjabi, Sindhi, Seraiki, and Balochi will also be part of the festival. The Vice-President of the Arts Council, Munawwar Saeed, encouraged performers to be true to their characters, highlighting the festival’s emphasis on authenticity and professionalism.
Shah emphasised that while the Arts Council provides financial and technical support, the quality of a play ultimately depends on the director’s vision. “Creative liberty is encouraged, but vulgar content will not be tolerated,” he said.
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The festival will open with Seedhi Jalebi, directed by Shakil Shah, and conclude with Mujh Mein Tu Mojud, presented by Tehrik-i-Niswan. The annual event continues the Arts Council’s tradition of showcasing diverse and compelling theatre, nurturing talent, and offering audiences the opportunity to experience both classical and contemporary performances.