LARKANA: The 10-day ‘Sindh Theatre Festival Larkana 2025’ got under way at the Larkana Arts Council on Saturday.

Larkana Commissioner Tahir Sangi, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the festival, organised by the local arts council in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan.

Prominent among those who attended the inauguration ceremony chairman of the Arts Council Karachi’s folk heritage committee Dr Ayub Shaikh, and chairman of the music committee Amjad Hussain Shah.

Larkana Arts Council president Ismail Jatoi and Secretary Hanif Suhag, along with theatre artists, showbiz personalities and a large number of local citizens, also attended the programme.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commissioner Sangi said: “The work we should be doing is already being done by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. After attending this event, I feel like a changed man — one who now truly understands the importance of cultural connections. Through cultural engagement, many social evils can be addressed and eliminated.”

Dr Ayub Shaikh praised the relentless efforts by Arts Council of Pakistan president Mohammad Ahmed Shah, saying: “Shah is actively revitalising arts councils across Sindh. Theatre and music festivals as well as other cultural events are being financially supported by the Arts Council Karachi throughout the province. His vision is to create a strong network among artists and promote a rich cultural atmosphere in Sindh.”

The opening day feature was Ishq Fishq, a thought-provoking play by Wajid Aazad which focused the issue of drug addiction. The performance highlighted the devastating impact of drugs on youth. The artists received great applause from the audience for their powerful acting besides appreciating the socially conscious message.

At the conclusion of the day’s events, Dr Ayub Shaikh distributed cash rewards among theatre directors on behalf of the Karachi Arts Council.

The festival will continue till June 22, with performances starting at 8:30pm daily.

The lineup of plays includes Daywidhi by Amjad Abro, Kati a konhay doh by Ufaq Basheer Channa, Thano Siyano by Shameem Abbasi, Taraqqi Jo rasto by Rafique Abro, Bhala Re Bhaag’ by Ayoob Gaad, Wah Jo Aayhan by Asad Khokhar, Bewas by Asad Khokhar and Aas Naras by Ufaq Basheer Channa.

The concluding day will feature Qaidyani by Loung Sheikh.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025