KARACHI: The 12th century poet Fariduddin Attar’s allegorical work Manteq al-Tayer (conference of birds) is about the quest of the birds for a mythical figure. The species is to do with flight and being airborne, therefore there is no surprise in the fact that a dance group Anikaya chose to name their act The Conference of Birds which was performed as part of the ongoing World Culture Festival (WCF) on Friday evening. It entertained, enthralled and inspired the audience in equal measure.

Anikaya is a group founded by Wendy Jehlen which believes there are no boundaries when it comes to people and culture. Their performance highlighted this inclusive approach to life and art. The performance on Friday was a unique interpretation of the epic poem where the dancers applied contemporary tales of displacement and alienation to the main idea of the 12th century poem.

Jehlen directed and choreographed the performance in which artists representing half a dozen nationalities took part. Their movements to the beat of the music set for the act and their gestures were totally in sync with the thematic thread of the stories they were telling. The ambient lighting and somber music were not there merely to embellish the play; they were used as characters just as the artists (boys and girls) who danced as veritable narrators of the conference of birds.

Film screening

The eighth day of the festival also featured the screening of the Pakistani film Chikkar, which revolves around themes of environmental and class struggle in rural Pakistan.

During a post-screening discussion moderated by Umair Ahmed Khan, director Syed Zaheeruddin and actor Usman Mukhtar shared insights into the film.

“We tried to merge documentary and fiction in this project. Chikkar was a serious film, yet audiences laughed, so imagine what will happen when we make a comedy. We must overcome our fear of experimentation,” said Zaheeruddin.

Usman Mukhtar added, “It will take time for such messages to spread, but more films like Chikkar should be made. These are issues our society needs to address.”

Art workshop titled Men with the Pen featuring Comorian painter Yaz and Tanveer Farooqi was also held.

The artists taught students various painting techniques. Yaz also painted a portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, which became a highlight of the day.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2025