In an era when TV screens and mobile phones dominate children’s lives, a theatre play that offers an escape into a fantasy world is seized with both hands by parents. That’s exactly what happened in Karachi, where The Treasure Hunt was staged for two weeks at the Arts Council for school-age children and enjoyed by them and their accompanying parents.

Not only did the play prove that one kid brings two parents to the cinema, but it also showed parents that a constructive outing with their kids has a better impact on them.

Produced by Arts Wave Productions, the play blends adventure, fantasy, comedy and treasure hunting into an engaging theatrical experience for young audiences. The story follows Jack and Jill as they embark on an exciting journey with a talking tree, a lazy panda, a hungry lion, a clumsy monkey, an evil witch and a good fairy, all in search of a treasure to help a friend.

Each character brought humour to the stage and made you laugh out loud, no matter how old you are. Not only did the kids laugh at the characters’ antics, but their parents did too, impressed by the narrative that reinforced themes of courage, friendship and teamwork. The play also highlighted the importance of protecting our environment, most notably by taking a stand against cutting trees.

What makes The Treasure Hunt a must-watch is that it involves kids in the auditorium as if they were part of the proceedings. Not only did the characters ask for their input at crucial points, but running into the crowd sent them into hysterics in their seats. Whether it was the hungry lion trying to find something to eat, the silly monkey asking for something in front of him, or the fairy entering the stage from above, every action drew reactions that were drowned out by surprise and laughter.

The production benefits greatly from an energetic cast that keeps the audience invested throughout the performance. Hashir Faraz and Alaiza Jawaid bring charm and enthusiasm to the central roles of Jack and Jill, while performers such as Muhammad Raza, as the Grand Talking Tree, and Fatima Adil Malik, as the Fairy, add warmth and a sense of fantasy to the stage.

However, the kids couldn’t stop hugging the two stars of the show — Suleman Roomi’s Panda and Usman Hikmat’s Lion, who provided comic relief even in serious moments. The audience took a little longer to warm up to the two antagonists, Yaseem Usman’s Witch and Muhammad Asim’s Monkey, because their ‘impact’ lingered even after the curtains closed.

Written and directed by Hassan Malik, founder and creative director of Arts Wave Productions, the play addresses every aspect of well-being, from psychological to physical. The colourful costumes, lively performances and comedic elements ensure that children remain engaged, while the overall staging reflects the creative vision of a young artist with great potential who, if he keeps up the good work as he learns the ropes, could become a star.

Co-producer Asiyah Majeed believes that plays like The Treasure Hunt are needed now because they encourage future generations to value creativity, storytelling and the performing arts. Continued support from audiences and families will help such productions thrive, and a boost from corporate partners would also steer them in the right direction, she said. According to her, such bold moves would ensure that children’s theatre remains an essential part of the cultural landscape.

As children’s entertainment increasingly moves online, supporting local theatre productions has become more important than ever. Plays such as The Treasure Hunt offer young audiences wholesome, educational and interactive experiences that screens alone cannot replicate. More importantly, they nurture Pakistan’s theatre culture in a significant way.

Don’t worry if you weren’t able to join this treasure hunt, because the play will return after Eidul Azha for a few days and will hopefully extend beyond Karachi to other parts of the country.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 30th, 2026