Awami Theatre Festival 2020 to commence this week at Arts Council

KARACHI: Arts Council is one institution that has been working towards promoting performing arts. The platform sets up training sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and festivals within the domain of performing arts. It has played a key role in promoting the culture of theatre plays. All of Anwar Maqsood’s plays have been staged here. The upcoming Ankahi 2020, directed by Dawar Mehmood, is also set to hit the stage in October.

Along with commercial theatre, the Arts Council organizes various events to add to the cause. A recent addition is the upcoming Awami Theatre Festival 2020. It is all set to commence on September 18 at the Karachi Arts Council.

A press conference in this regard was held at Arts Council over the weekend. Attendees included president Ahmed Shah, secretary Ejaz Ahmed Faroqi and veteran artist Talat Hussain in addition to the press. “During these circumstances, people got sick and depressed by sitting at home. A large number of technicians, actors and makeup artists were unemployed. Today, I am glad that Pakistan is in a much better situation, and thankfully, the happenings have begun. I along with the members of the governing body have decided to restart the activities with the Awami Theatre Festival and the first purpose of this festival is to spread joy among artists and members of the arts council,” noted president Arts Council Mohammad Ahmed Shah during the press conference.

Ahmed Shah further assured that the council will follow SOPs and provide assistance for set designing, technicalities and management. “Last year this festival was much appreciated and this time the festival will be held in a unique way. It will comprise Sindhi, Siraiki, Memoni as well as Punjabi dramas,” he added.

Addressing the press conference, industry veteran Talat Hussain urged attendees to support the cause. He appreciated the efforts of president Ahmed Shah and requested the audience to attend the festival. He also pointed out that the Arts Council is known beyond borders.

The Awami Theatre Festival 2020 will run till October 4. Free tickets for the shows are available at the Arts Council.