Hyderabad Theatre Festival 2025 Concludes with Enthusiastic Attendance and Cultural Celebration

By: Aziz Khatri

Hyderabad: The much-anticipated “Hyderabad Theatre Festival 2025”, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Government of Sindh, came to a vibrant close on October 8, 2025. The festival, held over a remarkable 13 days at the Sindh Museum and Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, showcased a series of 12 captivating plays in Urdu and Sindhi, drawing large audiences and commendations from theatre aficionados across the region.

From its opening on September 26 to its grand finale, the festival showcased the talents of over 130 artists who captivated attendees with masterful performances that celebrated comedic, social, and reformative themes.

The closing ceremony was honored by the presence of Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by notable figures, including Commissioner Hyderabad, Fayaz Hussain Abbasi; Chairman Lok Virsa Committee, Dr. Ayub Shaikh; Chairman of the Music Committee, Amjad Hussain Shah; Chief Organizer, Rafiq Esani; Director, Saleem Guddu; and many other esteemed directors, writers, and theatre enthusiasts.

In his address, President Ahmed Shah highlighted the contributions of Kazbano, a celebrated performer of the festival, remarking, “Kazbano truly deserves appreciation for her contributions. I came here with a message — that this cultural journey must continue.” He announced future plans to invite artists from the World Culture Festival to Hyderabad, expressing a commitment to provide opportunities for local teachers and children to engage with artistic experiences.

Shah emphasized the importance of theatre in fostering messages of peace and empathy, stating, “Through theatre, we can communicate messages of peace and empathy. We must move forward with positive thinking.” He spoke of changing the perception of Hyderabad as a place where such cultural events could not thrive, and emphasized intentions to organize a literary conference in the near future.

Congratulating the Arts Council team, Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi praised the inclusive spirit of the festival, noting, “The atmosphere I see here today is truly unique — mothers, sisters, and brothers all gathered under one roof, celebrating art and culture.” He urged continued cultural initiatives, recognizing the vital role artists play in enriching lives through their talents.

Chairman of the Arts Council's Music Committee, Amjad Hussain Shah, commended the festival’s success, stating, “All the artists performed brilliantly, and the lively atmosphere we see today is because of their efforts.” Dr. Ayub Shaikh echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to Muhammad Ahmed Shah for promoting art and culture throughout Sindh. Rafiq Esani added, “Our culture continues to flourish when people like Ahmed Shah lead such efforts.”

The festival featured a diverse lineup of productions, including “Hosho”, “Zindagi Ke Rang Hazar”, and “Muft Mein Mehnga”, among others, each directed by talented individuals who brought unique narratives to life.

As the festival concluded, President Muhammad Ahmed Shah honored the participating directors with commemorative shields, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the theatre arts and the festival’s success. The event served not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a testament to the cultural harmony and unity that thrive in Hyderabad.