Hyderabad Theatre Festival Shines with Dynamic Performances

By Aziz Khatri

Hyderabad: The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, in collaboration with the Sindh Culture Department, is currently hosting the highly anticipated 13-day Hyderabad Theatre Festival at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, Sindh Museum, Hyderabad. Launched with immense enthusiasm, the festival is attracting large audiences and showcasing a rich variety of theatrical performances.

On the fourth day of the festival, playwright Aqeel Qureshi’s Sindhi drama “Qeedi Jazba” took center stage, drawing commendable responses from the audience. The following day, director Saleem Guddo presented his socially relatable and humorous play “Muft Mein Bhi Mehnga,” featuring the beloved Karachi stage duo Zakir Mastana and Shahni Azeem. Their captivating performances, alongside those of acclaimed actors such as Shabbir Murad, Afshan Memon, Talib Mughal, Naik Muhammad Bhatti, Asif Memon, Kazbano, and Tayyab Ali, garnered thunderous applause, highlighting the diverse talent present at the festival.

“Muft Mein Bhi Mehnga” resonated deeply with the audience as it shed light on the challenges faced by ordinary citizens amid rising inflation, a theme that struck a chord with many viewers in attendance.

Notable guests included Zulfiqar Ali Panhwar, Director of the Sindh Museum Hyderabad, esteemed poet and writer Prof. Mirza Saleem Baig, Adham Rathore, and Aziz-ul-Hasan Siddiqui from the Nawabshah Arts Council. Chief Organizer Rafiq Ehsani warmly welcomed the guests, remarking that the Hyderabad Theatre Festival serves as a cultural gift for not only the people of Hyderabad but also for residents of Kotri and surrounding areas. Ehsani highlighted that more than 130 artists are performing throughout the event.

Previously, on the festival's second day, Long Sheikh’s Sindhi play “Zindagi Rang Hazar” was well-received, followed by Saifullah’s Urdu drama “Tujh Pe Jaan Qurban,” directed by Ishaq Raju, on the third day, both of which were met with enthusiastic acclaim from theatre lovers.

The Hyderabad Theatre Festival is set to continue until October 8, 2025, at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, Sindh Museum, Hyderabad. Entry for the public remains free, inviting everyone to partake in this vibrant celebration of theatre.