34th day features "Flavors of UAE" showcase with traditional music, dance, and culinary experiences

  By: Aziz Khatri 

 Karachi: The vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry of the UAE was showcased magnificently on the 34th day of the World Culture Festival in Karachi, which featured a rich array of artistic presentations, including theatre, music, films, and an art exhibition. A standout performance by the Sufi Dub Brothers added to the day’s excitement, leaving attendees captivated.

The day’s events commenced with an engaging theatre workshop led by esteemed Turkish director and artist Ozlem. Young participants from the Arts Council Theatre Academy and Indus University explored the fundamentals of acting and body movement, with Ozlem emphasizing the importance of connection in performance. “Theatre allows for spontaneous expression on stage,” she noted, inspiring the young talents.

The inauguration of the International Art Exhibition Volume 6 marked another highlight, with PPP Women’s Wing President Faryal Talpur commending the festival's efforts to engage the youth and promote artistic expression. In her speech, she congratulated Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah and his team, emphasizing the need for artists who can represent Pakistan on a global stage. International artists were honored with shields and bouquets, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie fostered throughout the festival.

Following this insightful workshop, South African theatre artist Thembi Mtshali Jones guided a second session titled “Spirit Sister.” Jones highlighted the communal essence of singing through her work with young performers, demonstrating how it serves as a medium for cultural exchange. 

During the “FLAVORS OF UAE – A Culinary & Cultural Journey” segment, festival-goers indulged in traditional Emirati dishes, including Arabic kahwa, date tea, and lugaimat, amidst the fragrant aroma of bukhoor. A lively traditional dance featuring the iconic Emirati stick dance (asa) united participants from both Pakistan and the UAE in celebration.

UAE Consul General Dr. Bukheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi expressed his admiration for the festival, stating, “While the UAE celebrates, we feel this same festive spirit in Karachi.” He underscored the long-standing ties between Pakistan and the UAE and praised the Arts Council for its role in fostering cultural exchange.

Film enthusiasts were treated to a series of screenings, including the documentary “Return to Nature,” which examined the impact of floods in Pakistan and drew lessons from U.S. climate policies. Spanish director Néstor López showcased two films, “X Polígono” and “Semillas de Kivu,” both well-received during a post-screening discussion alongside Pakistani director Waqas Alam Angaria. López expressed his joy at participating in such a significant festival in Pakistan, while Angaria candidly discussed the challenges of documenting flood recovery efforts in the country.

The theatrical performances included “Dream of Ithaca,” a play from Pakistan directed by Sunil Shankar and written by Fawad Khan, alongside Russia’s “Settimana,” featuring dance-theatre woven around seven symbolic stories. Both productions captivated the audience and garnered enthusiastic applause.

As the day came to a close, the Sufi Dub Brothers took to the stage, electrifying the crowd with their fusion music led by renowned musicians Ashraf Sharif Khan and Victor Marek. The powerful performance left attendees on their feet, celebrating the rich cultural heritage that the festival so beautifully showcased.

The World Culture Festival continues to be a hallmark event in Karachi, promoting the exchange of ideas and artistic expressions from around the globe.