Comedy and Spirituality Shine at Awami Theatre Festival 2026

By: Aziz Khatri 

 Karachi: The 26-day Awami Theatre Festival 2026, organized by Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, continues to draw large audiences, offering a vibrant blend of entertainment and thought-provoking performances in Karachi. Among the festival’s standout productions, the comedy play Nehlay Pe Dehla and the spiritually inspired Mujh Mein Tu Maujood have emerged as audience favourites, earning widespread acclaim for their distinct artistic appeal.

Nehlay Pe Dehla, written by Parvez Siddiqui, delighted theatre-goers with its lively storytelling and humorous twists. The play revolves around a financially troubled family awaiting help from a wealthy relative returning from abroad. Events take an unexpected turn when armed robbers enter the house and, after overhearing conversations about a large sum of money, become entangled in a series of comic misunderstandings. A birthday celebration, mistaken identities and a surprising revelation about the much-anticipated fortune drive the narrative to an entertaining climax, leaving audiences in fits of laughter.

In contrast, Mujh Mein Tu Maujood offered a deeply reflective theatrical experience rooted in Sufi philosophy. Written by Anwar Jafri and directed by renowned artist Sheema Kermani, the production explored themes of divine love, devotion and spiritual awakening through a powerful fusion of storytelling, music and choreographed performance. Drawing inspiration from the teachings and poetry of celebrated mystics such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Kabir, the play highlighted universal messages of love, tolerance and humanity. By portraying the struggles of truth-seekers who are often misunderstood by society, the production encouraged reflection on harmony and compassion in contemporary life.

Together, the two productions showcased the diversity of Pakistan’s theatrical expression from sharp humour to spiritual depth demonstrating the festival’s commitment to celebrating the country’s rich performing arts heritage. The Awami Theatre Festival 2026 continues to serve as a vibrant cultural platform, bringing audiences closer to meaningful storytelling and artistic excellence.