Laughter with a Message: ‘Studio Nounay Poun’ Highlights Social Realities

  By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The ongoing 26-day Awami Theatre Festival 2026 at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, continued to captivate audiences with the stage play “Studio Nounay Poun,” which blended humor with powerful social commentary, earning enthusiastic applause from theatre-goers.

Written and directed by M. Tasneem Raana, the play featured notable performances by Sawera Shah, Ali Raza, Umair Ayoub, Tasneem Raana, Sitara Zaidi, Billo Zareef, and Aran Ali Mani, all of whom delivered engaging and dynamic portrayals that kept the audience fully absorbed.

Set within a fictional television studio named “Studio Nounay Poun,” the play revolves around interviews addressing a range of social issues. The witty and humorous style of the studio staff not only entertained the audience but also conveyed meaningful messages on pressing societal concerns.

The performance unfolded in three segments, each focusing on a different theme. The first segment addressed family planning, portraying a man with many children whose wife works in the field of population awareness. The narrative highlighted the economic and social consequences of overpopulation, emphasizing that smaller families allow for better upbringing and improved quality of life.

The second segment depicted the struggles of a widow striving to educate her only son. Her perseverance leads to the son’s success in the IT sector, where he earns a government scholarship. Though initially reluctant to leave his mother behind, he is encouraged during a studio interview to pursue his ambitions, with assurances of proper care for his mother. This segment also featured a musical performance that added emotional depth to the storyline.

The third segment focused on a man named “Zakhmi,” who deliberately causes traffic accidents to claim compensation. When questioned about his motives, he reveals that he is saving money to arrange the remarriage of his daughter, who returned home after her first marriage ended. The storyline explores the complex realities of livelihood, sacrifice, and parental responsibility.

The play concluded with a clear and resonant message: family planning is essential, a mother’s love and sacrifice are unparalleled, and the desire to secure a better future for one’s children can compel parents to extraordinary lengths.

The Awami Theatre Festival 2026, which began on January 22, will continue until February 16 at Auditorium II of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. With free admission, the festival remains accessible to a wide audience, celebrating theatre as a powerful medium for both entertainment and social awareness.