The second day of the “Arts Alumni Festival” at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi captivated audiences with a rich blend of theatre, music, interactive sessions, dance performances, and a grand qawwali finale, celebrating the creativity and achievements of alumni from the School of Visual and Performing Arts.
The festival featured a wide range of cultural activities including an Alumni Talk Session, theatre productions, DJ and flash mob performances, a classical evening, and soulful musical presentations that attracted art enthusiasts, students, and members of Karachi’s creative community.
The day began with an “Alumni Talk Session” where former students including Taha Abbas, Asim Naqvi, Zehra Ali, Sani e Zehra, Faha Shabi, and Huzaifa Khan shared their personal journeys, artistic struggles, and professional achievements after graduating from the institution.
Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah attended the session as chief guest and highlighted the institution’s efforts in rebuilding and strengthening the School of Visual and Performing Arts over the years. He said the Arts Council focused on helping students gain market recognition instead of operating like a commercial private gallery.
He noted that several renowned art collectors had purchased works created by alumni, which significantly boosted students’ confidence and professional growth.
Speaking during the session, alumnus Asim Naqvi expressed pride in being associated with the institution, saying the encouragement of teachers helped transform his dreams into reality. Taha Abbas credited the institution and his mother’s unwavering support for shaping his artistic career.
Artist Faha Shabi shared that despite facing discouragement regarding the field of arts, she eventually achieved financial independence through her creative work. Zehra Ali said her accomplishments brought pride to her family, particularly her father who inspired many of her artistic themes. Sani Zehra emphasized the importance of family support, stating that she overcame social barriers to pursue her passion for art.
The talk session was moderated by Mohammad Zeeshan and received strong appreciation from attendees.
The festival also featured the theatrical production “Mera Aangan,” an adaptation of Khadija Mastoor’s internationally acclaimed novel Aangan. Directed by Fatima Adil and dramatized by Saqib Adil Malik, the play explored complex social and emotional themes while earning praise for its powerful performances and stage presentation.
Actors including Alizeh Javed, Saqib Adil, Sheryl John, Muneeb Sheikh, Fatima Adil, Zarqa Jabeen, Nafees Qamar, Rayan Hassan, and Hamza Jahangir were applauded for their compelling performances.
Another major attraction of the evening was the staging of “The Monkey’s Paw,” based on the famous short story by British writer W.W. Jacobs. Directed and dramatized by former SOVAPA student Farhan Rahim, the play revolved around a poor but content family and explored themes of fate, desire, and consequence.
Performers Ramsha, Sufi Ghaus, Shehryar Anwar, and Ayaz Ali impressed audiences with their acting, receiving enthusiastic applause.
The second day concluded with a grand qawwali performance that created a spiritual and energetic atmosphere, as audiences enjoyed soulful renditions that blended traditional music with the festival’s celebratory spirit.
The “Arts Alumni Festival” continues at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi with more theatre, music, dance, live performances, and cultural dialogue sessions aimed at promoting artistic talent and strengthening connections between alumni and emerging artists.
