Theatre productions Ghun Chakkar and Manto Mera Dost, along with the musical concert Pure Vibes with Ali Noor, attracted large audiences on the ninth day of the 25-day Third World Culture Festival Karachi 2026.
Organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the festival presented a diverse programme featuring international theatre, fine arts workshops, music sessions, film screenings and live performances.
The day’s activities included a children’s theatre production by Norway’s Erler Teaterkompani, fine arts workshops led by artists from Kenya and Poland, a music workshop by American musicians, and performances by local theatre groups and musicians.
Norwegian theatre group presents children’s play
Norwegian theatre group Erler Teaterkompani presented Gangster Hunting with Daisy Detective, a children’s play centred on the adventures of detective Daisy as she investigates a mysterious case and pursues a gangster.
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The performance entertained young audiences with its detective-themed storyline.
International artists lead fine arts workshops
Renowned Kenyan artist Onesmus Okamar conducted a fine arts workshop in the festival lobby, introducing Arts Council students and participants to different painting techniques and visual art practices.
Speaking about his artistic vision, Okamar said women remained central figures in his work and explained that his characters symbolised the search for light.
“No matter how dark your life may be, what matters is how you search for the light,” he said.
A large number of art students and enthusiasts participated in the workshop and created their own canvas paintings.
Polish artist Dominika Sergeij also led a fine arts workshop, demonstrating how colours and paper could communicate messages of peace and tranquillity.
Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said visual and performing arts offered effective ways to promote peace and understanding.
“The best way to spread the message of peace is through the performing and visual arts,” he said, adding that people could communicate through colours, music and theatre.
Students and young artists actively participated in the workshop’s practical activities.
American musicians conduct chamber music workshop
American musician Rizwan Jagani and pianist Soltow conducted a music workshop for students and performers.
The session focused on harmony and balance in chamber music, providing participants with specialised guidance. The musicians also delivered a performance during the workshop, which received an encouraging response from attendees.
Pakistani and student films screened
The festival’s film programme, titled Pakistani & Student Films, featured four productions:
- Jujji
- Chand Pe Charkha Kaat’ti Budhiya
- Pani Mathe Jhoopra
- Dil Diyan Gallan
The screenings provided a platform for Pakistani filmmakers and students to showcase their work.
Ghun Chakkar and Manto Mera Dost attract large audiences
Farhan Rahim’s comedy play Ghun Chakkar received an overwhelming response, drawing such a large crowd that organisers had to close the studio gates.
Tehrik-e-Niswan also presented its theatre production Manto Mera Dost, featuring Sheema Kirmani and her group.
The play explored the friendship, literary connections and life experiences of renowned Urdu writers Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai.
Through their stories, the production highlighted the human tragedy of Partition, migration, religious prejudice and social contradictions. It also portrayed Manto’s fearless literary vision and his observations of human behaviour.
The performance attracted a large audience and received an enthusiastic response.
Ali Noor and Ahsan Bari close the day with live music
The ninth day concluded with Pure Vibes with Ali Noor at Jon Elia Lawn, featuring renowned singers Ali Noor and Ahsan Bari.
Both performers captivated festival-goers with their vocals and energetic stage presence, creating a lively musical atmosphere.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers, bringing the day’s cultural celebrations to a memorable close.
