Karachi: The Awami Theatre Festival 2026, hosted by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, showcased its third day of programming with two compelling stage plays that drew significant attention from theater enthusiasts. According to Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the festival featured "Hota Hai Shab-o-Roz Tamasha" and the comedy "Ulta Shulta," both of which delighted audiences gathered at Auditorium II.
The evening commenced with "Hota Hai Shab-o-Roz Tamasha," a play written and directed by Sohail Abbasi. The production, featuring actors Shar Ghazal, Irma Ahmed, Bobi Kamal, and Farrukh Darbar, addressed several issues pertinent to Karachi, including public ignorance and system irregularities. The play used humor and satire to offer commentary on the challenges faced by the city, such as shortages of water, electricity, and gas, as well as environmental concerns.
Following this, the comedy "Ulta Shulta," directed by Rizwan Mirza and written by H. Iqbal, engaged the audience with its portrayal of a wealthy family's dynamics. The play, starring Ashraf Chiragh, Imran Nawaz, Shanzy, Sitara Zaidi, and Ayesha Jibran, explored themes of marriage and family expectations through a humorous lens. The narrative took a twist with a tale involving mistaken identities and unexpected romances, adding depth to the comedic storyline. Both plays received enthusiastic responses, underscoring the festival’s success in captivating its audience.