Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi’s “World Culture Festival Karachi” has captivated the city as it enters its final week with an extraordinary performance by Switzerland’s Arnold and Komarov travelling theater. The festival, now in its 34th day, presented the musical and interactive drama “Shame on You,” directed by Ilja Komarov and Trixa Arnold. The performance, which delves into the nuanced complexities of societal taboos, has drawn significant public interest and engagement.
According to Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, the drama, performed in both Urdu and English, features actors Amna Mawaz Khan, Habib Ahmed Afsar, Ilja Komarov, Imran Nafees, and Trixa Arnold. “Shame on You” explores the dual nature of shame—its ability to protect us from embarrassment while simultaneously acting as a prison, fostering fear, insecurity, and aggression. The performance critically examines the impact of shame on personal and societal levels, highlighting how it can shape our interactions and experiences in public spaces like school events or public transportation.
The festival’s inclusion of “Shame on You” reflects a broader attempt to address complex emotional and social issues that resonate across generations and are influenced by factors including class, race, religion, body image, and politics. This exploration within a theatrical framework underscores the importance of discussing and understanding the pervasive influence of shame in shaping human behavior and societal norms.