LARKANA: A two-week ‘Larkano Theatre Festival’ concluded on Monday night with presentation of a reformative play ‘Messiha’.

The Arts Council, Larkana, hosted the festival where a total of 14 plays, covering different themes, were staged.

The festival had kicked off on November 26. The dramatist societies from various cities of Larkana division participated in the festival and staged their plays to the much amusement of the spectators. One drama every night was staged in the Quaid-i-Awam open-air theatre in the Arts Council. The hall was packed by male and female theatre lovers and enthusiasts throughout the festival who keenly watched the plays and admired the presentations.

The festival was inaugurated by Aijaz Ahmed Leghari, chairman of the Larkana District Council.

The plays Harae hik jahra (All alike), Neelami (Auction), Adalat (Court), Rahzan (Mugger), Milyat (Wealth), Wichhoro (Separation), Aaeeno (Mirror). The plays, Aaeeno, Dariya paar (Across the river), Khaali Hath (Empty hands) and others were based on tragedy, social injustice, societal anomalies, weird human bahviour, humour and romantic stories.

The playwrights included Sikander Abbasi, Ali Roshan Shaikh, Khan Kango, Mehboob Totai, Faqir Aijaz Chandio and Gul Munir Khokhar.

Prominent among the artists were Aashiq Dayo, Amjad Gul, Saleem Shah Rashdi, Musarrat Naz, Ramsha Khan, Reema Khan, Laraib Sajjan and Riaz Mahesar.

Prof Mukhitar Samoo, writer and founder of the Knowledge Centre Larkana, who watched the play Aeeno as the chief guest, said in his comments that story of the drama reflected the real face of our society and showed the weakening family ties as well.

It highlighted as to how lofty the social and moral values were being compromised for the sake of one’s self-interest. He eulogised the actors for their best performance.

He said that literary and art festivals promote peace, tranquility and fellow-feeling in the society.

Bhau Dur Mohammad Buriro, the founder of Qambar-Shahdadkot Arts Council, and Nayab Sarkash Sindhi also praised the play.

On the concluding night, a senior most artist, Ustad Akbat Baloch, and Larkana Arts Council president, Ismail Jatoi, gave away shields, awards and certificates to the participating playwrights, directors and artists.

Hanif Suhag, Abdul Nabi Sariyo and other office-bearers of the Larkana Arts Council thanked people for their profuse participation that made the festival a success.

The said that the public turnout encouraged the council’s team to redouble its efforts in promoting art and culture by holding more cultural programmes and drama festivals in future.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024