KARACHI: On tenth day of 39-day “World Culture Festival-2025,” vibrant cultural activities reached new heights, captivating audiences with theatre, film, and spectacular dance performances.
The day began with theatre workshops conducted by Malaysian actress and director Bella Rahim, UK actor Jan Martin, and Raheel Siddiqui, attended by students of the Arts Council Theatre Academy and international participants. During her session, Bella Rahim shared valuable insights on acting techniques.
She emphasized that “theatre is not limited to the stage; every movement and every emotion in life reflects a character.”
Jan Martin, the British theatre artist, focused on character development, stage presence, and dialogue delivery, saying, “A true actor doesn’t just speak the lines, he lives every word with emotion.”
He also conducted practical exercises and short performances, providing on-the-spot feedback to the participants. At the conclusion of the workshop, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmad Shah presented bouquets to Bella Rahim and Jan Martin in recognition of their contributions.
The day continued with the screening of the Pakistani feature film “Dukhtar,” directed by Afia Nathaniel, which drew a large audience.
The film tells the story of a mother and her ten-year-old daughter who flee their home to save the girl from an arranged marriage to a tribal leader. The film’s emotional depth and powerful performances moved the audience to tears.
Speaking via video link, director Afia Nathaniel said, “Dukhtar connects the cultural essence of all provinces of Pakistan. Child marriage is a serious issue, and our films should reflect real social concerns and provoke thought.”
Filmmaker Najaf Bilgrami added, “I first watched this film on Netflix — it’s a powerful piece of cinema that we shot during the winter, and it remains one of Pakistan’s finest films.”
The festival also featured the comedy play “Mulaqat,” written by Jean Pierre Martez, adapted by Waqas Akhtar, and directed by Usama Ranjha, starring Tooba Naeem and Waqas Akhtar. Set at a suburban railway platform where a man and a woman meet after their train is cancelled, the play humorously explores the possibilities that an unexpected encounter can bring — possibly changing their lives forever.
Audiences praised the brilliant performances and witty dialogue of the Pakistani cast. The tenth day concluded with a grand music and dance show titled “Rhythm of the World,” featuring mesmerizing performances that celebrated cultural harmony through rhythm, light, and color. Performers included Riaz by Cayena Folfolk (Colombia), Gillian Rhodes (USA), Luc Skyz, Tommy Hill (UK), and Nighat Chaudhry (Pakistan), who together created an unforgettable night of music and movement.
The hall was packed to capacity, with the audience giving standing ovations to the performers. “Rhythm of the World” truly embodied the spirit of the festival, uniting diverse cultures through the universal language of art, music, and dance.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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