Hyderabad, 1 October 2025 — The Hyderabad Theatre Festival mesmerized audiences today with its diverse performances, combining artistic excellence with a thoughtful reflection on rising inflation, a concern close to the hearts of many citizens.
Hosted by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, in collaboration with the Sindh Culture Department, this 13-day festival is being held at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium, Sindh Museum, Hyderabad. The event has attracted large audiences eager to experience high-quality theatrical productions.
A recent highlight was the critically acclaimed play “Even Free is Expensive”, directed by Saleem Guddo. The production, blending humor with social commentary, explored the hardships faced by ordinary citizens due to rising prices. Karachi’s popular stage duo, Zakir Mastana and Shahni Azeem, delivered stellar performances in lead roles, earning widespread praise. Seasoned actors Shabbir Murad, Afshan Memon, and Talib Mughal also contributed memorable performances that added depth and nuance to the narrative.
Distinguished personalities, including Director of Sindh Museum Hyderabad Zulfiqar Ali Panhwar, poet and writer Professor Mirza Saleem Baig, and members of the Nawabshah Arts Council, attended the event. Chief Organizer Rafiq Ehsani emphasized the festival’s cultural significance, calling it a cultural treasure not only for Hyderabad but also for Kotri and neighboring towns. He proudly noted that over 130 artists are participating in the festival.
Festival-goers also enjoyed the Sindhi play “Zindagi Rang Hazaar” by Long Sheikh and the Urdu play “Tujh Pe Jaan Qurban” directed by Ishaq Rajo, both of which received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
The festival will continue until 8 October 2025, with free entry for the public and promises of more outstanding performances in the coming days.
