Children's theatre dominates World Culture Festival 2026

Spanish Flamenco dance also shines on day six

KARACHI:

The sixth day of the 25-day 3rd World Culture Festival Karachi 2026, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, featured two children's theatre productions, music, film screenings, dance and the Urdu-English theatre play English Only. A special Spanish dance performance, Flamenco Blanco Flamenco, was also among the highlights of the day.

The programme for children opened with Little Red Riding Hood, presented by Poland's Miniatura City Theatre. Conceptualised, directed and designed by Chile-born artist David Zawalla, the production offered a contemporary interpretation of the well-known fairy tale, set against a futuristic backdrop. Using puppetry, the play portrayed the struggle of the last human girl on a devastated Earth. Norwegian theatre group Erler Teaterkompani presented the adventure-filled production Gangster Hunting with Daisy Detective. The play followed the detective Daisy as she unravelled a mysterious case and pursued a gangster. Children in the audience were also invited to participate in the investigation.

Music enthusiasts attended a special workshop titled Jam and Improvisation, conducted by renowned Serbian guitarist and musician Aleksandar Lipovan.

Under the film screening segment, Polish Featurette presented four short films from Poland: Blue Bird, Momo & Lulu, Dream Up the Title and The Town That Drove Away.

At 7 pm, the Urdu-English theatre production English Only, directed by Awab Bin Farhat, was staged. Set in an English-language classroom in Karachi, the play revolved around four students brought together by their desire to master English.

The day's programme also featured Spain's special dance performance, Flamenco Blanco Flamenco, under the title The Grace of Movement. Through the traditional Spanish art of Flamenco, the performers showcased their artistic skills, combining expressive hand movements, intricate footwork and rhythmic music. The performance highlighted the emotional depth, energy and expressive spirit of Spanish culture, captivating the audience.

Spectators warmly appreciated the artists with enthusiastic applause.