Karachi festival dances to a global beat

A woman, a table lamp and no words at all: German performer steals the show on day 12 of the World Culture Festival

KARACHI:

A woman danced with a table lamp, and Karachi watched in silence. No dialogue, no music to lean on, just movement, light and memory. That 45-minute act by German performer Sara Angius became the talking point of the 12th day of the Third World Culture Festival Karachi 2026.

The day opened with Azerbaijani sculptor Mushfig Heydarov conducting a masterclass for students of the School of Visual and Applied Arts, introducing them to traditional and contemporary sculpture techniques.

It was followed by Music as Memory, a workshop by Kenyan artists Makadem and Adela on the Nyatiti, the traditional string instrument of Kenya's Luo community. They traced its history and cultural significance, and spoke about women challenging a musical tradition long dominated by men. Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah invited both musicians to join the council's residency programme for a fortnight, to train students and collaborate with local musicians.

Short films from Iran, Canada, Germany, Ireland and Indonesia were also screened, including Endless Moment, The Colour of the Sound, Ladies and Gentlemen, Memories of the East and Meong! A French dance workshop by Legiteam Obstruxion introduced participants to contemporary movement and dance practices.

The theatre programme featured Almiya, on the emotional bond between a mother and child, told through separation, memory and regret, and A Stand-up Tragedy. Written by journalist and author Peerzada Salman, the latter featured Salman with Khizer Salman in an autobiographical performance, Main Andha Ho Raha Hoon, reflecting on the writer's failing eyesight and personal struggles.

The day closed with LONO, Angius's dialogue-free blend of contemporary dance, physical theatre, puppetry and visual illusion. Through an unusual interaction between a woman and a table lamp, it explored human consciousness, memory and perceptions of time, and won enthusiastic applause for its distinctive, unconventional performance.