International dance performances add vibrancy to the festival as the auditorium resounds with applause
By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The fourth day of the 3rd World Culture Festival Karachi 2026, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, featured a diverse range of cultural activities, including the musical masterclass “VIOLA & CELLO”, screening of the Pakistani film Wakhri, theatre performance “Chicha”, musical programme “Crossfade” and dance showcase “Beats Galore”.
The day began with an international music masterclass conducted by the renowned group ALIF DUO, representing the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and France. Titled “Strings, Harmony and Counterpoint”, the session offered participants practical musical training. Artists Seulki Lee and Antonin Le Faure introduced participants to the technical skills involved in playing the violin, viola and cello.
They also highlighted various aspects of Western classical music, musical harmony and interplay. During the workshop, Antonin Le Faure said that he had studied music from Asian, African and other countries. He emphasised that curiosity was essential to learning music, adding that every note had its own significance and purpose. He said that music could only truly be learned when it was felt. Seulki Lee observed that even the slightest change in a musical note could be distinctly perceived. She said artificial intelligence (AI) could never replace this profession, as music was a means of expressing human emotions. Artists and music students from various countries participated in the masterclass with great enthusiasm. The festival also featured a screening of the Pakistani film Wakhri, which drew a large audience. Following the screening, director Eram Parveen Bilal joined the discussion via video link, while producer Abid Merchant participated in person. The discussion covered various aspects of the film, with audience members also taking part in a question-and-answer session. The theatre group Grieta Teatro from Uruguay presented “Chicha”, featuring a solo performance by artist Betina Andarina. The distinctive physical theatre and clowning performance used music, body movements and memories to explore human emotions, silence and stories of the past.
The 45-minute performance combined acting and music to make the audience laugh, evoke emotions and reflect on the true meaning of being human. The international musical programme “CROSSFADE” brought together artists from Japan, France, Pakistan and Serbia. Juna Serita from Japan, Zakaria Haffar from France, Asteria from Pakistan and Aleksander from Serbia showcased their musical talents. Their distinctive musical styles and captivating melodies entertained the audience.
The fourth day concluded with “Beats Galore”, a vibrant dance showcase featuring outstanding performances by international artists. The participating performers included Valerie Green from the USA; Josh Middleton and Rebecca Solomon from the UK; Away Runakuna from Ecuador; Cia Livre de Dança da Rocinha from Brazil; Sherene Joseph from Singapore; and Tina Zubovic and SOVAPA Students from Croatia. The performances, reflecting diverse cultures and distinctive dance styles, captivated the audience.
The auditorium echoed with applause as the artists received enthusiastic appreciation. It remained packed throughout the programme, with the international performances earning widespread acclaim. It is worth mentioning that the World Culture Festival features more than 1,000 international artists from over 150 countries, alongside more than 500 Pakistani artists, showcasing their talents.
The 25-day festival presents a wide range of cultural activities, including theatre, music, dance and visual arts, highlighting the cultures, artistic expressions and traditions of people from around the world. The World Culture Festival will continue at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi until November 22, with the public able to attend through free registration.
rafiq@biztoday.news
