KARACHI: A 45-minute performance by German choreographer and performer Sara Angius enthralled the audience on the 12th day of the World Culture Festival organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.
Blending contemporary dance, physical theatre, puppetry and visual illusion, the performance titled LONO explored human consciousness, memories, and perceptions of the past and future.
Presented without dialogue, it portrayed an unusual artistic relationship between a woman and a table lamp. The distinctive performance captivated the audience and earned the artist enthusiasticapplause.
Earlier, a music workshop Music as Memory was conducted by Kenyan artists Makadem and Adela.
The artists shared insights into the history,structure and cultural traditions associated with the Nyatiti, a traditional musical instrument of the Luo community.
They explained that the tradition of playing the Nyatiti was historically restricted to men; however, women are now increasingly making their mark in this musical art form.
Music students and participants thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Kenyan melodies performed during the workshop.
During the session, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah expressed keen interest in Kenya’s traditional music and invited Makadem and Adela to participate in the Arts Council’s residency programme.
Speaking to the artists, he said, ‘We would like you to spend two weeks at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and train our students in music.
You can also collaborate with our musicians to explore new musical ideas and create something unique together.A sculpture masterclass was conducted by renowned Azerbaijani sculptor Mushfig Heydarov.
During the session, he introduced the students to both traditional and contemporary sculpture techniques.
A special dance workshop was organised in Studio One by the renowned French dance group Legiteam Obstruxion.
Participants were introduced to various dance techniques, contemporary styles and movement practices.
The 12th day of the festival also featured two theatre performances Almiya and A Stand-up Tragedy.
Almiya explored the emotional bond between a mother and her child, touching upon themes of separation, memories and regret.
A Stand-up Tragedy, written by journalist, poet and fiction writer Peerzada Salman, featured Khizer Salman alongside the writer.