Down Syndrome Dancers from Singapore Steal the Show on the 31st day of the “World Culture Festival”

Karachi — on the 31st day of the World Culture Festival 2025, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Singapore’s Maya Dance Company, featuring Down syndrome dancers, stole the show with their powerful and heart-touching performances. The 31st day of the 39-day festival featured the screening of the film “Nayab”, dance and theatre workshops, two theatre plays, Dance Night 3.0, and a grand musical concert. Earlier, the day began with a theatre workshop conducted by Lebanese theatre artist Sani Abdul Baqi, who trained the young students of the Arts Council Theatre Academy in acting techniques. In the Film Screening segment, the Pakistani film “Nayab” was showcased. During the film discussion, renowned actor Fawad Khan said, “I thoroughly enjoyed working on this film. After moving to television in 2011, I also realized the importance of TV acting.”A captivating dance performance was presented by Malian artist Lassina Kone, who mesmerized the audience with an energetic display accompanied by traditional drums. President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah thanked Lassina Kone, saying, “You are a remarkable artist. We loved your performance and wish to have you back at the Arts Council again.”Two theatre plays, “Saalgirah” and “Creditors”, were staged on the 31st day. Directed by Farhan Alam, “Salgirah” depicted the unravelling relationship between a married couple, Sameer and Sonali, with Imran Farman and Komal Veerji delivering powerful performances. The acclaimed Indian playwright Javed’s “Creditors,” directed by Azaib Khan, explored themes of manipulation, power, emotional turmoil, identity, and memory, revealing the layers of trust and distorted truths. During Dance Night 3.0, international artists lit up the stage with electrifying performances. Children with Down syndrome from Singapore’s Maya Dance Theatre Company won the hearts of the audience with their extraordinary dance and theatre presentations, portraying the challenges they face in life with grace and creativity. Norway’s Navid Rezvani paid tribute to the courageous women of Iran through a compelling Hip Hop performance. From Pakistan, the Jacket dance group added further brilliance to the evening with their dynamic performance. The day concluded with The Mystic Caravan, a musical concert that enchanted the audience. The lineup included celebrated singer Wahab Bugti, Sindh’s renowned folk artist Mai Dhai, vocalist Ahsan Bari, and singer Fazal Jatt, all of whom cast a spell with their soulful voices.