The Citizens Foundation theatre festival kicks off at the Karachi Arts Council on March 1. Theatregoers are in for a treat as the Katha troupe stages three plays – one for children, a romantic comedy, and a drama – over 10 days. Dawn.com presents a sneak peek at the colourful performances audiences can expect in coming days.

Aik Se Barh Kar Aik is a play for children – and their parents – with visual, narrative, and political appeal. It runs at the Karachi Arts Council from March 1 to 3.

Children across age groups will delight in scenes that bring together a colourful and quirky menagerie – including foxes, a bee, monkeys, zebras, and more – on stage.

Five to seven-year-olds will enjoy the play on a purely visual and experiential level: the animal costumes are convincing and elaborate, the jungle set is lush, and the antics of the animals quite charming.

Only a group that is youth- and education-oriented could have taken the initiative to introduce children to the theatre scene, so kudos to The Citizens Foundation – which educates over 80,000 children across the country – for taking this step.

Mohabbat Bhi, Qayamat Bhi, at the Karachi Arts Council from March 4 to 7, shows the Katha troupe (and some new faces) at their comedic best.

Sania Saeed (left) and Rehan Sheikh (right) play bitter exes who are forced to come together for one night and revisit their relationship. Salim Meraj (center) is an old friend of both parties, and wishes they would stop squabbling.

Saeed pushes her comedic acting a bit further with Mohabbat Bhi, Qayamat Bhi. In the role of a scorned wife, she is sassy, sarcastic, and unafraid of tossing out racy double entendres.

Mohabbat Bhi, Qayamat Bhi appeals because it truly holds a mirror to life: it is set in a middle-class Karachi apartment and explores the tricky dynamics of marital relationships in the big city.

Johootay Roop Kay Darshan is Katha’s dramatic offering for The Citizens Foundation theatre festival, and will be staged at the Karachi Arts Council from March 8 to 10.

The play explores the difficult relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Television stars Ehtashamuddin and Hina Bilpazeer join Sania Saeed to show off their acting credentials in this dark tale.

In addition to three plays, the theatre festival offers fun stalls for children, a café, live music and more before doors open and during intermission.

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