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The NAPA Repertory Festival 2026 returns this May with a dynamic line-up reflecting both legacy and experimentation, as the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) marks two decades of shaping Pakistan’s cultural landscape.

Running from May 8 to May 23 at its Karachi campus, the festival brings together theatre, music, storytelling, and interactive events, offering audiences a rich cross-section of contemporary and classical performance.

The opening weekend sets the tone with Annapurna, staged on May 8 and 9. Directed by Moazim Malik, the tragicomedy explores the story of a couple reconnecting after two decades apart, navigating memory, regret, and the fragile possibility of reconciliation.

On May 11 and 12, Mulaqaat takes centre stage at the Zia Mohyeddin Theatre. Featuring Waqas Akhtar and Tuba Naeem, the two-character play unfolds on a suburban railway platform, where a chance meeting between strangers evolves into a humorous yet quietly transformative encounter.

The festival continues on May 13 and 14 with The Zoo Story by Edward Albee. The production centres on a tense exchange between two men, Jerry and Peter, delving into themes of isolation, class, and human connection.

Midway through the programme, on May 15 and 16, the focus shifts to tradition with a Sham-e-Dastangoi at the same venue. Performances such as Aik Tha Badshah will be brought to life by NAPA alumni, including Meesam Naqvi, Nazr ul Hasan, and Fawad Khan, celebrating the rich oral storytelling tradition.

On May 17, the festival embraces musical experimentation with a fusion performance featuring the Arsalan Parvez Trio alongside Muhammad Minaam, blending contemporary and classical influences.

The theatrical spotlight returns on May 18 and 19 with Zeest, a 60-minute production directed by Kashif Hussain. The cast includes Kiran Siddiqui, Farhan Alam, Jibran Khan, and Akhtar Abbas, exploring the quiet, often unspoken unfolding of life through intimate storytelling.

The closing days of the festival will feature lighter, community-driven events, including a game night, a piano series, and a performance by Ahsan Bari, offering an informal yet engaging end to the two-week celebration.

More than just a series of performances, this year’s repertory festival marks a significant milestone for NAPA. As the institution completes 20 years, the programme reflects an evolving theatre culture, one that balances experimentation with tradition while continuing to nurture emerging talent alongside established artists.

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