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About

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(Late) Zia Mohyeddin

(1931-2023)
President Emeritus

President Emeritus Message

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a luminary of the performing arts, Zia Mohyeddin. His captivating performances on stage and screen, coupled with his resonant voice, made lasting mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. A true maestro in his craft, Zia Mohyeddin's dedication to the art of storytelling and his commitment to excellence set a standard that will inspire generations to come. Whether on the theatrical stage, in front of the camera, or through the airwaves, he brought characters to life with unparalleled charisma and depth.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Zia Mohyeddin leaves behind a legacy of cultural enrichment and a commitment to the advancement of the performing arts. His contributions will continue to echo through the corridors of theatres and the hearts of admirers, reminding us of the transformative power of storytelling. His unparalleled contributions to NAPA in a leadership role, curating the direction of the institute, developing a sense of creative ethos within the students and management alike, and his support for performing arts will be a void that will be difficult to fill.

Zia sahab, rest in power.

Chairman, Board of Directors

Message from

SYED JAWAID IQBAL

In the symphony of creativity and artistic expression, NAPA stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the performing arts. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to this extraordinary journey through the realms of talent and imagination.

Loss of great artistic prowess and a friend is always life-changing. Zia Mohyeddin’s loss is not only a national loss for arts but a significant one for NAPA. His vision is leadership and above all, his charisma would be missed beyond measure.

We have come a long way in the last 19 years. At the helm of NAPA, it has been our constant endeavour to cultivate an environment where passion meets purpose, and where the seeds of artistic genius find fertile ground to flourish.

As Chairman, I am humbled by the incredible dedication and brilliance of our artists, faculty, and staff who contribute tirelessly to the vibrancy of this institution. Post-COVID, we have introduced a variety of theatrical and musical performances along with our innovative programs.

NAPA’s legacy is woven with threads of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As you browse the website, you will discover the stories of dreams realized, challenges overcome, and the indomitable spirit that defines our artistic community.

As we celebrate these performances and educational endeavors within these walls, we invite you to join us in cherishing the magic that unfolds on our stages. NAPA is not just an academy; it is a living, breathing testament to the transformative power of the performing arts.

I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey, and to you, dear reader, for embarking on this exploration of creativity and passion. May the arts continue to inspire and uplift. Connect us all.

JUNAID ZUBERI

Established in 2004, NAPA is a Section 42 company registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Since inception, NAPA was guided by the Mr. Zia Mohyeddin who was the founding president and later elevated to President Emeritus, a role he diligently served on until his passing.

NAPA’s Board of Directors includes prominent figures from media, arts, corporate and business sectors, and public service, steering the institute’s vision.

As Pakistan’s pioneering conservatoire of performing arts education, NAPA is committed to delivering the highest standards of artistic education.  NAPA constantly updates its music and theatre arts curriculum to offer a premium educational experience. NAPA boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a theatre, rehearsal studios, costume and makeup rooms, and a well-stocked library. Its experienced faculty blends traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries in a modern setting.

During the challenges posed by COVID-19, NAPA showcased resilience by transitioning to virtual platforms, ensuring a rich curriculum and emotional support for its students. NAPA’s leadership, has nurtured a legacy of inspiration and dedication, driving initiatives that expand cultural horizons through repertory productions, musical performances, critical discourses, film screenings and festivals.

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Chief Executive Officer

The passing of Zia Mohyeddin marked a poignant chapter in NAPA’s history. His visionary spirit continues to resonate through every note, line, and dance, transcending boundaries and celebrating artistic diversity.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing talent and expanding cultural outreach. NAPA takes pride in collaborating with national and international institutions and forums to further the academic and artistic excellence. We are also actively running an outreach program in Sindh to increase the footprint of performing arts.

 As NAPA continues to flourish, may the magic of the arts captivate hearts and minds across all segments of society.

Learn more

about NAPA.

Our Board of Directors

Performances

2021

KARACHI LAUGHTER CHALLENGE

In the face of a global pandemic that rendered live events impractical, NAPA successfully adapted to the challenging circumstances by organizing Laughter Fest 2021 online. Each weekend, NAPA presented a new play, allowing attendees to experience the joy of stage performances free of charge. NAPA aimed to provide a much-needed mental health safety net to those enduring isolation and trauma during these challenging times

JASHAN SAWAN KA

Jashan Sawan Ka (A Celebration of the Monsoon), organized by the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), proved a logistical success despite Karachi’s heavy monsoon rains. The festival drew large crowds, with the 200-seat Repertory Theatre consistently filled to capacity, reflecting the growing acceptance of unconventional messages and styles of plays.

THE BUS THAT DIDN’T STOP

“The Bus That Didn’t Stop” stands out as one of the notable productions in NAPA repertoire this year. Based on Anam Zakaria’s book, the play masterfully delves into the complexities of Partition through the lens of oral history. Directed by Corinne Jaber, the minimalist set and powerful performances by Bazelah Mustafa, Fawad Khan, and Samina Ahmed created an immersive experience for the audience.

OPEN HOUSE

In a momentous shift, NAPA embraced change by hosting its first-ever Open House in its 16-year history. Under the leadership of new Chief Executive Junaid Zuberi, the academy welcomed the general public to a captivating a 7-hour program featuring a diverse range of performances including theatre, music, poetry recitation, dastan goi by students and faculty.

2022

STORY TELLING – DASTAAN-GOI

The three-day open-air Dastaan-goi festival at NAPA, enthralled art, culture, and literature enthusiasts with its overwhelming participation and response. The festival provided a rare opportunity for the people to reconnect with their forgotten traditions, culture, and national heroes, fostering a renewed appreciation for the timeless art of storytelling.

TRIBUTE TO ALAMGIR

NAPA organized a heartfelt tribute to the renowned singer Alamgir, | recognizing his immense contributions to the world of music. The event attended by esteemed guests, including NAPA President, CEO, Anwar Rammal, Javed Jabbar and Mahtab Akbar Rashdi. The event featured performances by NAPA students, who showcased Alamgir’s popular songs accompanied by well-executed skits and musical arrangements. The program was sponsored by United Marine Agencies

SANGEET SANGAM – MUSIC CONFERENCE

NAPA successfully hosted a four-day Music Education Conference, which took place from March 14 to March 17, 2022. The conference marked an important milestone in promoting music education within higher education institutions in Pakistan. In collaboration with the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin, NAPA organized the event, which featured workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations, performances, and interactive question-answer sessions.

YOUNG DIRECTORS’ FESTIVAL – SADA-E-NAU

The Young Directors’ Festival (Sada-e-Nau) 2022, held at NAPA, showcased six plays in 12 days, featuring newly graduated students’ directorial pieces. Sponsored by United Marine Agencies (UMA) and co-sponsored by Dr. Essa Laboratories, the festival emphasized the importance of performing arts in Pakistan.

ROMEO AND JULIET

NAPA production of “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Zia Mohyeddin and translated by Khalid Ahmed, captivated audiences with its timeless tale of love and tragedy. Featuring impressive performances by Ali Sher and Noureen Gulwani, while the Urdu translation bridged the gap between the play and a mainstream audience, reflecting the enduring societal divisions it explores and reminding us of the power of Shakespeare’s words to resonate across cultures and generations

FILM SCREENING – SOME LOVER TO SOME BELOVED

“Some Lover to Some Beloved,” directed by Umar Riaz, is a moving documentary that intimately explores the lives of actor Zia Mohyeddin, poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and scholar Daud Rahbar, all bound together by their profound love for the Urdu language. It is a profound tribute to these extraordinary individuals and their enduring literary legacy.

NAPA TALKS – ZAREEN SULEMAN PANNA

NAPA TALKS was delighted to present “In Conversation with Zareen Suleman Panna.” The event featured the renowned classical dancer and former film star, Panna, who engaged in a captivating dialogue with Hoori Noorani. Panna shared insights into her artistic journey, career, and sources of inspiration as both a dancer and an actress.

NAPA TALKS with Zareen Suleman Panna

The honored guest is seen with CEO NAPA Junaid Zuberi, Chairman NAPA Board of Directors Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Member NAPA Board of Directors Senator (Retd) Javed Jabbar, Moderator Hoori Noorani and other guests

Tribute to Nayyara Noor

Pakistan recently lost one of its most sureeli, most loved and most admired singers, Nayyara Noor- a name synonymous with mithas (sweetness). Her loss would be felt for a very long time. To pay respects to the nightingale with a golden voice, NAPA held a musical tribute where some of the choicest geet and ghazals from her repertoire were performed interspersed with reminiscences and memories shared by those close to the late singer. The two-hour event was attended by a full house of Nayyara’s admirers and music aficionados as well as close family members. Nayyara’s son Naad-e-Ali and husband Shehryar Zaidi also paid emotional tributes to her.

GIFF NAPA Film Festival

NAPA joined hands with Gandhara Independent Film Festival to present GIFF X NAPA Festival, a first of its kind two-day indie film festival.

15 films were selected from top film festivals across the globe including Cannes, Sundance, Dharamshala, RIFF, Snowtown, etc. and screened at the festival. The finale was a Pakistani short Murder Tongue, screened for the first time in the country. A feature length film The Journey Within on the journey of Coke Studio was also screened at the festival.  The festival also featured panel discussions, a ses- sion for filmmakers and workshop for budding film-makers. The event was well- attended and earned rave reviews.