NAPA Revives Radio Drama With Aawaaz Audio Theater Project

Karachi’s radio drama scene got a major boost with the NAPA radio drama revival at the Zia Mohyeddin Theater. The Aawaaz Audio Theater Project showcased three original plays—Baldia, Sammul, and Mentally Controlled—in Urdu and English, bringing storytelling through sound back to life. Supported by the British Council, the English-Speaking Union of Pakistan, and the Peoples Palace Project, the project aimed to revive Pakistan’s rich radio drama tradition and engage a new generation of listeners.

NAPA brought radio drama back to life

The project released three original audio plays—Baldia, Sammul, and Mentally Controlled—in both Urdu and English. Attendees enjoyed the Urdu versions first-hand, with stories ranging from futuristic Pakistan scenarios to heartfelt narratives about everyday heroes. The goal of the project is to revive Pakistan’s rich radio drama traditionand engage a new generation of listeners.

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Panelists shared behind-the-scenes secrets

After the curtain-raising speeches, the creators—writers, directors, and audio producers—spilled the beans on their creative journeys in a fun panel discussion. The audience even got a peek behind the curtain with exclusive videos showing how the magic was made. Ben Lawton from the British Council highlighted how this project fits right into their mission to boost culture and heritage in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Senator (retd) Javed Jabbar from NAPA’s board took everyone on a nostalgia trip, recalling the golden days of Radio Pakistan and the thrill of listening to cricket commentary by legends like Omar Kureishi and Jamshed Marker.

Stories ranged from futuristic to heartfelt

Each play brought something unique to the table. Mentally Controlled whisked listeners to a 2040 Pakistan where mental health takes center stage, while Sammul followed a pottery-loving girl’s simple dreams. Writer and actor Samina Sehar shared her love for telling stories about everyday people—think shoemakers, woodworkers, and potters. Then there’s Baldia, inspired by the tragic 2012 Karachi factory fire, which told the moving story of a mother’s loss. Audio producer Areeb Ali Khan revealed the team’s DIY approach to sound effects—bubble wrap for fire, anyone?—proving that a little creativity goes a long way in audio storytelling.

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