An Italian theatre group has highlighted the challenges women face under patriarchal social systems through a powerful stage performance at the World Culture Festival in Karachi.

The play, titled Burrnesha, was presented by Balkan Theatre on Wednesday evening. Directed by Valbona Xibri and featuring performer Maryna, the production explores an old Albanian tradition in which a woman assumes the social and legal role of a man after taking a lifelong vow of celibacy.

The story follows a woman whose life becomes difficult after her father’s death, leaving her and her mother alone in a small town in northern Albania. Facing limited choices and social pressures, she decides to live as a man. However, the transition brings its own challenges.

The one-person performance uses visual projections alongside theatre to portray the character’s experiences and the social environment around her.

The festival also featured a children’s play, Pakistani film screenings, and a musical concert titled Mehran Night, featuring Sindhi folk artists including Mai Dhai, Wahab Bugti, and Rajab Faqir.

The performance brought attention to women’s struggles, identity, and the deep-rooted influence of patriarchy.