Dubai: Theatre enthusiasts in the UAE have never had it better with a new performing arts space in Dubai hosting Short+Sweet, the largest festival of 10-minute plays in the world.
Rashmi Kotriwala, one of the four co-founders of the Junction in Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, said: “We have so far hosted six shows by Short+Sweet and they have been completely sold out. The month-long festival over the weekends will feature 80 plays in all by the time it ends at our venue on February 27.”
The 2016 Short+Sweet Dubai theatre festival is providing a platform for over 250 actors, writers, directors and independent theatre companies to present over 10-minute plays, the best of which will make it to the gala finals at The Madinat Theatre in March following a selection by a judge’s panel and a people’s vote. The festival has something for everyone from comedy and drama to romance and thrillers, with the only common criterion confined to the 10-minute time limit.
Ideal venue
The plays are being held in two slots – Top 40 on Friday and Saturday nights and Wildcards on Saturday afternoons.
Kotriwala, who clarified that the Junction is only providing space for the performances, said it is the ideal venue as it is custom-built for such events. “We have the required acoustic padding and lighting systems, besides the capacity to seat 159 people. As an arts space created by performers for performers, we celebrate, support and we cater to local and regional talent.”
She said distinct from other venues, the Junction acts as a home for performing artistes and groups from within the community. “Ever since we opened in November 2015, we have hosted 20-plus events – stand-up comedy, theatre, storytelling and quiz. They have been a great success because creators and performers can risk to be original. We are a place where collaboration and mutual development occurs and where an appreciation for the arts is cultivated into bigger audiences.”
Kotriwala said Dubai has hosted professional acts, traveling troupes, West End performances and Broadway talent. “But we aim to be the place where UAE residents and regional talent can express themselves and hone their talent.”
For more details, go to http://www.thejunctiondubai.com/ or http://www.shortandsweet.org
