Everyone’s welcome
The Junction, home to communityled theatre in Alserkal Avenue, debuts ‘Dangerous Corner’ today
All the world’s a stage, but theatre actors in Dubai are still struggling to find spaces to perform. That’s where The Junction comes in. Less than a year old, the performance arts venue in Alserkal Avenue has been creating more affordable spaces for community-led entertainment. “Everybody was looking for a home that was not that expen- sive and was warm and welcoming to all kinds,” said Rashmi Kotriwala, who is one third of the founding team.
‘All kinds’ is a good way to put it, as the venue’s shows have ranged from stand-up comedy shows and quiz nights to TedEx talks and a cappella singing competitions. Its plays have spanned several languages including English, Russian, Italian, Greek, Hindi and Arabic.
When it opened in 2015, it provided an alternative to spots like Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (Ductac) in Mall of the Emirates. It also complements the global, more mainstream arts and culture scene in Dubai, homed by more lavish spots like the brand new Dubai Opera, a 2,000-seater in Downtown Dubai.
According to Kotriwala, however, The Junction is more than just a theatre, or a place where people can put on plays — it’s a multipurpose performance venue. The idea behind it was always to support the performing arts community and to add to the cultural scene in the UAE. Their latest show, Dangerous Corner (JB Priestley), directed by Kailash Nair, hits the stage today and tomorrow, at 2.30pm and 7pm on both days. The story revolves around Robert and Freda Caplan, a couple who are entertaining guests at their country retreat when a casual remark by one guest unravels a mess of clandestine relationships and dark secrets that have tragic consequences.
It will join upwards of 30 shows that The Junction has put on since its inception.
Kotriwala, 43, began her journey in Dubai 12 years ago as a primary schoolteacher in Montessori schools. In 2012, she made her onstage directorial debut in the form of Perfect Stillness,