Creating a world Of art
Orb Drama Club was created way back in 2005, but in 2016, it was given a new lease of life when its name was changed to Orb Theatricals. Whilst it has, so far, only produced plays in English, the group is looking forward to adding Hindi and Marathi productions soon too.
Founder Sabiha Majgaonkar, 43, who works as a removals manager, feels that the theatre scene in Dubai has seen a big change over the last decade. “When Short + Sweet — the largest festival of 10- minute plays in the world — came to Dubai in 2013, it brought with it a lot of exposure to theatre and opportunities to perform.” However, she feels the city doesn’t have a neutral theatre- loving audience, who watch and appreciate theatre as an art form. “Most of the audience comprises of the theatre community and their families.”
As the group’s creator, what are the obstacles she faces in running it? “The main challenge is to create a name for oneself. Initially, it was a challenge to build up a dedicated team, who would help take things forward.” Today, she feels they are past the hiccups. “Now, it’s time for us to create new milestones.”
An actor and director herself, Sabiha is known for her monologues on stage. “Monologues, especially those of a short duration, allow one to pack in a lot more content in comparison to a cast- driven show.” Her favourite genre is black comedy. The need of the hour is to pull crowds that would enjoy theatre, she believes. “It’s a culture that needs to be developed — a challenge the community has to surpass collectively.”
Orb has performed at Short + Sweet, season after season. Its most memorable ten- minute plays include Paradise, Relics, VD, The Last Supper, Intelligent Design, and Things Change. “We will be putting up our first full- length production, Arsenic & Old Lace, in March. It will involve 13 actors and be directed by a local actor- director Kailash Nair. It is, by far, our most ambitious project to date and we are really excited about it,” she says.
To know more: facebook. com/ orbtheatricals
I don’t just love theatre, I revere it. It’s my go- to sacred place. I am a creative soul, so the arts have always been my first love. Theatre came in much later, but it’s taken over every other art form I have ever indulged in”