Short+Sweet Theatre Dubai 2020

1. Soap and Glory

Like everyone in the support group for soap addiction, Alfie was trying to get clean - but when a mysterious object threatens his recovery, could it be a real-life plot twist? Or is it just his brain on soap?

Writer: Philip Clarke (Ireland) and Despina Clarke (Macedonia)

Director: Morna McDonald

Cast:  Mario Silva (Alfie), Anna Hamer (Dr. Harvey), Sarah Jane Savage (Sandra) and Philip Clarke (Bob).

2. Two Eggs

While getting ready for a date, a woman has to contend with a pesky neighbor with a major personality disorder.

Writer: Stephen Bittrich (USA)

Directors: Gemma Jones, Marisa Dietsche, Phil Ridley

Cast: Dorian Crone (Jane), Archie Sergeant (Kiss Ass Skip), Joon Cha (Depressed Skip), Cameron Stewart (Misogynist Cave Man Skip), Carl Myers (Barry White Skip)

3. Hang A Lampshade On It!

Two women discuss their fate when they are stranded on an empty highway. 

Writer: Gregory Crafts (USA)

ITC/Group Name: H72 Productions

Director: Monica Chatterjee

Cast: Arzoo Malhotra (Karen), Alina Islam (Abby)

4. Empty Quarter

Clementine doesn't like her name or her mom, but she does appreciate non-threatening people with a frozen backpack. A story on self-exploration, acceptance and how everything is not always as bad as it seems.

Writer:  Edwige Narbey (France/UAE)

ITC/Group Name: MacGyvers & Co.

Director: Aditi Nath

Cast: Senora Dmello (Clementine), Joanna Sequeira (Melanie), Malik Siddique (Aarav)

5. The Most Important Words of my Life

A funny, touching play about facing responsibilities. Matthew is not quite ready for the important annual awards dinner. But life brings him even bigger challenges. 

Writer: Doug Mackay (UK/UAE)

Director: Doug Mackay

Cast: Pranav Nasta (Matthew), Manas Vilas (Dad), Aradhita Basu (Mum)

6. All That You Are

A mixed-martial artist stands ready for his championship

fight, if he can deal with all the people visiting him beforehand

Writer: Justin Cipriano (USA/UAE)
Director: Justin Cipriano
Cast: Catherine Board (Zarah), Chineme Prince (Snaps), James McLean

(Cleaner), Keith Dallison (Coach), Justin Cipriano (Fighter)

7. Ring By Midnight

Does the strike of Midnight actually change someone's life? Claudia is on one such quest to see what the fortune holds for her on the New Year's eve. Will she finally get her Ring- Come and find out.

Writer:  Tabassum Gafur Inamdar (India)

Director: Tabassum Gafur Inamdar 

Cast: Sonali Aswani (Claudia), Tabassum Inamdar (Fortune teller), Sarthak Mahendroo (Xavier), Brian Magner (James), Xec Mohsin (Christopher), Sonal Bhatnagar (lady), Shriraj Sawant (man) 

8. Happy Hour

Renee is at the bar for a quick drink when she bumps into Celia who coincidentally turns out to be her schoolmate. Or was it really a coincidence?

Writer:  John Bavoso (USA)

ITC/Group Name: Xpression Art

Director: Richa Anand Nigam

Cast: Meghna Gupta (Renee), Lavina Jaswani (Celia)

9. The Best Day of my Life

Becca - a bride. What is she after all the glamour and spotlights fade?

Writer:  Pete Malicki (Australia)

Directors Name: Gabriela Porojan

Cast: Gabriela Porojan (Becca)

10. For Jeffrey

Between a man and a woman, a good deed goes unpunished.

Writer: Andy Goldberg (USA)

Director: The Company

Cast:  Royson Lobo (Clark) and Reena Pinto (Patty).

11. I WANT TO SLEEP

After a long working day, Karen is trying to sleep. Will her thoughts let her sleep? .

Writer: Mahmoud Basyoni (Egypt)

ITC/Group: Art Box Group

Director: Mahmoud Basyoni

Cast:  Neven Tareq (Karen), Ahmed Abdullah (Overthinking), Ahmed Abd El Hady (Negative Thoughts), Mohamed Kayed (Depression), Hassan Mohamed (Sleep)

12. RAW

When Sam, a strong-minded urologist, refuses to give a family friend “The Snip,” Sam’s wife Grace tries to convince Sam to apologize. But their family dinner spirals out of control, catching ten-year-old son Alan in the crossfire.

Writer: Victoria Z. Daly (USA)

Directors Name: Lydia Medeiros

Cast: Amit Ghosh (Sam), Lydia Medeiros (Grace), Yasseen Ashri (Alan)

1. Ovary Machine

Writer: Milind Vinod

Director: Milind Vinod

Cast: Gabriella Iona (Suzanne),  James Curry (Peter),  Monisha Mirchandani (Advocate Zeenath), Sonali Aswani (Dr. Patel), Shilpi Dutta (Dr. Godwani) , Nitesh Ghodake (Walji bhai), Sadia Pathan (Noor), Aastha Rath Ananya Rath and Tanisha Dutta (Kids)

2. Pieces of Divinity

Two rats having a soulful conversation while foraging for food.

Writer: Brian L. Gray (American)

Director: Tala Nabulsi

Cast: Ramsey Khalifeh (Rat 1 & Yellow Cat), Malek Katerji (Rat 2)

3.

On The Way To Mars

It’s a journey of 2 astronauts on their way to mars.

Writer:  Unknown

Director:  Ensemble

Cast: Varnika Goenka and Advika Goenka

4.  Man is Black

The story is based on the black man’s life and identity that has been lost in the wind of slavery, racisms and Coding of people based on appearances and tag with labels that undermined the humanity within him.

Writer:  Xolisile W. Dolo

ITC/Group Name: Mzansi Abroad

Director: Xolisile W. Dolo

Cast: Xolisile W. Dolo

5. Caked Up!

The girls have arranged a surprise party for their friend but the traffic delays them all. As if that was not enough, their least favorite person crashes the party and ruins it for them all.

Writer: Tara Pillay (India/UAE)

Director: Ensemble
Cast: Tara Pillay (Tina), Harpreet Singh (Huma), Edwige Narby (Edna), Anu Chopra (Anahita), Anupama Jain (Angie), Nishi Singh (Nina), Rakesh Jain (Rahman), Natraj P. (Nathan), Neena Nath (Noora) & Carole Binbrek (Mama)

6. The Judgement

Witness the fall from grace of a once-great lawyer whose fate now lies in your hand

Writer: Amit Dhawan (India/UAE)
ITC/Group Name: Heriot Watt
Director: Amit Dhawan
Cast: Anchala Prem (Susan), Amit Dhawan (Richard), Amal Mehta (The Judge), Sana Hafza (Assistant Lawyer), Saad Javed(Prosecutor), Sonia Mulimani (House helper), Irfan Subair (Friend), Saumya Rao (jury vote collector), Shayne Monteiro (Security Guard)

7. Mine Too

A man will keep fighting for what is his too, as an ongoing argument over the phone will test his resolution.

Writer:  Nourah Almaiman (KSA/USA)

ITC/Group Name: Nabratuha Productions 

Directors Name:  Yousef Al Shamsi

Cast:  Nikhil Mittal (Man) 

8. Lullaby

The struggles and demands of 1st-time parenthood takes away the love and romance from even the happiest couple. Shane and Julie are trying to get adequate sleep as well. Will they ever be able to create their "PERFECT WORLD" again?

Writer: Joe Bergin (Ireland)

Director: Sonal Bhatnagar

Cast: Sonal Bhatnagar (Julie), Sandeep George (Man), Sriraj Sawant (Shane)

9. Superposition

Writer: Cliff Keen (Australia)

Director: By The Company

Cast:

10. Prometheus Shrugs

Writer: John Bavoso (USA)

Director: Maria Gregoric

Cast:

1. STATUS UPDATE

Seven teenagers express their hopes and fears online in a rousing symphony of status updates.

Writer: Bradley Hayward (Canada)

ITC/Group: American School of Dubai (ASD)

Directors: Gemma Jones, Marisa Dietsche, Phil Ridley

Cast: Alan Berzinji (James), Isabella Barham (Piper), Jamilla Abdel-Razek (Cindy), Farrah AbuAsad (Smantha), Sara Hijer (Laura), Arav Anand (Brody), Ammar Ul Haq (Vance)

2. UGGA WUGGA 

The play explores the development of language from prehistoric times through to modern-day. Let’s see how much has changed – perhaps not as much as we might imagine!

Writer: Chris McDermott (UK)

Director: Greg Lunn

Cast: Angela Breen (Ongi), Najam Khan (Tog), Eunice Kenyon-Blair (Commentator), Ahmed ElKhouli (Karl), Paul Dodd (Wacko), Adrian Gavin (Crat).

3. IS THAT OKAY?

An actress with dreams of success struggles to navigate through the darker side of show business.

Writer:  Arzoo Malhotra (USA/UAE)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Ensemble direction

Cast: Monica Chatterjee (Unnamed/ The Actress/She)

4. CRY FOR ME

Alicia has found herself an unusual job that sees her attending a lot of funerals.  

Writer: Pete Malicki (Australia)

Director: Aradhita Basu

Cast: Aradhita Basu (Alicia)

5. ERR…??

She creates life by her word… with coffee, cake and… Errr…???

Writer: Elden Rhoads (USA)
ITC/Group: StudioRepublik
Director: The Company
Cast: Joelle Raad (The Goddess), Natascia Colautti (Woman), Keith Dallison (Man)

6. KISS HER GOODBYE

Is it true that nice guys finish last? Andy is one hell of a nice guy who can't seem to catch a break. But Nick is determined to get him out there & teach him the art of seduction. Will he succeed? Let’s find out!

Writer:  Mike Vogel (USA)

ITC/Group: Emotive Productions

Director: Ensemble 

Cast: Karan Sharma (Andy), Baha Takiedoine (Nick), Rachel Kosbar (Eleanor). 

7. THE SNOW ANGEL OF ANTARCTICA

After nearly a year of travelling the world, Jimmy and his sister Maggie have finally arrived in Antarctica. With the small matter of some human ashes hidden in his hand-luggage, Jimmy isn't ready to leave but Maggie thinks it's time to return home. A tale with a twist about sibling rivalry, Scrabble and snow angels.

Writer: Victoria Connerty (UK)

Director: Priyanka Geriya

Cast: Chintan Vora (Jimmy) and Priyanka Geriya (Maggie)

8. DATE WITH DEATH

Angela lands with a houseful of clothes at Karen’s house asking to stay overnight leaving Karen exasperated. That and the quirkiness of Angela’s dating life.  It’s just a little odd. Actually VERY odd!

Writer: Steven Hayet (USA)

ITC/Group: Xpression Art

Director: Meghna Gupta

Cast: Meghna Gupta (Karen), Senora D’Mello (Angela), Pranav Nasta (David)

9.  FELINE FELONIES

Catsanova has planned many a kidnapping; however, things never always go according to plan and she found out the hard way. Did Catsanova's information betray her; or did it?

Writer: Dee Gee (India/UAE)
ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Dee Gee

Cast: Tara Rautenbach (Catsanova/Jiya Malhotra),  Mira Shah (Halle Purry/Neha Singh), Dharamveer Sood (Det. Mark Radcliffe/Fluffy Bone)

10. ROSEMARY

Dan is looking for a house. He finds one which seems more like a home. Will he discover why this house seems so familiar? or discover more about the people around him?

Writer: Madhurima Ray (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Tall Tales Production

Cast: Meghana Mundkur (Mary), Hussain Hadi (Robert), Muf Goulamhoussen (Dan)

11.  THIS IS SHE

A snippet of an original creative verbatim piece, based on the true stories of women from around the world.

Writer:  Vicki Galloway-Place (UK/UAE)

Director: Vicki Galloway-Place

Cast: Actors Name (Character) Leanne Cardill (Tilly 1, Acceptance), Genette Harrison (Tilly 3, A True Welsh Love Story), Jenny Moffat (Tilly 2, Iffluvious) 

1. Me?

A therapy session, harmless right? Little did Sara know what a dark turn her day was about to take.

Writer: Anushka Agarwal (India/UAE) 

Director: Anushka Agarwal

Cast: Anushka Agarwal (Sara), Naz Karadede (Mystery person), Eman Fattani (Therapist)

2. Here

He was asleep and completely unaware that he had a visitor. Who is she and why is she here?

A story about a love lost, 'Here' explores the complexities of death and denial.

Writer: Martina Murphy (Ireland)
ITC/Group: MacGyvers & Co.

Director: Saloni Mehta
Cast: Malik Siddique (Michael), Nandini Chatterjee (Jennifer)

3. THAT DAMN DUCK

If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.  

Writer: Cerise De Gelder (Australia)

ITC/GROUP: Xpression Art

Director: Seema Kunder

Cast: Seema (Mel)

4. TRUST ME, I AM A DOCTOR

Trevor never realised his dream to become a Doctor nor to date Marie. But today fate is maybe offering him a second chance at both...

Writers: John Buck (UK/UAE) and Edwige Narbey (France/UAE)

ITC/Group: Concorde

Directors: John Buck & Edwige Narbey

Cast: John Buck (Trevor Hughes), Gabrielle Meli (Jennifer), Edwige Narbey (Marie), Julie Buck (Stacey), Philipp Tachas (Doctor Schofield)

5. Club Fiya

A Journalist goes to an empty bar to escape hehe1r lie until she pays the price for the truth.

 Writer: Rik Aby (UAE)

 ITC/Group:  Studio Republik

 Director: Kholoud Abdallah

 Cast: Rik Aby (Samuels), Kholoud Abdullah (Linda)

6. DAMIEN O’BRIEN

There is more than what meets the eye even at a mundane place like a job interview.

Writer: Amit Dhawan (India/UAE)
ITC/Group: Heriot Watt
Director: Anchala Prem.
Cast: Anchala Prem (D), Ismail Bolock (O), Amal Mehta (Damien), Sana Hafza (S), Niharika Chintakayal (B), Ashleigh Adonis (A), Sonia Mulimani (Receptionist)

7. DISCUSSION ON A RAILWAY CARRIAGE

A humorous examination of the differing perspectives of two men from widely differing social backgrounds who are travelling on a train in England. One is a very posh gentleman who, unfortunately, upsets the other man, a true working-class northerner. 

Writer: Chris McDermott (UK)

Director: Chris McDermott

Cast: Greg Lunn: (Arnold Ramsbottom), Chris McDermott (Reginald Ponsonby-Smythe)

Eunice Kenyon-Blair and Angela Breen (Two women)

8. ROMANCE

This lighthearted comedy throws a spotlight on online dating and the not-so-subtle realities of having to meet face-to-face.  

Writers: Martinez & Srour (France)

ITC/Group: Banana Drama

Director: Justin de Casterle

Cast: Jihane Tehini (Julie), Patrick Albrecht (Frank)

9. A Brexiteer, A Migrant & A Gun

A Brexiteer, A Migrant and A Gun.  A Brexiteer and a Migrant are chained to a table as they await a deadline. The answer to the question “Which side are you?” may not be as apparent as first thought as questions of class, camaraderie, survival and who really has control arise

Writer: Shane Colwell (Ireland/UAE)

Director: Shane Colwell

Cast: Shane Colwell, Mario Silva (Ecuador), AnthonyForester-Bennett (UK)

10.  Television Man

"Today I have watched eleven hours of television. Tonight I will watch six more."  When enough is never enough, just how much television can one person watch?

Writer: Alex Broun (Australia/UAE)

Director: Mohamed Abid

Cast: Mohamed Abid

1. ANSUNI (The Unheard)

It’s a story of a night, which ends up with a mark for the world to see. As the world looks at the mark, the couple is forced to look within themselves and their relationship.

Writer: Aseem Kaul (USA)

ITC/Group: Udaan

Language: Hindi

Director: Soni Chhabra 

Cast: Dee Gee (Rishi), Lavina (Keesha ), Soni (Mrs Sethi’s VO)

2. KHUDA HAFIZ

1947 the time of Indian independence, marred by the partition, ensuing riots and unprecedented bloodbath. Curfews and shoot-at-sight orders in force everywhere. Two strangers come face to face, divided by diversity, united by fear of impending death. What awaits their fate?

Writer:  Samaresh Basu (India)

Adapted by:  Pradipto Dutta (India/UAE)

Language: Bengali

Directors: Pradipto Dutta & Banashree Sengupta

Cast: Pushan Sengupta (Gobindo), Souvik Goswami (Karim)

3. BETWEEN THE LINES

People of sexual determination live with dignity in many parts of the world, but alas their conditions are still very pathetic in third world countries. Watch the true story of  Laxmi who is a living legend.

Writer:  Dr. Milind & Supriya Vinod (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Mahadwar Mumbai

Language: Hindi

Directors: Dr. Milind & Supriya Vinod

Cast:  Apoorva Mehra, Dr. Milind Vinod, Nilesh Ghodke

4.  UBUNGANE BEGINISO

Childhood friends reunited in Dubai after 20 years. They are rekindling the memories from their childhood days in South Africa especially the joint 10th-year birthday celebration.

Writer:  Busisiwe Innocentia Hadebe (South Africa/UAE) & Saskia Anna Martens (Germany/UAE)

ITC/Group: Mzansi Abroad 

Language: Zulu

Directors: Busisiwe Hadebe & Saskia Martens

Cast: Busisiwe Hadebe, Saskia Martens

5. SAWAB KA RISHTA  (A Virtuous Connection)

She’s out on a mission. There’s still some time left, so they must wait. He is out to stop her and to repent for a mistake done years ago. Does he know her enough? Will she be able to trust him?

Writer: Hassan Manzar (Pakistan)

ITC/Group: Theatrewallas

Language: Hindi

Director: Theatrewallas ensemble

Cast: Svetlanna Meshra (Shah Jahan); Sunil Jasuja (Talat Jabeen); Nikhil Mittal (Mazdoor); Mandeep Walia (Mother); Rahul Taneja (Police Officer)

6. VYATHA (Deep Agony)

Vyatha portrays the pain and agony of Draupadi after finding her 5 sons and brothers been killed brutally by Aswathama. In that predicament, she blames Krishna for this barbaric act leading Krishna to curse Ashwathama to be an immortal miscreant.

Writer: Mahua Chauhan (India/UAE)

Group: Xpression Art

Language: Hindi

Director: Mahua Chauhan

Cast: Tabassum Inamdar(Krishna), Mahua Chauhan(Draupadi)

7. OFFICE SPOUSE

The play highlights the dynamics of interpersonal relationships between the two colleagues of the opposite sex working together in an office. The ill-defined relationship so adapted and issues around it, are addressed in this play.

Writer: Dr. Shailesh Upadhyay (India/UAE)

ITC/ Group: Theatrewallas

Language: Hindi

Director: Dr. Shailesh Upadhyay

Cast: Dushyant Barot (Panthak), Bhagyashree (Rozy), Pathik (Adam), Shrusti (Mrs. Tavde), Nilesh (Servant), Diganta, Ravi, Gaurang (Office Colleagues)

8. MY LOLO

Raj unwittingly finds herself drawn into the inner tight circle of elite societal matrons of her community. Will she make friends and find her place or be swept along for a ride.

Writer: Shalini Handa (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Udaan

Language: Hindi

Director: Shalini Handa

Cast: Soni Chhabra (Rajeswari ), Priyanka Porwal ( Suleka), Svvetlana  Mishra ( kamakshi), Shilpi Verma(Jaishree), KD ( Mahindroo)

9. AZMA FIL ZAHMA (A Crisis in Traffic)

When getting on the wrong bus, do we have to accelerate or hit the brakes?

Writer: Nourah Almaiman (KSA/USA)

ITC/Group: Nabratuha Productions

Language: Arabic

Director: Yasmien Mahmoud Ibrahim

Cast: Karim Daniel (Saleem), Fady Rizkallah (Salem), Andrea D'Ettorre (Mr. Luigi), Amit V Ghosh (Mr. Anwar), Ash Uttam (Rizwan), Benjamin Samuel (Zia-ul-Haq) and Dr. Ahmad Almaiman (Big Boss).

10. SPIRITS (أرواح )

A psychiatrist tries to treat his patient, but he is surprised that the patient does not complain about mental illness, but he complains about the existence of spirits trying to control him. Can the doctor help his patient or fall together in the trap of souls

Writer: Ahmed Abd El Hady (Egypt/UAE)

ITC/Group: Art Box Group

Language: Arabic

Director: Tariq AbouZeid

Cast: Ahmed Abd El Hady (Sherif), Nour El Hagrasy (Doctor), Noha Moustafa (Nousa), Mahmoud Basyoni (Shawki), Tayfor Zewail (Kazim Baih)

11. MAIN NARAK SE BOL RAHA HOON

A tale of societal injustices towards the poor and unprivileged, a tale of irony. Or is it a tale of inaction, and acceptance of one’s fate?

Writer: Harishankar Parsai (India)

ITC/Group: Theatrewallas

Language: Hindi

Director: Prakaash Soni

Cast: Prakaash Soni

1. CIRCLE

Three subjects discussion various group of people in their own perceptions

Writer: Ajay Annur (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Al Quoz Theatre

Language: Malayalam

Director: Nagarjun Sakthi

Cast:  Sheena Ajay (Journalist), Dinesh (Husband), Aabheri Ajay (Daughter)

Divya (Wife), Midhun Ashok (Student), Sreeraj (Student), Jinesh (Student),

Shamsudheen (Politician) Sudheesh (Observer), Jossy (Businessman)

2. EVE TEASING REHAB

The plot is about eve-teasing. How a girl faces an unfortunate situation of eve-teasing at the bust stop when she is alone and what is her next step to deal with the situation.

Writer: Deepika Chawla (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Udaan

Language: Hindi

Director: Deepika Chawla

Assistant Director: Soni Chhabra

Cast: Svetlana Mishra (Meeta), Aditi Monga (Riha), Allinson Aranha (Vir),  Sayed Taifur (Iman), Aman Bhatia (Milan)

3.  MUNNA BADA PYARA

MUNNA BADA PYARA

Munna, a sweet little boy, an orphan and his everlasting search for undiluted love, and what happens when he thinks he found love???

Writer: Saibal Banerjee (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Udaan

Language: Hindi

Director: Saibal Banerjee

Cast: Saibal Banerjee (Munna) , Soma Banerjee (Anu)

Playback Singer: Nilanjana Deb

4. LIFE IN BLACK

Saber is an unhappy man in his life who suffered in his childhood from the violence of his father and in the older age suffered from everyone around him leading him to now make a very bad decision.  The question to do it or not?!

Writer: Ahmed El Mohammadi (Egypt/UAE)

Language: Arabic

Director: Ahmed El Mohammadi

Cast: Ahmed El Mohammadi

5. STREE KA PATRA  (A Wife’s Letter)

Mrinal, a young woman from a poor family, has been married into an aristocratic joint family of Calcutta. She, however, refuses to accept the system unquestioningly. Life takes a tragic turn and opts for freedom from the patriarchal society.

Writer: Rabindranath Tagore (India)

ITC/Group: Theatrewallas

Language: Hindi

Director: Theatrewallas Ensemble

Cast: Subrata Singh (Mrinal)

6.  TWO OF IT

He decided to travel away from his country looking for a better place when his friend comes to tell him that no better place than homeland… is he going to travel or to stay?

Writer: Ahmed Morgan (Egypt/UAE)

Language: Arabic

Director: Ahmed Morgan

Cast: Ahmed Morgan, Mohamed Baker

7. Online Shopping

Young college student and an old Father have a hefty conversation about the process of online shopping

Writer: Tanuj Khosla (Singapore)

ITC/Group: Udaan Theatre 

Language: Hindi

Director: Saiqa Sayed

Cast: Saif Khan (Chintu), Amit Ghosh (Father), Gabriela (Fiona)

8. Maa/M

A lesson of life taught by the teacher to a student. Raju- the student. Teacher- Finding the light in the soul of a hurt young boy. A Journey everyone can relate to. 

Writer: Sayed Taifur (Dubai, UAE)

ITC/Group: Udaan Theatre 

Language: Hindi

Director: Sayed Taifur

Cast: Mansi Khanna (Teacher), Trijal Maharshi (Raju), Mohsin XEC(Older Raju), Saadia Pathan (Suparna), Kinza Sayed, Tanya Sayed, Falisha Sayed.

9. MERA BAAP (My Father)

Men fight, men kill, men rape, men escape. Women are left to bear the brunt of it all. Watch how Shermeen pays the price for her father’s ego in remote Pakhtunkhwa.

Writer: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy & Ismail Gauhar (Pakistan)

ITC/Group: Theatrewallas

Language: Hindi

Director: Theatrewallas ensemble

Cast: Mandeep Walia (Shermeen)

10. ZAHRA

A child in a happy family enjoys her daily simple life. But in a world full of cruelty and oppression, there is no place for peace.

 

Writer: Bassam Anwar (Egypt)

Poem Adapted by Neve Tarek (Egypt)

ITC/Group: Art Box Group

Language: Arabic

Director: Neven Tarek

Cast:   Neven Tarek (Zahra), Yahia Abo Zaid (Younger brother), Ahmed Abdullah (Older brother), Mohamed AL Sawi (The father), Noor Al Hagrasy (soldier 1), Ahmed Abd el Hady (soldier 2), Sameh Wageh (Singer1), Nancy Mohamed (Singer 2)

1. THE MAN ON THE FLOOR

A couple arrives at a London hotel for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Wimbledon. A lost item, a ruthlessly efficient manageress, a hotel porter who can find anything, a disgruntled film star and an overly chirpy doctor conspire to ruin it.

Writer: Neil Simon (USA)

Director: Sarah Potter

Cast: Mara Carpencu (Annie Ferris), Pranav Nasta (Mark Ferris), Ivana Vajman Jackson (Mrs Sitgood), Lauren Noble (Dr McMerlin), Amer Alsaleh (Porter)

2. REALITY IS JUST AN ILLUSION

She took a long winding route down the road of self-actualisation. And how she got there was a trip in itself.

Writer: Somiya Mehta (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Somiya Mehta

Cast: Somiya Mehta

3. PUT ASUNDER

A bride has a few loose ends to tie up before walking down the aisle: Is anyone ever sure about forever?

Writer: James McLindon (USA)

ITC/Group: Tall Tales Productions

Director: Satyen Chandiramani

Cast: Sarah Kay Gibson (Haley – Maid of Honor), Sara Byrne (Janet – Bride to be), Sawi Alex (Sawi), Alejandro Celli (Angelo), Akshay Gehi (Syd), Sid Abbas (Bob)

4. DEAD END

Religion in politics has always been divisive. But can it break the best of friendships?

Writers: Chandni Varma, Ashwin Shenoy and Syed Abbas

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Chandni Varma

Cast: Ashwin Shenoy (Arjun), Syed Abbas (Neil)

5. DISPATCH

An emergency dispatch centre in a major city in Canada.

Writer: Andrew Cooper (Canada)

ITC/Group: American School of Dubai (ASD)

Directors: Gemma Jones, Marisa Dietsche, Phil Ridley

Cast: Lily Walis (Operator), Amal Ramadan (Caller 1,4,7,10), Tia Khosla (Caller 2,5,8,11), Lyne Wakil (Caller 3,6,9)

6. MEMENTO MORI

It’s the late 1800s and a post Mortem photographer who has a mystical ability to reanimate the recently deceased is conflicted with a dark secret revealed to him by the corpse of a teenage girl.

Writer: Jonathan Cook (USA)

Director: Kripa Kotriwala

Assistant Director: Nandini Bhattacharya

Cast: Ziyad Bangara (Sam), Kripa Kotriwala (Tabitha), Sarah Potter (Carla)

7. A DOLL’S HOUSE (A 10 minutes Version)

Family comes first, but when it comes to law & ethics. Does family justify the means?

Writer: Henrik Ibsen (Norway1828_1906)

ICT/Group: Art Box Group

Director: Noha Shahwan

Cast: Noha Mostafa (Nora  Helmer) Aya Helmi (Christine Linden) Saeid Abdelhameed(Nils Krogstad) Mohamed ElSawi(Torvald Helmer)

8. MAN UP!

What's a man to do in a world where he's both the villian and the hero? Talk about it? Cry his heart out? Or just man up? Too many questions and no straight answers. What's a man got to do?

Writer: Kelvinmary Ndukwe (Nigeria)

Director: Chineme Prince

Actor: Chineme Prince

9. THE HOLD UP
When a philosophy student ducks into a convenience store to spy on his girlfriend, he finds himself in the middle of a not so philosophical hold up.

Writer: Greg Gould (Australia) 
ITC/Group: StudioRepublik
Director: The Company
Cast: Tanvi Damani (Store Clerk), Walid Abla (Customer), Rik Aby (Robber)

10. I’LL TELL YOU AT SUNRISE

The kid is asking for help from the lady, she agrees, but not in the way the kid wants her to. A conversation between two people, dealing with a solution not recommended for every problem.

Writer:  Frank Gonzalez (USA)

ITC/Group: MacGyvers & Co.

Director: MacGyvers Ensemble

Cast: Aadi Patel (Kid), Aditi Nath (Lady)

11. ON THE CROSS BRONX

Kate is stuck in rush hour traffic on the Cross Bronx expressway, about to give birth. Police Officer Joe is the only one around to help her. And time is running out!

Writer: Victoria Z. Daly (USA)

Director: Satya Baskaran 

Cast: Lydia Medeiros (Kate); Mario Silva (Joe)

1.  THE MONSTER

There are monsters in every closet. What horrors hide in our bedrooms?

Writer: Shanthanu Venugopal

ITC/Group: And We Are

Director: Shanthanu Venugopal

Cast: Divyansha Agarwal (Jenna), Avantika Swaroop (Gwen), Shanthanu Venugopal (The Monster)

2. THE BLACK WIDOW’S CLUB

Three lonely women form a group to search for love, until the unexpected happens. 

 Writer: Kholoud Abdullah (UAE)

 ITC/Group:  Studio Republik

 Director: Rik Aby

 Cast: Diana Lisnevska (Rose), Natascia Colautti (Julie), kholoud Abdullah (Diana), Greg Lunn (Smith)

3. A WORLD INVERTED

Ever thought of how life would be if things were different? Specifically, when the man is put in the lady's shoes and gets to walk down the path of life, we get a glimpse into a different yet familiar world.

Writer:  Sidrah Ashraf (Pakistan/UAE)
Director: Sidrah Ashraf
Cast: Sayed Taifur (The Guy)

4. ALL AROUND THE WORLD

How far would employees go to impress their boss?

Writer: Niharika Ch. (India)

ITC/Group: Heriot Watt Drama Club

Director: Niharika Ch.

Cast: Amit Dhawan (Manager), Anchala Prem (Nigerian), Saad Javed (German), Nikhil Tharak (South Indian), Niharika Ch. (Italian), Jawad Hamed (Lebanese).

5. THE LUCKY FLUKE

In this real life drama Sammy is holding herself up to her decision of saving her sister’s life against all odds. Will Sammy’s life changing decision truly change her world?

Writer: Sharmin Patel (India/UAE)

Director: Sharmin Patel

Cast: Krishaa Patel (Sammy)

6. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

Apparently age is an important factor in dating for women.  It seems women shouldn’t experiment and keep to men in their own age group. Who made the rules? Well Kathy is defying the rules and is having fun doing so!

Writer:  Kellie Silver (Australia)

ITC/Group: Xpression Art

Director: Xpression Art Ensemble

Cast: Tara Pillay (Kathy), Bretta Bangera (Hayley)

7. FAMILY 2.0

Have you ever met a family & wished you could have their life? Well, he was determined to get a new life, "Their Life" but will the grass actually be greener in his neighbor's lawn?

Writer:  Walter Wykes (USA)

ITC/Group: Emotive Productions

Director: Ensamble 

Cast: Baha Takiedoine (Husband), Rachel Kosbar (Wife), Sid Mohiuddin (New Husband), Ashleigh Sarah Adonis (Daughter), Hannah Emily Adonis (Daughter). 

8. ONCE IN A SCHOOL DAY

Yahya is a 9 years old boy had a long day at school & he started to tell his daddy what happened in detail which based on true story happens usually in schools

Writer: Yahya Abouzeid (Egypt/UAE)

ICT/Group: Art Box Group

Director: Yahya Abouzeid

Cast: Ahmed Ragab (father) Yahya Abouzeid (son)

9. PROMETHEUS’ ILLUSIONS

Pradyumna, an aspiring poet and a complete misfit in today’s society, rediscovers himself through a surrealistic Déjà Vu, when he comes across a stranger in a park! What if you come face to face with your

Writer: Deepanjan Banerjee & Pradipto Dutta (India/UAE)

Director: Pradipto Dutta & Deepanjan Banerjee 

Cast: Karan Sharma (Pradyumna), Shilpi Dutta (Rukmini), Pradipto Dutta (The Old Man), Jhumsum Banerjee (Maya)

10. TRAPPED

 

Claire is having a crisis, but is it all in her mind, or even somebody else's mind.

Writer: Barry Wood (UK)

ITC/Group: StudioRepublik

Director: Diana Lisnevska

Cast:  Edwige Narby (Faye), Diana Lisnevska (Claire), John Buck (Zombie)

1. ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA

Sarah wasn’t invited to the party. But two visitors arrive to keep her company so things can only get better, right? 

Writer: Julie Barnett (UK)

ITC/Group: StudioRepublik

Director: The Company

Cast: John Buck (Facebook), Phillip Tachas (Twitter), Josie Campbell (Sarah)

2. SAHAR AND ALI DO A PLAY

What do you get when a homeless man with a hidden talent faces the opportunity of a lifetime? A chance to hear Ali Khalil's new hit single! Also, Sahar is in this.

 

Writer: Ali Khalil  (US/Lebanon) & Sahar Ali (Ireland)

Directors: Ali Khalil & Sahar Ali

Cast: Ali Khalil and Sahar Ali 

3. RONNY & JANE

The laugh track. The clap track. All those classic sit-com tropes...with a little murder in the mix.

Writer: Shanthanu Venugopal (India/UAE)
ITC/Group: And We Are

Director: Ensemble 
Cast: Sarah Barros (Jane), Shanthanu Venugopal (Ronny), Christopher Kyle De Leon (Jacob), Avishek Ghatak (Kevin), Nichola Desilva (Rosanne), Divyansha Agarwal (Officer Magee)

4. HEAVENLY BIRTH INSURANCE

They say be careful what you wish for. What are you willing to give up to get the "Perfect Life" you have always dreamed of? Lilian got her perfect life but feels terrible, Why?

Writer:  Bill Johnson (USA)

ITC/Group: Emotive Productions

Director: Nikhil Mittal 

Cast: Zille Rehman (John), Shital Adesara Gusani (Lilian) 

5. CHARMING CARMEN 

He - JOSE - is struggling between his duty and his desire. When she -  CARMEN - is only seeking for her freedom.

Writer: Mohamed El Sawi (Egypt/UAE)

ITC/Group: Art Box Group

Director:  Mohamed El Sawi

Cast: Mahamed El Sawi (Jose), Noha Mostafa (Carmen)

6. I’VE GOT A BUN

“A hilarious play by a courageous artist for whom nothing is sacred. This masterpiece takes the audience on a wild ride during which everything people think they know is thrown back at them in what sounds like nonsense but soon strikes home as deftly-created social commentary.”

Writer: Cary Pepper (USA)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Neha Kalvani

Cast: Ahmed Syed (Mason), Paurav Shah (John), Neha Kalvani (Gloria)

7. SLEEPOVER FROM HELL

Making friends can be hard. When Amber's mom invites three different girls to her house for her 10th birthday party, the girls struggle to realize that in order to connect with each other, they have to focus on their similarities, not their differences.

Writer: J.A Macabee (USA)

Director: Farzana Palathingal

Cast: Farzana Palathingal

8. PEE BUDDIES

Don has a very unique problem and only his buddy Glen can help him.

Writer: Shane Murphy (Canada)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Akansha Goenka

Cast: Ziyad Bangara (Don), Saif Khan (Glen), Xec Mohsin (Co-Worker)

9. TWO ARAB TALES OF TOLERANCE

 “The Potato Bags” and the “Two Friends” are two traditional Arab Tales of Tolerance developed for our Nation’s 48th National Day.  Performed in Arabic and English.

Writer:  Traditional Tale

Developed by the ensemble

ITC/Group: Raha International School Emirati Acting Ensemble

Directors: Stephen Delano

Cast: Wadima Al Ahbabi, Abdulla Al Hashimi, Abdulla Al Hosani, Fatema Al Hosani, Mansoor Al Tamimi, Mohamed Alhammadi, Khalid Almazrouei, Sarah Luqman

10. ALMOST A SUPERHERO

Rachel thinks she has acquired superpowers and confesses to her doctor. Now with “Almost great powers comes an almost great responsibility”

Writer: Barry Wood (UK)
Director: Aaqeel Shariff
Cast: Marija Gregoric (Rachel), Rohit Menon (Dr. Farley)

1. HUGO’S UNICORN

The family trip turned upside down when Hugo notices a creature never seen before...everywhere he goes. 

ITC/Group: Gems Modern Academy, Dubai
Director: Ensemble
Cast: Ridhh Negi (Hugo), Labeeb Zaheer Syed (Dad), Saesha Kapur (Mom), Jan Rose Elinjikkal (Unicorn)

2. DESPAIR AIRLINES

‘Flight with passengers facing mental health issues. Can we ever land them ?’

Writer: Safiya Aafreen  

ITC/Group: BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (Paribhasha)

Director: Zaid Ahmed Baig

Cast: Zaid Baig, Abheek Chandrayan, Noorul Saifudeen, Safiya Aafreen, Chanchal Pyarelal Jat, Vaishanavi Harnoor

3. ARTHUR 

A story of a transgender from an upper-middle-class family in Mumbai. 

Writer: Allinson Louis Aranha (India/UAE)
Director: Allinson Louis Aranha 

Cast: Allinson Louis Aranha

4. SNOW WHITE 

A 19th Century German fairytale of a princess who is exiled by her stepmother, an evil queen who wants to kill her. Terrified Snow-White runs into a forest. Soon, she is rescued by seven dwarfs who form a friendship with her.

ITC/Group: Gems Modern Academy, Dubai
Director: Ensemble
Cast: Bani ( Evil Queen), Kamalika (Mirror), Varshita (Dwarf 3), Prayansh (Dwarf 1), Oscar (Prince), Vaani (Narrator), Aditi ( Dwarf 6), Abhay ( Dwarf 5), Saanvi (Snow-White), Adyan (Dwarf 2), Samaira (Dwarf 4), Virat (Dwarf 7), Keyashto (Huntsman)

5. GROW UP INDIA!

Straighten up, take a shower, get a job, commit to something, anything, and just get your act together!  Vikram Singh, a young life coach based overseas, tries to talk some sense into his mate, India.

Writer: Karan Pandit (India)

Adapted by Hamza Merchant

Director: Hamza Merchant

Cast: Hamza Merchant

6. ONE MORE DAY

She is back for one more day with him. Would she go back happy or regret the decision?

Writer:  Cerise de Gelder (Australia)

ITC/Group: Xpression Art

Director: Ensemble

Cast: Nida Shahzad (Sharon), Nithin Shenoy (Kevin), Meghna Gupta (Darleen)

7. ROLL OVER, BEETHOVEN

Rebeca, a shy girl, comes for a first piano lesson to Dr. Goldenbaum, a little crazy teacher. Rebeca must "play" for Dr. Goldenbaum with no visible piano. Finally, even with no piano, Rebeca makes wonderful music with the help of the mad Doctor.

Writer: David Ives (USA) 

Director: Yanina Volovod

Cast: Yanina Volovod (Dr. Goldenbaum), Maria Volovod Christodoulidou (Rebeca)

8. I CONQUER, THEREFORE I AM

Descartes once said, "I think, therefore I am." In a world where we are focused on being the best, the fastest, the tallest, the biggest - this play explores the humour and humility in the "I conquer, therefore I am" phenomenon

Writer:  Zainab Mashoor (Sri Lanka/UAE)

Director: Zainab Mashoor

Cast: Nabeeha Zafar (Jamie), Nabil Mashoor (E)

9. NO EXIT (A Scene)

Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous existential work finds a group of characters stuck in a mysterious afterlife…

Writer:  Jean-Paul Sartre (France)

ITC/Group: Raha International School DP Theatre (Abu Dhab)

Director: Daniel Colledge (DP Theatre student)

Cast: Lucas Watson, Tamanna Khan, Susana Gomez

10. THE FOUR HORSEMEN

It’s the Annual General Meeting of the Four Horsemen and Death decides to quit. The story unfolds on how War, Famine and Pestilence deal with Death’s sudden decision. 

Writer:  Nigel Palfreman (Australia)

ITC/Group: MacGyvers & Co.

Director: Joanna Sequeira

Cast: Aditi Nath(Death), Joanna  Sequeira (Famine), Aradhita Basu (War), Saloni Mehta (Pestilence), Nandini Bhattacharya(Siobhan), Mira Shah (Debbie)

1. ONLINE SHOPPING

Young college student and an old Father have a hefty conversation about the process of online shopping

Writer: Tanuj Khosla (Singapore)

ITC/Group: Udaan Theatre 

Language: Hindi

Director: Saiqa Sayed

Cast: Saif Khan (Chintu), Amit Ghosh (Father), Gabriela (Fiona)

2. SNOW WHITE 

A 19th Century German fairytale of a princess who is exiled by her stepmother, an evil queen who wants to kill her. Terrified Snow-White runs into a forest. Soon, she is rescued by seven dwarfs who form a friendship with her.

ITC/Group: Gems Modern Academy, Dubai
Director: Ensemble
Cast: Bani ( Evil Queen), Kamalika (Mirror), Varshita (Dwarf 3), Prayansh (Dwarf 1), Oscar (Prince), Vaani (Narrator), Aditi ( Dwarf 6), Abhay ( Dwarf 5), Saanvi (Snow-White), Adyan (Dwarf 2), Samaira (Dwarf 4), Virat (Dwarf 7), Keyashto (Huntsman)

3. PROMETHEUS’ ILLUSIONS

Pradyumna, an aspiring poet and a complete misfit in today’s society, rediscovers himself through a surrealistic Déjà Vu, when he comes across a stranger in a park! What if you come face to face with your

Writer: Deepanjan Banerjee & Pradipto Dutta (India/UAE)

Director: Pradipto Dutta & Deepanjan Banerjee 

Cast: Karan Sharma (Pradyumna), Shilpi Dutta (Rukmini), Pradipto Dutta (The Old Man), Jhumsum Banerjee (Maya)

4. ON THE WAY TO MARS

It’s a journey of 2 astronauts on their way to mars.

Writer:  Unknown

Director:  Ensemble

Cast: Varnika Goenka and Advika Goenka

5. RAW

When Sam, a strong-minded urologist, refuses to give a family friend “The Snip,” Sam’s wife Grace tries to convince Sam to apologize. But their family dinner spirals out of control, catching ten-year-old son Alan in the crossfire.

Writer: Victoria Z. Daly (USA)

Directors Name: Lydia Medeiros

Cast: Amit Ghosh (Sam), Lydia Medeiros (Grace), Yasseen Ashri (Alan)

6. PUT ASUNDER

A bride has a few loose ends to tie up before walking down the aisle: Is anyone ever sure about forever?

Writer: James McLindon (USA)

ITC/Group: Tall Tales Productions

Director: Satyen Chandiramani

Cast: Sarah Kay Gibson (Haley – Maid of Honor), Sara Byrne (Janet – Bride to be), Sawi Alex (Sawi), Alejandro Celli (Angelo), Akshay Gehi (Syd), Sid Abbas (Bob)

7. KHUDA HAFIZ

1947 the time of Indian independence, marred by the partition, ensuing riots and unprecedented bloodbath. Curfews and shoot-at-sight orders in force everywhere. Two strangers come face to face, divided by diversity, united by fear of impending death. What awaits their fate?

Writer:  Samaresh Basu (India)

Adapted by:  Pradipto Dutta (India/UAE)

Language: Bengali

Directors: Pradipto Dutta & Banashree Sengupta

Cast: Pushan Sengupta (Gobindo), Souvik Goswami (Karim)

8. PEE BUDDIES

Don has a very unique problem and only his buddy Glen can help him.

Writer: Shane Murphy (Canada)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Akansha Goenka

Cast: Ziyad Bangara (Don), Saif Khan (Glen), Xec Mohsin (Co-Worker)

9. A BREXITEER, A MIGRANT & A GUN

A Brexiteer, A Migrant and A Gun.  A Brexiteer and a Migrant are chained to a table as they await a deadline. The answer to the question “Which side are you?” may not be as apparent as first thought as questions of class, camaraderie, survival and who really has control arise

Writer: Shane Colwell (Ireland/UAE)

Director: Shane Colwell

Cast: Shane Colwell, Mario Silva (Ecuador), Greg Lunn

10. ROSEMARY

Dan is looking for a house. He finds one which seems more like home. Will he discover why this house seems so familiar? or discover more about the people around him?

Writer: Madhurima Ray (India/UAE)

ITC/Group: Tall Tales Production

Cast: Meghana Mundkur (Mary), Hussain Hadi (Robert), Muf Goulamhoussen (Dan)

1. ROMANCE

This lighthearted comedy throws a spotlight on online dating and the not-so-subtle realities of having to meet face-to-face.  

Writers: Martinez & Srour (France)

ITC/Group: Banana Drama

Director: Justin de Casterle

Cast: Jihane Tehini (Julie), Patrick Albrecht (Frank)

2. MAN IS BLACK

The story is based on the black man’s life and identity that has been lost in the wind of slavery, racisms and Coding of people based on appearances and tag with labels that undermined the humanity within him.

Writer:  Xolisile W. Dolo

ITC/Group Name: Mzansi Abroad

Director: Xolisile W. Dolo

Cast: Xolisile W. Dolo

3. ROLL OVER, BEETHOVEN

Rebeca, a shy girl, comes for a first piano lesson to Dr. Goldenbaum, a little crazy teacher. Rebeca must "play" for Dr. Goldenbaum with no visible piano. Finally, even with no piano, Rebeca makes wonderful music with the help of the mad Doctor.

Writer: David Ives (USA) 

Director: Yanina Volovod

Cast: Yanina Volovod (Dr. Goldenbaum), Maria Volovod Christodoulidou (Rebeca)

4. MERA BAAP (My Father)

Men fight, men kill, men rape, men escape. Women are left to bear the brunt of it all. Watch how Shermeen pays the price for her father’s ego in remote Pakhtunkhwa.

Writer: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy & Ismail Gauhar (Pakistan)

ITC/Group: Theatrewallas

Language: Hindi

Director: Theatrewallas ensemble

Cast: Mandeep Walia (Shermeen)

5. IS THAT OKAY?

An actress with dreams of success struggles to navigate through the darker side of show business.

Writer:  Arzoo Malhotra (USA/UAE)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Ensemble direction

Cast: Monica Chatterjee (Unnamed/ The Actress/She)

6. TWO EGGS

While getting ready for a date, a woman has to contend with a pesky neighbor with a major personality disorder.

Writer: Stephen Bittrich (USA)

Directors: Gemma Jones, Marisa Dietsche, Phil Ridley

Cast: Dorian Crone (Jane), Archie Sergeant (Kiss Ass Skip), Joon Cha (Depressed Skip), Cameron Stewart (Misogynist Cave Man Skip), Carl Myers (Barry White Skip)

7. I’LL TELL YOU AT SUNRISE

The kid is asking for help from the lady, she agrees, but not in the way the kid wants her to. A conversation between two people, dealing with a solution not recommended for every problem.

Writer:  Frank Gonzalez (USA)

ITC/Group: MacGyvers & Co.

Director: MacGyvers Ensemble

Cast: Aadi Patel (Kid), Aditi Nath (Lady)

8. SPIRITS (أرواح )

A psychiatrist tries to treat his patient, but he is surprised that the patient does not complain about mental illness, but he complains about the existence of spirits trying to control him. Can the doctor help his patient or fall together in the trap of souls

Writer: Ahmed Abd El Hady (Egypt/UAE)

ITC/Group: Art Box Group

Language: Arabic

Director: Tariq AbouZeid

Cast: Ahmed Abd El Hady (Sherif), Nour El Hagrasy (Doctor), Noha Moustafa (Nousa), Mahmoud Basyoni (Shawki), Tayfor Zewail (Kazim Baih)

9. TRAPPED

Claire is having a crisis but is it all in her mind, or even somebody else's mind.

Writer: Barry Wood (UK)

ITC/Group: StudioRepublik

Director: Diana Lisnevska

Cast:  Edwige Narby (Faye),Diana Lisnevska (Claire), John Buck (Zombie)

10. I’VE GOT A BUN

“A hilarious play by a courageous artist for whom nothing is sacred. This masterpiece takes the audience on a wild ride during which everything people think they know is thrown back at them in what sounds like nonsense but soon strikes home as deftly-created social commentary.”

Writer: Cary Pepper (USA)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Neha Kalvani

Cast: Ahmed Syed (Mason), Paurav Shah (John), Neha Kalvani (Gloria)

1. VYATHA (Deep Agony - Hindi)

Vyatha portrays the pain and agony of Draupadi after finding her 5 sons and brothers been killed brutally by Aswathama. In that predicament, she blames Krishna for this barbaric act leading Krishna to curse Ashwathama to be an immortal miscreant.

Writer: Mahua Chauhan (India/UAE)

Group: Xpression Art

Director: Mahua Chauhan

Cast: Tabassum Inamdar (Krishna), Mahua Chauhan (Draupadi)

2. MAN IS BLACK

The story is based on the black man’s life and identity that has been lost in the wind of slavery, racisms and Coding of people based on appearances and tag with labels that undermined the humanity within him.

Writer:  Xolisile W. Dolo (South Africa/UAE)

ITC/Group Name: Mzansi Abroad

Director: Xolisile W. Dolo

Cast: Xolisile W. Dolo

3. I WANT TO SLEEP

After a long working day, Karen is trying to sleep. Will her thoughts let her sleep?

Writer: Mahmoud Basyoni (Egypt/UAE)

ITC/Group: Art Box Group

Director: Mahmoud Basyoni

Cast:  Neven Tareq (Karen), Ahmed Abdullah (Overthinking), Ahmed Abd El Hady (Negative Thoughts), Mohamed Kayed (Depression), Hassan Mohamed (Sleep)

4. KHUDA HAFIZ (Bengali)

1947 the time of Indian independence, marred by the partition, ensuing riots and unprecedented bloodbath. Curfews and shoot-at-sight orders in force everywhere. Two strangers come face to face, divided by diversity, united by fear of impending death. What awaits their fate?

Writer:  Samaresh Basu (India)

Adapted by:  Pradipto Dutta (India/UAE)

Directors: Pradipto Dutta & Banashree Sengupta

Cast: Pushan Sengupta (Gobindo), Souvik Goswami (Karim)

5. SLEEPOVER FROM HELL

Making friends can be hard. When Amber's mom invites three different girls to her house for her 10th birthday party, the girls struggle to realize that in order to connect with each other, they have to focus on their similarities, not their differences.

Writer: J.A Macabee (USA)

Director: Farzana Palathingal

Cast: Farzana Palathingal

6. RAW

When Sam, a strong-minded urologist, refuses to give a family friend “The Snip,” Sam’s wife Grace tries to convince Sam to apologize. But their family dinner spirals out of control, catching ten-year-old son Alan in the crossfire.

Writer: Victoria Z. Daly (USA)

Director: Lydia Medeiros

Cast: Amit Ghosh (Sam), Lydia Medeiros (Grace), Yasseen Ashri (Alan)

7. IS THAT OKAY?

An actress with dreams of success struggles to navigate through the darker side of show business.

Writer:  Arzoo Malhotra (USA/UAE)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Ensemble direction

Cast: Monica Chatterjee (Unnamed/ The Actress/She)

8. ROMANCE

This lighthearted comedy throws a spotlight on online dating and the not-so-subtle realities of having to meet face-to-face.  

Writers: Martinez & Srour (France)

ITC/Group: Banana Drama

Director: Justin de Casterle

Cast: Jihane Tehini (Julie), Patrick Albrecht (Frank)

9. PUT ASUNDER

A bride has a few loose ends to tie up before walking down the aisle: Is anyone ever sure about forever?

Writer: James McLindon (USA)

ITC/Group: Tall Tales Productions

Director: Satyen Chandiramani

Cast: Sarah Kay Gibson (Haley – Maid of Honor), Sara Byrne (Janet – Bride to be), Sawi Alex (Sawi), Alejandro Celli (Angelo), Akshay Gehi (Syd), Sid Abbas (Bob)

10. THIS IS SHE

A snippet of an original creative verbatim piece, based on the true stories of women from around the world.

Writer:  Vicki Galloway-Place (UK/UAE)

Director: Vicki Galloway-Place

Cast: Actors Name (Character) Leanne Cardill (Tilly 1, Acceptance), Genette Harrison (Tilly 3, A True Welsh Love Story), Jenny Moffat (Tilly 2, Iffluvious) 

11. ON THE CROSS BRONX

Kate is stuck in rush hour traffic on the Cross Bronx expressway, about to give birth. Police Officer Joe is the only one around to help her. And time is running out!

Writer: Victoria Z. Daly (USA)

Director: Satya Baskaran 

Cast: Lydia Medeiros (Kate); Mario Silva (Joe)

12. PEE BUDDIES

Don has a very unique problem and only his buddy Glen can help him.

Writer: Shane Murphy (Canada)

ITC/Group: H72 Productions

Director: Akansha Goenka

Cast: Ziyad Bangara (Don), Saif Khan (Glen), Xec Mohsin (Co-Worker)