The Epic story of LOVE, Coming to the city of LOVE!

UAE’s theater scene is fast becoming an inspiration and playing ground for theatrical communities all over the world. Not only are there performing arts in English and Arabic, but also now in other world languages like French, Italian, Hindi, Urdu, and Greek.

For the local community, these are very valuable because it adds to the multi-national environment of the country, giving expats the opportunity to explore other cultures, but also deeply nostalgic for residents of the respective country living here in the UAE (which is now their new home).

One such Urdu/Punjabi language original musical production from South Asia, Sohni Mahiwal, an epic love story that has transcended through generations, is coming to Dubai in August 2023 to celebrate the Independence Day weekend of both India and Pakistan. A story set in Punjab (which is part of both India and Pakistan), is set to connect and resonate with the multi-cultural audiences in UAE in the one language which is common for all – LOVE.

This contemporary adaptation of the classic love story is set in the context of the recent floods in South Asian region. The production explores the theme of love and sacrifice in the face of disaster, as Sohni and Mahiwal navigate the challenges and obstacles while trying to be together.

The play is a powerful tale of love, tragedy, and social issues, inspired by the legendary love story of Sohni and Mahiwal. Through exceptional performances, live music, and creative storytelling, The show inspires audiences to embrace values such as love, peace, and harmony. The show will have English subtitles as well to facilitate the multilingual audience of UAE.

The show is a multi-national collaboration between Behind the Mask Productions (International), Tall Tales Production (UAE), and The Junction (UAE). BMP has produced over 50 theatrical productions in the past decade and TTP and TJ are two of the largest names in UAE theatrical scene making this a must watch with over 300 productions experience between them.

The director of the show, Alishan Bin Sohail, has over 15 years’ experience in live performances and is excited of bringing this unique production to the UAE. “We are excited to bring this timely and relevant adaptation of a timeless love story to life on stage,” said Ali Shan Bin Sohail. “Our talented cast and creative team, combined with our commitment to producing a high-quality production, make us confident that this play will resonate with audiences and provide an important perspective on the impact of natural disasters on love and relationships.”

Although the show written by Yusra Irfan, has won multiple laurels back home, this is the first time they are going global – and what better place to start, than the UAE!

The show is playing at the Junction Theatre in Al-Serkal Avenue on Saturday and Sunday the 12th and 13th of August 2023 with shows at 7.30 pm on both days. The cast and crew will hold an interactive session with the audiences post each show. This is to celebrate the Independence Day weekend of both India and Pakistan whose diaspora represents close to 55% of the population of the UAE.

Asad Raza Khan, CEO and Founder of Tall Tales Productions, is happy to welcome such a production to Dubai. “We have seen a lot of famous productions come to Dubai, but we felt it was time to bring artists who are dominating the local scene in specific regions with stories that we have heard growing up ourselves, albeit with a contemporary twist. The show also has popular songs performed live which have their roots in folk music from the region, and also heard in Coke Studio which has brought it closer to the current generation. It is our privilege to host them in UAE!

Gautam Goenka, Owner and Co-Founder of The Junction Theatre, says it is critical to support grassroot international talent to come for the benefit of local community theater. “The local theater scene in UAE is growing exponentially and we are all in to help it reach new levels. Getting artists from other countries helps grow the capability of the talent here as well. This is why The Junction is proud to be a partner at this event.”

The shows in Dubai will be performed on the 12th and 13th of August 2023 at The Junction Theatre in Al-Serkal Avenue. There will be an evening shows at 7 30 pm each day with a special interaction with the cast and crew post each show. This is being done to encourage local talent and students to come engage with the international artists. The show is primarily in Urdu/Hindi, but can be easily understood by people not speaking the language as well. To further facilitate the multi-national audience of UAE, there will be English Subtitles in the show.