‘Murder at the Majlis’ at Sharjah Book Fair 2025 offered an immersive Emirati-themed whodunit where the audience solved the crime.
SHARJAH: A captivating blend of heritage and suspense unfolded at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025), as theatre took a thrilling turn with Murder at the Majlis. The immersive production invited visitors to step into the shoes of a detective in a murder mystery set within a traditional Emirati majlis.
The play centred on the murder of Marwan, 57, the successful owner of The Nine café chain, during an intimate gathering at his private majlis. The drama unravelled with the presence of his family—wife Khadija, son Hamdan, and daughter Shaima—as well as his close friend and business partner Abdullah and family associate Akhil. What was meant to be a setting of hospitality and dialogue soon turned into a crime scene filled with intrigue, secrets, and deception.
Guided by a sharp-witted female Inspector, the audience followed the unfolding investigation, assessed motives, scrutinised clues, and interrogated suspects before casting their final verdict. The twist? Each attendee played a crucial role in solving the case.
Murder at the Majlis brilliantly reinterpreted the traditional concept of a majlis for the stage, offering a fresh look at Emirati customs through the lens of interactive theatre. The production highlighted the growing vibrancy of Sharjah’s creative economy and how storytelling can be used innovatively to engage diverse audiences.
Written by American University of Sharjah alumna Bhoomika Ghaghada and directed by Tarun Shyam, the play featured a cast of student talents including Habiba Abdulmohsen, Maryam Al Banna, Yazan Al Kathemi, Hour Al Maamzi, Layal Al Mukhtar, Akshay Kumar, Leopold Lessig, Omar Matar, and Shadi Wassif.
Audience members were not just spectators—they became detectives, piecing together narratives while exploring cultural context and critical thinking. The show stood out as a unique educational and entertaining highlight of the book fair.
