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‘Ajaaj’ to take Dubai by storm

DUBAI - Nearly coinciding with the first anniversary of its comic book launch, 'Ajaaj', Dubai's own superhero is now all set to be unleashed on stage as well. In typical Dubai style, it will be grander and more extravagant than anything this part of the world has ever seen.

Set in the year 2020, the futuristic stage production named, ‘Ajaaj 2020’ boasts a 4D theatrical experience. If you're unsure of what that means, imagine live drama, background special effects, graphics and actors and props flying across the stage all combined to breathe life into the ultimate comic book experience.

Rooted deeply in Emirati culture and values, the superhero Ajaaj, true to the meaning of his name, is a desert storm. He can take human form, turn into a solid wall or disintegrate into fine dust. The story progresses as Ajaaj is misunderstood and maligned by people and the media alike. His only admirers seem to be two pure-hearted twins, Shamma and Humaid.

At a Press conference that took place on Sunday, members of the media were introduced to three of the actors from 'Ajaaj 2020'. Smiling yet confident, young Sheikha Khalifa, who plays the role of Shamma, stated that her favourite part of the play was when Humaid gets attacked by the scorpion and falls to the ground. When asked what Shamma is doing while her brother is being attacked, Sheikha Khalifa explained that Shamma is helping their old grandfather (played by Mostafa Ibrahim Al Yassri ) and making the sign that will summon Ajaaj to the scene.

Talal Al Yassri who plays Humaid, said that his favourite parts were the action sequences, particularly the ones involving him.

Ajaaj himself, played by Salem Alawi Ibrahim, was sadly absent from the Press conference. Producer Nick Chapman talked about the challenges and rewards of his first experience working with a full Emirati cast. In fact, the whole experience held many firsts. In Chapman’s view, ‘Ajaaj 2020’, which will be performed in both English and Arabic, is the first theatre production to be made so extensively in the comic book style.

‘Ajaaj 2020’will be performed from the August 14 to August 22 at the Centrepoint theatre of the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre in Mall of the Emirates. There will be two shows per day, one at 4pm in English and one at 7 pm in Arabic.

Ticket prices are Dh100 for adults, Dh50 for kids and Dh150 for VIP seating.

With comic books and a theatre production under his belt, Ajaaj could very soon be taking on a cartoon series, video games or even a movie. Dr Kenneth Wise of the Dubai Consultancy Research and Media Centre which is a member of Watani, said, 'We are investigating all those possibilities. There has to be market for it.'