Local play, Just Like That, returns this weekend

Life in Dubai played out on stage; that's what you get with locally produced play Just Like That (JLT) and we love it. The show was first staged 12 months ago to packed houses and to celebrate 2019's Year of Tolerance is returning for four performances playing from April 18 to 20 at The Junction in Al-Serkal Avenue.
What does the piece involve? The characters include a Gulf writer, a western business person, a European entrepreneur, a Middle Eastern cabin crew member, a south Asian security guard, and an Indian or Pakistani investment banker (his nationality is a deliberate mystery). Mix these up and, 'just like that': you have a floor in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, or JLT! All different people, all different nationalities, yet they come together in Dubai, to end up living in the same apartment building. What unfolds is a clash of perspectives, cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. We speak to some of the production's key players to find out more.
 

DIRECTOR - PRIYANKA JOHRI
What made you bring the play back for another run? Have you changed anything?
After the first time JLT was staged, it still felt incomplete. There were people reaching out to us saying they missed it. A lot of people couldn't get tickets in time before it sold out. The entire unit of JLT still felt like it wasn't over, it deserved another run, and that was decided unanimously between cast and crew. With more character depth, different direction and three new cast members, JLT is better than before and that is why people should definitely come watch it!
What was your favourite memory from the first run? Did the reaction to the play surprise you at all?  
It's difficult to pick a favourite memory, each rehearsal was a blast, but if I have to I would say it was the first time we ran the play from start to finish. The feeling of seeing it come together was unmatchable! During most of the scenes the cast and myself couldn't keep a straight face! It took a couple of runs to be able to stop laughing at how brilliant each of the actors portrayed the characters when the play came to life! With a play like JLT, I was sure the audience would like but I was overwhelmed at just how much.

CO-WRITER - MANJU RAMANAN
In your own words, what is JLT about and what is the message of the piece for you?   
JLT is a humorous take on everyday life in a Dubai high-rise. We greet our neighbours but seldom engage in conversations. We nod at each other in the lift, but don't really care to connect. The play explores that terrain of human behaviour filled with its prejudices, classism and racism, vanity as well as actions. You might just smell the endless cups of coffee we downed while writing the play
 
 

ACTOR, CO-WRITER, AND PRODUCER - ASAD RAZA KHAN 
What is the biggest challenge in putting on this production and plays in general in the UAE and how do you overcome this?
The largest challenge we always face is the cost structure, which is one of the most expensive in the world. Also, as the industry is still growing, we are far away from hitting the audience numbers to cover all the fixed costs which can be spread across the productions. Generally we are able to overcome this due to the people of Dubai giving us a lot of love and showing up to our productions time and again - and we cannot thank them enough. However if we want theatre to grow in the city, then we need media houses to help us reach new people, for people to come and support us, and for the economics to square! Then we are really in a position to become one of the best in the world like the West End and Broadway! Maybe 'Burj-WAY'?!  
What are you most looking forward to about this run of the show?  
I cannot wait to share the stage with so many stars all at the same time! These are some of the best you will see in Dubai including multi-award winning actors, singers, comedians, and a whole lot more! Having an amazing director and writer just adds to the experience. Let us entertain you and take a risk on this if you have never seen local theatre or a Dubai story! You will not be disappointed. 
The shows in Dubai will be performed from April 18 to 20 at The Junction Theatre in Al-Serkal Avenue. There will be an evening shows at 7.30pm each day with a special matinee show on Saturday at 3pm as well. Tickets are available online at www.Platinumlist.net and start at Dhs80.
david@khaleejtimes.com