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Finding humour in all things, big and small

It's a challenge to serve up laughter at one's own expense, but Dubai's creative family seems committed to doing that and more

How do you know when the time is right to chase a laughter-worthy situation, especially when you are performing live for an audience? Well, it's tricky, but if done well, it produces outstanding results. In August 2019, as I watched a Huda Bhaldar directorial production, Chuhal, I couldn't help but marvel at the comic timing between the two side actors, Apoorva Mehra and Alba Rose Quadros.
Apoorva has this knack of effortlessly moving from one character to another and is a personal favourite. I was watching Alba for the first time and was in awe of her comic timing. Chuhal, written by renowned Indian director-playwright-actor Manav Kaul, is a love story set in the early '90s in a small town in India. While the lead actors, Saleem Surani and Lavina Jaswani, won everyone's heart with their brilliant acting, it was the chemistry between the other two that left me chuckling. The light-hearted conversations on love and life are a must-watch (re-run on Jan 10, 7.30pm, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue). Love is the biggest tragedy after all, right?

Now, romantic comedies do touch many hearts, but how does one generate laughter without making a mockery of someone's struggle, desperation or pain? We'll find out as we watch Tigers Be Still (Jan 16 - 18, 7.30pm, The Junction, Alserkal Avenue) written by Kim Rosenstock. It is a comedy that follows the misadventures of a young woman who earns a Master's degree in art therapy, moves back home with her family, and waits for a job offer that never comes. The play directed by and starring the highly experienced Gautam Goenka probes serious themes, from a debilitating illness to a mother's death, mental depression and a father's abandonment. Gautam will act in the play, as well. Farzana Palathingal, who plays the lead, is always a delight to watch. I'll be in the audience; what about you?

So far so good, fictional tragedies giving way to giggles. Now let's get real, shall we? Indulge in an evening of anecdotal stand-up hosted by the comedy collective, Comedy Kix, featuring local talent (Jan 10, 8pm, Kickers Sports Bar, Sports City). If you've been to any of the open mic comic nights in the city you'll know that artistes' stories are based on real-life experiences. As we know, it's quite a challenge to serve up laughter at one's own expense.

Dubai's creative family seems committed to doing that and more. Shall we have a good laugh? Time shall tell. Have an awfully funny 2020!
purva@khaleejtimes.com