Dubai’s EnAct delivers a heartfelt dramedy served with humor and depth

EnAct’s latest theatrical production, Hold the Mushrooms, served a layered narrative that blended humor, emotions, and thought-provoking themes. With a relatable storyline, a well-cast ensemble, and a balance of comedy and drama, the production left the audience reflecting on relationships, value systems, and the complexities of family life.

The title Hold the Mushrooms is cryptic, sparking curiosity before the curtains even rise. What's being served—a hearty platter with mushrooms on the side or without? As we stepped into live at play, the newly opened performance space in Al Quoz, Dubai, we had little idea what to expect. The storyline was a mystery, and the talent on stage unfamiliar. Yet, after successful runs in Bangalore, Chennai, Singapore, and New Delhi, the production arrived in Dubai with high expectations by EnAct by Rashmi Kotriwala.

A dramedy, Hold the Mushrooms revolves around a close-knit family of three whose dynamics shift when the daughter introduces her boyfriend into the mix. The play delves into relationships, value systems, and prejudices with humor and poignancy.

The minimalist yet effective stage setup evoked a home many could relate to, setting the scene for an unfolding narrative. One of the production's strengths was its well-matched cast—both in age and performance depth. Evidently, each actor had been given time to inhabit their character truly. As veteran theatre director Kotriwala noted, she enjoys working with new actors for their discipline, passion, and hunger to prove themselves—qualities she knows how to channel effectively.

The story unfolds in layers, beginning with natural family banter and comedic touches before venturing into deeper emotional territory. Just as a lump forms in your throat, the script reminds you to smile—much like life itself. Credit goes to writer Binoy Mohan, who was present in the audience that evening (February 2025), for his skillful handling of complex emotions and situations. Without giving too much away, the interplay between revelation and restraint in addressing themes of prejudice, loss, coping mechanisms, and family dynamics was both sensitive and impactful. Kudos to both Binoy and Kotriwala.

Shahana Raza, making her Dubai theatre debut as the mother, delivered a poised and compelling performance. She navigated emotions seamlessly, switching from dialogue to monologue with ease. Her body language was on point, and her chemistry with the actress playing her daughter felt natural. As the father, Amlan Sengupta balanced the emotional weight of the role well, especially the pauses and the inner turmoil. While his comic timing was sharp, some moments felt slightly overplayed. Harshita Kauchhur, a film graduate from Dubai, made a strong debut as the daughter, portraying her character with nuance and authenticity. Her mannerisms and dialogue delivery captured the essence of the 'girl next door.' Meanwhile, Midhann Ahuja, playing the boyfriend, had limited stage time but left an impression with his brief but effective dialogues and stage presence. The family dynamic felt well-cast and convincing. That said, the mother's monologues could be tightened to maintain the show's pacing, and while the father's humor lightened heavy moments, some instances bordered on excess.

Overall, Hold the Mushrooms was well-executed, leaving audiences eager for more from EnAct. As for the venue, while it offers an intimate setting, its seating could be more comfortable for longer performances, and the acoustics need some fine-tuning.

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Authored by Purva Grover

Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.