What happens when a daughter introduces her boyfriend to the family?

After houseful shows in Bangalore, Chennai, Singapore, and New Delhi, EnAct brings Hold the Mushrooms to Dubai. Written by Binoy Mohan, this play is directed by a based theatre veteran, Rashmi Kotriwala.

"The idea for Hold the Mushrooms originally came to me when I discussed how even the most liberal people can cling dearly to their prejudices. It got me to marry this idea with another thread, a less obvious theme of the play - coping mechanisms people resort to, especially when they don't have anyone to speak to or are unwilling to acknowledge the source of their sorrow,” shares Binoy Mohan.

Hold the Mushrooms is a dramedy presenting a narrative of a close-knit family of three. The family dynamic is altered when the daughter introduces her boyfriend into the fray. Relationships, value systems, and prejudices are all questioned. This story speaks of fragile relationships, perspectives, love, and laughter to which each person in the house will relate.

Binoy, currently based in Bangalore, grew up in the Emirates. A long-time theatre consumer, his only brush with the stage before this was as an over-the-top Ravan in an amateur Ram Leela production. He is a full-time entrepreneur when he is not accosting celebrities in public transit. Mohan adds, “I decided to write the play as a dramedy so the light-hearted veneer would make the underlying subjects more accessible and relatable. While the play is about a family of three, it could be about anyone, anywhere and at any time, which is why the characters are anonymous.”

The play will be directed by Dubai-based thespian Rashmi Kotriwala and produced by EnAct. Rashmi is a familiar name in the theatre circles of UAE. She has almost 300 show nights as an actor and director. She teaches drama to adults and children and has won several awards for her plays. She is best known for setting up the first privately owned theatre venue in Dubai. About Hold the Mushrooms, muses Kotriwala, “This was the first time I was compelled to read a script, back-to-back. The characters felt so real and palpable that I believe the play will resonate with the audience.”

Cast: Amlan Sengupta, Shahana Raza, Harshita Kauchhur and Midhann Ahuja

Hold the Mushrooms will be performed at live at play, Al Quoz, Dubai

On 22nd Feb (2.30pm & 7.30pm) and 23rd Feb (2.30 pm)

Ticket prices: AED 75- AED 100

Available here