Paranoid about stepping out? Tune in to local talent

Major art events in the city getting postponed

Last week saw some major art events in the city get postponed. Art Dubai, World Art Dubai and SIKKA 2020 were some of the prominent ones; they are now likely to be hosted in the latter part of the year. Whilst this precautionary action has come as a welcome measure, it's left the art connoisseurs' calendar empty during a season that's usually the busiest. But all's well in the virtual world, so if you've decided to not step out and visit the galleries, here's what you can watch whilst at home. Yes, our local artistes are ruling the screen.
Last month, director and writer Dhanesh Babu Maharaj released the first episode of the Malayalam web series, Peak Hours: The Untold Tales. The episode, which serves as an introduction to the characters, garnered 14k views within 24 hours of its release. Interestingly, it starts with a morning scene of Dubai's winding roads dotted with vehicles and ends with a night sky view of the city with its lit-up buildings. It's a full-on local production and amongst other local talents, it features one of my favourite dancer-actors, Kavitha Raj Pradeep. I'm looking forward to the next episode and, of course, relying on sub-titles to watch this thriller set in the region unfold.
Meanwhile, Harmony Music and Art Center, Sharjah, made its way to YouTube in February as well. They've actively begun to upload the works of their students. The Essence of a Woman and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are
their most recent dance offerings online. 12 Bhoot - their take on the old Bollywood film Bhoot, choreographed by Rex Parameshwar - became an instant hit online.
Comedy Adda Season 2, which brings together local UAE talent and accomplished names in comedy all over the world, is another must-watch. You can catch it on ARY Digital Middle East from March 28 (7pm, every week). The show will be broadcasted online on the ARY YouTube channel and will also be available on the VIU MENA App. It is conceptualised by MK Maroof and Asad Raza Khan and co-produced and directed by Maroof as well. From what we saw in Season 1, it ties up elements like interviews with celebrity guests, improv games, and stand-up acts. And, of course, it is being completely designed, shot and post-produced in Dubai. "The key was to lift local comedy standards to international levels," says Asad. Featuring a few other favourite Indian and Pakistani female actors like Lavina Jaswani, Zainab Naqvi, and Ayesha Nauman is another upcoming film, The Chase, written and directed by Mirzaab. You can watch the trailer for now.
However, if you're willing to step out, then head to thejamjar, Alserkal Avenue, tomorrow evening for an empowering screening of Maiden (6.30pm), the story of how Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook in charter boats, became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. It's been hosted by Loco'Motion UAE.
Until then, stay safe and keep creating.  
purva@khaleejtimes.com