Thirty Days in September

Mahesh Dattani’s play, a critical and commercial success for the noted Indian playwright, was first performed in 2001 but retains a contemporary relevance. Two of Dubai better theatre groups, Third Half Theatre and EnAct, are collaborating on this potentially difficult play that deals with dark family secrets recalled through impermanent memories and what the producers term “the fantasies we propagate to render the truth palatable”.

This is tough stuff, touching on multi-generational incest and the subjugation of women, and it should stretch the actors: Rashmi Kotriwala, who takes one of the key roles as well as producing, says “this has been, by far, my most challenging role as it has pushed me to explore uncharted territory … There cannot be a neutral reaction to this story, and it will definitely move each person in some way”. It’s a shame it’s only getting a single performance …

Sanjeev Dixit directs.