Interactive play at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair transforms a traditional Emirati majlis into the scene of a gripping entanglement
Sharjah, November 9, 2025,
The stage was set, the suspects were ready, and the audience became the detective at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025), as ‘Murder at the Majlis’ drew visitors into a thrilling entanglement that blended local culture with suspenseful storytelling.
The play’s plot unfolded around a shocking murder committed during a gathering in a traditional Emirati majlis, reimagined as a crime scene pulsing with intrigue. At the centre of the mystery was Marwan, 57, owner of a successful café chain called The Nine and host of the private majlis. His family, -wife Khadija, 51, son Hamdan, 29, and daughter Shaima, 27- were joined by Abdullah, 54, Marwan’s longtime friend and business partner, and Akhil, 30, a baker with close family ties to the host.
As tensions simmered within this intimate circle, the ‘majlis’ — traditionally a space of hospitality and dialogue— was transformed into a setting of suspicion and deceit. Overseeing the investigation was the Inspector, 45, a sharp, determined woman whose quest for the truth kept audiences guessing until the very end.
In an innovative twist, the audience was invited to step into the role of detective. They analysed clues, interrogated the suspects, and debated motives before reaching their verdict on who committed the crime, how, and why.
Reflecting the growing vibrancy of Sharjah’s creative economy, ‘Murder at the Majlis’ reinterpreted the concept of the majlis for the stage, merging Emirati cultural heritage with contemporary theatre and audience participation. Its compelling storyline and interactive format made it both an educational and entertaining experience.
Written by American University of Sharjah alumna Bhoomika Ghaghada and directed by Tarun Shyam, the production featured a talented student cast, including Habiba Abdulmohsen, Maryam Al Banna, Yazan Al Kathemi, Hour Al Maamzi, Layal Al Mukhtar, Akshay Kumar, Leopold Lessig, Omar Matar, and Shadi Wassif.
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