A group of bumbling Chennai folks on a film shoot in hot, dusty Israel. A missing lead actor. A Jewish-Indian detective. More missing people. A creepy journalist who makes it her life’s mission to stalk.
Perfect ingredients for a perfect masala Christmas play. Written by playwright Shekinah Jacob, this comic caper of sorts promises to make you laugh till your sides ache.
Performed by Open House and sponsored by Alpha Engineering College, Missing is all about recapturing the spirit of Christmas. “Basically, I was tired of all the Christmas stories told in the traditional way — with snow and raindeer and what not. Indians can’t relate to things like that, we have no snow here!” says Shekinah Jacob. “This is basically a deconstruction of the Christmas story as we know it,” she adds.
This Westernised Christmas is what led to her writing scripts for Open House’s annual Christmas productions. The theatre group’s play last year had a group of Chennaiites lost on an island after a plane crash. “I pick everyday people to write about, stereotypical people from Chennai with whom the audience can instantly relate to,” says Shekina. So far, both the stories have been comic capers. Shekinah says it was intentional. “I love to make people laugh. My last script, Ali J, was anything but comical. So I thought it would be really nice if people started off their festive season with a couple of laughs,” she says.
Like last year, the proceeds from the play are going to charity again — this year to two NGOs working with HIV-affected children and street kids.
As for Shekinah, she has a few other things up her sleeve. “There are a couple of plays I’m itching to work on right after we wrap all this up on Sunday,” she says. “And no, not all of them are comedy. There are other stuff too,” she clarifies.
Until then, we can start our Christmas with a bang of laughter.
For tickets, visit www.openhousecreations.com