Dreamtime Union Of Artists Launches In UAE To Foster Cross-cultural Theatre And Film

The UAE is set to host a new cultural initiative as Indian theatre and film practitioners Rasika Agashe and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub prepare to launch DUA – Dreamtime Union of Artists, an international artist repertoire based in the UAE, focused on theatre, film, and collaborative artistic development.

Positioned as a platform for nurturing theatre and film initiatives, DUA will support emerging talent and grassroots artistic projects. It aims to connect the Indian diaspora, Emirati creatives, and artists from multiple nationalities, reinforcing Dubai’s profile as a global cultural crossroads and hub for collaborative artistic practice.

Explaining the choice of the UAE as its base, the Founder of DUA said: “Dubai is a unique cultural meeting point where people from diverse backgrounds live and create together. It is the ideal space to build an international repertoire of artists, and I believe we will be able to develop a UAE-born community of talent that can showcase theatre and the arts not only across the UAE, but on global platforms as well.”

DUA’s activities will range from intimate Drawing Room Theatre experiences to large-scale productions, alongside acting and filmmaking training programmes.

The platform also plans collaborative creative projects intended to contribute to a vibrant, inclusive artistic ecosystem that supports both professional practitioners and emerging voices across multiple disciplines.

The platform will debut with Canvas of Dreams, a talent discovery showcase designed to identify and nurture original artistic voices.

Unlike conventional competitions, Canvas of Dreams emphasises artistic growth and creative exploration, offering selected participants mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, combining performance opportunities with a structured, learning-led approach.

Rasika Agashe is a director, producer, and actor whose work spans theatre, film, and television. Her debut directorial feature, Ticha Shahar Hona (City Personified), has received critical acclaim at national and international film festivals, with screenings in Sweden, Bhutan, Istanbul, and at the L.A. Independent Women’s Film Festival.

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is a noted Hindi film actor recognised for versatility and socially engaged roles. His filmography includes Raanjhanaa, Raees, and Article 15, alongside web series such as Scoop, Criminal Justice, and Real Kashmir Football Club.

Both founders are alumni of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, with longstanding contributions to Indian theatre and cinema.