Internationally Acclaimed Theatrical Production Cavalia at Qasr al Hosn Makes Middle East Debut at Qasr al Hosn Festival
Grand-scale equestrian and performing arts production created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil
Tickets start from 250 AED, on sale, Monday December 16, at midday.
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ae, selected Virgin Megastores,
or by calling 800 TM UAE (800 86 823)
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority announced today that Cavalia at Qasr al Hosn will make its Middle Eastern debut at Qasr al Hosn Festival 2014. Cavalia at Qasr al Hosn, an innovative multi-disciplinary production created by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil, will be performed in a series of shows from February 22 to March 1, 2014. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, 16 December at midday.
Enjoyed by over 4 million people across North America, Europe and Australia, Cavalia is a lavish production involving 41 magnificent horses and featuring 36 riders, aerialists, acrobats, performers and musicians from all over the world. A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the equestrian arts and the strong relationship between humans and horses.
Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “We’re delighted that Cavalia at Qasr al Hosn will be performing in Abu Dhabi as part of the wider Qasr al Hosn Festival activities, especially as equestrian art is intrinsic to Emirati culture and tradition. With this show, TCA Abu Dhabi continues to bring quality events to the capital for people to enjoy, while also promoting the rich heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi.”
The show has been specially adapted to reflect elements of the UAE culture and is the first show of its kind to be performed in the region.
Normand Latourelle, Founder and Artistic Director, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Cavalia to Abu Dhabi. The show is a vivid celebration of the equestrian arts, and combined with performing arts and special effects, it’s unlike anything anyone has ever seen. It’s also particularly nice to be taking Cavalia to a part of the world where horses have played a fundamental role in the country’s culture and history.”
“The show has been tailored to reflect the intricacies of Qasr al Hosn and the broader Emirati culture. We have done a lot of research, and have made many changes to the set, costumes and music to reflect Emirati traditions. I think people will simply fall in love with this unique theatrical production,” he added.
In Cavalia, horses perform together with the many artists in front of a constantly changing digital background projected onto a 60 metre-wide screen, drawing spectators into dream-like virtual environments. Unlike traditional horse shows, Cavalia’s audience face a single 50 metre-wide stage which allows the horses space to gallop at full speed, at times running completely free, unfettered by bridles or halters.
Starring 11 different equestrian breeds including Arabian, Pure Spanish and Miniature Horses, Cavalia takes place under a white, 2,440-square-metre big top, rising some 35 metres high that gives the horses an ample playground to perform with their trainers and artists. The tone of the show, embraced by the entire company, is one of mutual respect, kindness, patience, and trust. Audiences have found Cavalia exhilarating in scope, yet touching in the compassion shown by both horse and human.
Cavalia at Qasr al Hosn will be featured at the Qasr al Hosn Festival, an annual celebration of the Qasr al Hosn fort, the symbolic birthplace of the capital and centuries of authentic Emirati culture and tradition. The festival is held under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, which conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi.
For more information about Cavalia, visit www.cavalia.net.
For more information about the Qasr al Hosn Festival 2014, please visit www.QasrAlHosnFestival.ae.
ENDS
TICKET INFORMATION
Please refer to the attached Ticketing Info table.
CAVALIA FACTS:
- Cavalia’s horses are from France, Spain, Portugal, Canada, the United States, Australia and the Netherlands.
- The smallest horse, called Troubador, is 8 hands tall. He is a 15-year-old Miniature stallion.
- The tallest equine star, Merlin, is 18 hands tall. He is a 6-year-old Percheron.
- The four-legged stars have access to 5 spacious showers in their spacious stables.
- 2,500 tons of sand and dirt (100 truckloads) are required to build the stage for Cavalia.
- Setting up the Cavalia village – comprising the White Big Top, the VIP tent, the artistic tent, the practice tent and the stable tent – is a 10 day operation.
- During the course of one show, Cavalia’s artists wear up to 500 costumes and accessories.
About Cavalia Inc.: Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Cavalia Inc. is an entertainment company that specializes in the creation, production and touring of innovative shows for audiences of all ages. Founded by Normand Latourelle, the company has an expertise in equestrian and performing arts, and is known for making the most of cutting-edge technology, multimedia and special effects, which allows for the creation of magical, unique, never-before-seen theatrical experiences. Cavalia, seen by some 4 million people across North America, Europe and Australia since its 2003 debut, celebrates the relationship between humans and horses by loosely recounting the evolution of this bond. Odysseo, which premiered in 2011, takes the next step, leading viewers on a great journey where horses and humans, together, discover some of the planet’s most unforgettable landscapes. Follow Cavalia Inc.’s latest developments at www.twitter.com/cavalia or www.facebook.com/cavalia.
About Qasr al Hosn Festival:
Qasr al Hosn Festival is an annual event held on the grounds of Qasr al Hosn that celebrates the history of the fort and many centuries of Emirati culture and tradition. The main aim of the festival is to strengthen the appreciation of Emirati heritage and identity and to engage people in the ongoing restoration of the more than 250-year-old structure. The festival comprises a theatrical show, and a wide range of historically and culturally themed exhibitions, workshops demonstrations and activities. The UAE community and visitors will experience both the tangible and intangible heritage of the Emirate through a wide range of activities at the grounds of Qasr al Hosn. This will present the fort in historical context, putting Qasr al Hosn on the cultural map and into the cultural life of Abu Dhabi today. The festival will take place from February 20 to March 1 2014.