Al Shindagah

14 | Al Shindagah | Issue 137 ell us about the story of La Perle and how you came up with the storyline? The characters we have created are inspired by traditional tales. They take us on a whirlwind of adventures: The Prince of Pearls, a young fisherwoman, the Museum of Ancestors, a giant puppet – all are elements of a story which bring us to a universe, loyal to the spirit of Dubai, but also to a universe where all spectators and artists can face their own emotions. These are the characteristics to the show that we have designed. The story itself is built up gradually through rehearsals - it is like a birth; the finished accomplishment always comes out right at the end. How long did it take to rehearse your vision to ensure it was perfected? Developing a show takes a lot of time – especially when it comes to a show of this magnitude. It is very important that my teams and I immerse ourselves in the genius of Dubai, experience the culture of the country that has welcomed us and then try to translate our perceptions into images and movements, which convey these emotions. Only after this, comes the technique, conception of the theatre, casting and finally rehearsals. For La Perle, the entire time of development, constructions and realisation has certainly been more than four years. The project may have crystallised around the construction of the theatre in 2014, but by 2013, during my first contact with Al Habtoor Group while I was working on A Story of a Fort, in Abu Dhabi, the project had begun as I had discovered the fascinating culture of the Arabian Peninsula. What influences from the region, specifically the UAE and Dubai, are reflected with the show? I like to say that Dubai is the Samarkand of the 21st century because this city is a laboratory of technologies situated at the crossroad of traditions. One can confront the depth of the desert, lose themselves in the dizzying universe of the malls, be absorbed by the crown or find oneself. It is a land of contrasts, nourished by its past and full of life looking towards the future. I am carried away by this permanent coexistence of motion, speed, space, desert and freedom. I hope the show will accurately reflect the feeling of being swept away, of always being at the confluence of seemingly opposing elements that T FEATURE INTERVIEW La Perle is the latest show created by the highly-acclaimed artistic director Franco Dragone – the creative genius behind the Las Vegas smash hit La Rêve, Macau’s House of Dancing Water and Paris Merveilles at the Lido in the French capital. Joanna Andrews went to find out more about what is being dubbed as ‘Dubai’s unmissable live performance masterpiece’ from the man himself.