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. />  

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