Despite what the weatherman says, winter is coming to Abu Dhabi. Caroline McEneaney chats to the star of Slava’s Snowshow.
Are you excited to arrive in Abu Dhabi?
Yes! Too excited.
Have you ever been here?
No, that’s why I’m so excited!
What do you want people to know about your show?
Nothing, because they have to come and see it – that’s the only way they can find out. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.
Can you give us a glimpse into the world that you create on stage?
Yes. The world that I create on stage is surreal, funny, colourful, buoyant and melancholic. And, put together, all these ingredients will wow the audience. It’s a world of wonder.
You usually live in a winter wonderland. How do you think you will deal with the heat?
I’ll just bring along a few penguins. Come to think of it, my partners on stage look funny and mysterious, and they resemble penguins when they are huddled together. I’ll just look at them and smile.
You often look sad. Is the show a sad one?
No, sadness is not the right word. It’s melancholy. Melancholy is a condition that encompasses disappointment and nostalgia, with great feelings of hope and inner happiness. That is what the show is about.
Have you altered the show at all for Abu Dhabi audiences or is it the same as the award-winning show from London?
It is the same right now, but when we take our first step on stage, that’s when we’ll begin our journey with the audience. We don’t know where that journey will take us and we won’t know where we’ll end up until the show closes.
What kind of stunts do you perform in the show?
We perform funny stunts; after all, I’m a clown! They are not dangerous.
Will young children enjoy the show or will they be frightened?
Children of different ages react differently to the show. It is enjoyable on many levels and we touch all conditions of human emotions, from joyfulness through to the deep and thoughtful. The show evokes a range of emotions and therefore a range of reactions.
What makes Slava’s Snowshow unique?
The show makes the show unique. It is extremely funny and beautifully visual. It has mind-blowing special effects and is extremely interactive on both physical and psychological levels. It changes with each performance so people can see a new show every night.
Catch Slava’s Snowshow at Adnec from April 17-19. Buy tickets at www.platinumlist.ae.
