The Qasr al Hosn Fort is one of the most emblematic sites linked to UAE history and heritage. What was once a simple watchtower to guard a precious water source in the 18th century is now a place to honour and celebrate the people and culture of Abu Dhabi. Very much in the spirit of the fort, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has organised a festival to run from February 28 until March 9. The event will consist of numerous shows, talks, activities and performances, all brought together to breathe life into The Story of a Fort, Legacy of a Nation. Part of the festival will include a series of 90-minute shows which will employ breathtaking dancing, acrobatics and more by local and international performers. We spoke to Nick Levitt, executive producer, and Franco Dragone, creative director, both of whom have been associated with legendary celebrations and performances around the world.
Did you face any particular challenges in putting together the festival programme?
Franco Dragone: In any production, understanding the culture of the audience is incredibly important.
From costumes to choreography, lighting to narration, every single aspect of this show must be, and has been, specifically designed to accurately represent the rich culture of Abu Dhabi. One of the many things that make this show so special is that on the one hand, the performance has been adapted to artistically tell Abu Dhabi’s historic journey. Yet on the other, this performance is anything but exclusive. This show belongs to the audience and regardless of what part of the world one comes from, all will leave the show tent feeling proud of Abu Dhabi’s achievements.
Nick Levitt: The preparation ahead of this project was particularly important given our responsibility to accurately reflect Emirati culture. As Franco said, the music, the dancing, the plot, the costumes, the prose and
the entire performance in general, has been adapted in way that best speaks to the culture of the audience and will most effectively evoke a sense of national pride.
In terms of the programme, what do you think will be the highlight of this event?
FD: It is difficult to pick out a single highlight but what I can say is that the consistent theme running through all of my productions is the art of surprise. Whether this will be a highlight on the night will simply be down to those sitting in the seats!
NL: The shows will boast a cast of top international performers, state of the art equipment, an enormous purpose built tent, as well as one of the most highly respected show makers in history at the helm. To pick out one highlight in what will be a spectacular showcase is a task too difficult for me!
This show will incorporate some Emirati performers alongside expatriate ones; were there any obstacles in making everyone work in harmony?
FD: What you have to remember is that international show makers have diverse casts for a reason. The best producers are acutely aware of the significance of a project and in turn, will try to source the finest cast possible to realise their artistic vision. Having a local presence in our cast and crew is of course important and quite the opposite of being an obstacle. This diversity is one of the key factors that ensures this outstanding showcase will be a success.
NL: I have been fortunate enough to create shows that have been performed right across the globe and I actively look to work with a diverse cast. The advantages of diversity are endless; during daily rehearsals we see how the experiences of different cultures, personalities and nationalities mesh together in a way that improves the final product.
Although this is a show that will be commemorating Emirati history, it will also have a strong appeal to western audiences. Can you tell us how you plan to appeal to a wider audience?
FD: In reality, appealing to Western audiences wasn’t that much of a challenge given the sheer interest in the subject matter lying at the heart of this show. Abu Dhabi’s story is a fascinating one which has already captured the interest of the entire world. We’re creating a show that is essentially an extension of Abu Dhabi’s impressive rise to prominence on the world stage and we are all confident here on site that this show will astound all, regardless of geographical origin.
NL: One of the great things about working with show makers such as Franco is that no matter the subject matter, the end result will be exquisite. With this in mind, the appeal of a truly excellent piece of work knows no bounds and having been on this project from day one, The Story of a Fort, Legacy of a Nation is precisely that.
To learn more about the upcoming festival or buy tickets, visit www.QasrAlHosnFestival.ae.
