A unique theatrical show featuring 41 horses, 36 performers and a giant video screen has arrived in Dubai after a hugely successful stint in Abu Dhabi.

Created by the masterminds behind Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia sees horses interacting with dancers, aerialists, acrobats and musicians in front of a huge 60 metre wide screen that shows an ever changing backdrop to tell a dramatic story. This combination of animal, human, music and technology is the first show of its kind to come to the UAE and was part of the annual Qasr al Hosn Festival in February.

The show, which has already played in North America, Europe and Australia to great acclaim, is the brainchild of Cirque du Soleil’s co-founder Normand Latourelle.

“Cavalia is a vivid celebration of the equestrian arts, and combined with performing arts and special effects, it’s unlike anything anyone has ever seen,” he said. “It’s 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 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 fall in love with this unique theatrical production.”

Cavalia features 11 different breeds of horse including Arabian, pure Spanish and miniature horses and explores the relationship between horse and human that has been cultivated over many centuries.

The action takes place under a circus-style big top 35 metres high. The stage is 50 metres long, which enables the horses to gallop, often without riders.

Look out War Horse – there’s a new four-legged equine star treading the boards.

March 20-29
White Big Top to Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. from Dhs250 ticketmaster.ae