Dralion — a show appealing to city’s diverse audience

Doha’s beauty lies in its diversity. Although only 1.9mn people live here, they come from all over the world. But this diversity also poses a unique challenge. How does one provide entertainment to such a wide ranging group that brings cultures and traditions from every corner of the world?The ongoing Cirque du Soleil production, Dralion, at the Aspire Dome is one such perfect choice made by the Qatar Tourism Authority that meets the challenge of appealing to all audiences. It is a truly international performance that brings together elements from the East and the West together in music, dance, costumes, set design and the themes.This appeal of the show was also reflected in the audiences that came to see the performances last Thursday. Although there were quite a few empty seats in the huge Aspire Dome arena where the show is being held, hundreds of people attended the performance.Vinod from Mumbai brought his entire family of two kids and wife to the show. “We really enjoyed the show,” he said.Shaun from the UK said he brought his girlfriend to the show because his friends had told him about this aerial dance that portrays a love story. “We were really moved by that performance,” he said.He was referring to the ‘Aerial Pas de deux’ part of the show which is a languorous aerial dance. A couple, intertwined, flies over the stage in a long band of blue cloth. Within the cloth, they perform various acrobatic figures that demand great feats of strength and flexibility.Another aerial ballet that received a thunderous applause was by an artist who was suspended from a hoop high above the stage. She captured the passion and energy of the character’s signature element, “fire,” in an evocative choreography that saw her spinning at incredible speeds. The Crossed Wheel artist who performed the character ‘Kala’ was also popular. He represented the heart of the wheel that signified time and the infinite cycle of life. The live music that accompanied his performance was marvelous. The set design of Dralion is also most unique. It features a metallic wall that spans the full length of the stage. Six giant claws attached to the structure allow artists to climb and suspend themselves from the wall.The music and dance sequences of Dralion draw elements from the East and the West. While some musical scores had the Indian classical notes Dha Dhin Dhin Dha fused with synthesized percussion beats, some elements of the Kathak dance were also employed by the character of Oceane, the Goddess of Water.The remaining show schedule is Monday at 7pm; Thursday at 6pm and 9:30pm; Friday at 4pm and 7:30pm; and Saturday  at 4pm and 7:30pm.Tickets are priced from QR250 (Bronze) to QR2,000 (VVIP). They can be bought either online (www.cirquedusoleil.com) or from the Jaidah Automotive-Chevrolet Khalifa showroom.