ABU DHABI, Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the 2018 edition of Abu Dhabi Festival’s ‘Festival in the Park’ continued on Friday, 23 March with workshops, film screenings and eclectic live performances in the relaxed setting of Umm Al Emarat Park. Two pioneering Arab musicians took to the stage to transform the park with pieces that married the contemporary and the traditional.
The evening’s headline programme commenced with the second session of an in-depth Bollywood workshop hosted by prolific choreographer Gilles Chuyen, bringing Indian exuberance and flair to the ‘Festival in the Park’ stage. This was followed by multimedia artist Zahed Sultan staged his latest work ‘Hiwar’, a dynamic and innovative audio-visual piece that builds on traditional pearl diving music with interpretive dance, live percussive instruments and chorus singing entwined with contemporary arrangements for piano and cello. Egypt’s marimba queen Nesma Abdel Aziz and her group closed the second evening with their spirited fusion of contemporary and classical music.
Throughout the day, visitors also browsed a selection of traditional wares by local artisans, and witnessed a beautiful mural installation come to life through a special painting by children with autism.
‘Festival in the Park’ continues today with a special performance honouring the legendary Kuwaiti comedic icon, Abdulhussain Abdulredha. Performed by some of the country’s emerging creative talent as a culmination of the UAE Theatre Circle training programme, the unique piece is inspired by the iconic and beloved works of the late comic.
Running until 31st March 2018, Abu Dhabi Festival brings a line-up of globally renowned names to the capital.
Compa??a Nacional de Danza will make their Arab World Debut with Don Quixote � a ballet that tells of love and passion, with an exceptional Spanish flair – at the conclusion of the 15th Abu Dhabi Festival.
Source: Emirates News Agency