The Global Village has upped the ante when it comes to entertainment this year. A raft of bespoke shows and street acts featuring artists from around the world has been lined up to regale visitors. The stage has also been revamped to enhance visual and sound effects.
“Forty international artists have been chosen from nearly 1,000 performers who auditioned for a role this year. They are a niche lot as we have been very picky while choosing them. As result, our shows are looking good and we have been receiving a lot of positive feedback,” said Global Village CEO Ahmad Hussain Bin Essa.
Eight young lucky Britons who made the cut tell XPRESS what their role means to them.
Kate Hurley, 26, Kent
Kate Hurley is a graduate from the Performers College in London and is a specialised jazz and tap dancer. This is her second season at the village. Hurley has twin roles as a mother and a pirate in the Arabian Nights-inspired play Dreams. “We (the artists) are like one big family and have a lot of fun together. Back home, the Global Village is a very well known brand and being part of it has given a boost to my job profile.”
Scott Bryant, 24, Cardiff
Fresh out of East 15 Acting School, London, Scott Bryant has landed the role of a street artist and you will find him doing a number of tricks as he entertains the crowd. “I am thrilled to bits. Back home, I had heard a lot about Dubai. To be given an opportunity like this early on in my career is great [this is Bryant’s first job]. I have specialised in immersive theatre and flash mobs.”
Shakara Brown, 22, Swansea
Shakara Brown plays the character of Beats in the GLOBO act, a bespoke show designed by the Global Village. A graduate from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), this is Brown’s first international job. “I have specialised in hip-hop and you will see me doing that a lot on stage. From the moment I landed in Dubai, I have been struck by the beauty of the city. Back home in Wales, it rains a lot and there are no skyscrapers, so I am overwhelmed by the city.”
Michael Naylor, 23, London
Michael Naylor claims he is a jack of all trades and master of none. But take a closer look and you’ll know he is good at everything he does. A graduate of the London Studio Centre, he has trained in a number of dance styles. “The Global Village has given me a lot of confidence. It is a great opportunity for young artists like me and a huge platform to showcase our talent. As an artist, when you see a smile on people’s faces, it is a big thrill and a huge achievement.”
Adam Barker, 27, Somerset
Adam Barker, a graduate from the University of Plymouth, is part of the street acts. “It is my first time at the Global Village. It’s a lot bigger than I expected it to be. This is a great opportunity for me as it makes my job profile stronger. I play different roles every day, but today I am a conductor and you will see me whizzing around in my electric cycle. My other acts are on the junk trunk, air wheel and Segway.”
Leanne Rathore, 28, Hampshire
Leanne Rathore plays ‘Smarty’ in the GLOBO act, a bespoke show. She is the clever one with all the answers. A graduate from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), Rathore has specialised in contemporary dance and modern jazz. She has visited Dubai before as part of other events. “It is my first time in the Global Village, however.”
Georgina Bradshaw, 22, Derbyshire
Georgina Bradshaw plays the lead in Dreams. She landed her first job in Global Village after graduating in dance from the Creative Academy in London. “When I read my contract – I could not believe my eyes. To travel abroad and be part of an amazing cultural festival like this is truly a blessing. My speciality is jazz and commercial dance. Beyonce is my favourite artist and I love to sing once in a while.”
Jonathan Grundy, 23, Surrey
Jonathan Grundy is an aerial acrobatic dancer and plays a pirate in Dreams. A graduate of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Grundy has been working as a performance artist since he was 16. “This is my first big contract. For me the Global Village is not just about prancing around on stage, but a great opportunity to build a strong career profile. Working abroad can be a great learning experience and I’m loving every bit so far.”
