Emirati superhero takes to the stage

Dubai: An all-emirate production starring the first UAE comic book hero will be staged in Dubai this Thursday.

The unique 4D theatrical show, Ajaaj 2020, portrays the literary epic of a mysterious sandstorm, Ajaaj, that makes an appearance when the people of the land face danger.

The show is launched by Watani, the creator and producer of Ajaaj: 2020 as part of its plan to build an international legend based on the local Emirati superhero.

Ahmad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General, Watani Programme, explained that the team behind the legend of Ajaaj carried out a long and extensive series of workshops and exercises to develop the character from its current comic book format to bring it live on stage.

High-tech

"Since the launch of the first comic book entitled Ajaaj, we have been busy exploring the various forms of production that will help us raise the profile and values of our superhero. We worked very closely with a number of veterans to create a world-class intellectual property strongly based on our cultural values and our national identity and at the same time, enable it to stand up to competition," said Al Mansoori.

He added that the team has done a tremendous job bringing a unique mix of technology and special effects including audio, video, mechanical and tactile to show the superpowers of Ajaaj on stage, in addition to very high-tech graphics to represent Dubai in its futuristic look and feel in 2020.

Directing Ajaaj: 2020 is Trevor Nicholls who has been involved in a number of international productions brought to the stages of Dubai over the last few years including co-writing and directing Aladdin at the Madinat Theatre and The Adventures of Sinbad at The Dubai Community Theatre.

Nick Chapman, who assisted with the production of several international world class shows such as Cirque Du Soleil, Mama Mia, Chicago, Blues Brothers and Stomp, said: "I am very proud to be working with such a groundbreaking theatrical show which involves a state-of-the-art flying system that allows people and props to fly across the stage. The show also incorporates computer graphics with live actors creating this illusive effect that will captivate the audience's senses. The costumes and props are all made in the UAE with a standard that can easily compete with that of Hollywood."

Ajaaj: 2020 will play for a total of 18 performances at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre at the Mall of the Emirates; daily show timings are 4pm for the English version and 7pm for the Arabic version from August 14 to 22.

Mysterious force of nature

Ajaaj literally means "a sandstorm."

The Emirati superhero is portrayed as a mysterious sandstorm that makes an appearance when the people of the land face danger.

He is a force of nature that comes out of the sand and hence Ajaaj symbolises the roots of UAE culture, with a focus on the land.

Ajaaj was launched in 2007. Following its roaring success, Watani, which aims to promote local culture and heritage among youngsters, is launching it as a theatrical show to promote the local legend to the league of an international superhero.

Will you watch the theatrical show? What do you think about the UAE's first comic book hero? What other comic book heroes do you like and why? Share your thoughts with us.