Direct approach

Director Ivan Caracalla on the 2001 Nights show

The Caracalla Dance and Theatre troupe recently held its biggest show to date in Dubai in association with Media City. The show, entitled 2001 Nights, was staged in the Dubai Media City.

The extravanganza included the most talented actors, singers, dancers, composers and poets this part of the world has to offer. Rarely does one have the opportunity to watch a show which has something for all the family. Ivan Caracalla, the director of the show, spoke about the Caracalla concept and Dubai.

Karim Bassatne: How did it start?
Ivan Caracalla: The Caracalla dance theatre was founded in 1968 by Abdel-Halim Caracalla and has since had 12 productions. The latest production, 2001 Nights, was presented in Dubai first.

Why did you choose Dubai for the opening?
This show is inspired by Arabian Nights and made for Dubai as we had been given the opportunity to put on a production of this magnitude here.

Today Dubai is a reference point in the Arab world when it comes to culture, activities and tourism, and it has been incredibly helpful in providing all encouragement morally to put on this show to create a completely new theatre and stage for us. We have managed to create a city for a backdrop which is amazing.

What is the storyline?
The story, based on Arabian Nights 1001 Nights, is about the fight between good and evil and the morality of humans. In the production we have some major star singers led by Hoda Haddad and actors Antoine Kerbage and Elie Shoueir. There are 70 dancers and we have a crew of 150 backstage.

Is the show a musical?
This show is not just a musical and Arabic singing. It is also a ballet open to all who want to travel into the imagination world of the Arabian nights. Caracalla internationally is a dance style based on modern technique, but is unique with Middle Eastern fusion.