Polish National Opera on tour – details of the trip to Dubai
It is not the first time the Polish National Opera has been invited to perform in Dubai. In 2018, the Warsaw opera performed “Onegin” by Tchaikovsky and “Aida” by Verdi in the United Arab Emirates. “Aida” returns to Dubai Opera (on September 13, 14 and 15) to open the new artistic season, alongside “Giselle” from the Polish National Ballet (on stage September 18, 19, 20, and two performances on September 21).
Since the Dubai stage is smaller than the Warsaw one, the Polish National Opera had to adapt the set accordingly. It was also necessary to appropriate costumes to the cultural context, with additional fabric sewn onto the temple dancers’ dresses in “Aida” to cover the women’s shoulders and stomachs. The set elements and costumes were shipped by sea in huge containers. 9 out of 10 containers were loaded with “Aida” and only 1 with “Giselle”.
Over 300 cast and crew members in 8 transfer groups are traveling to Dubai. Two casts were hired for the main, demanding roles in ”Aida” (the title character, Amneris, Radames, Ramfis, Amonasro). The audience will see three cast sets from the Polish National Ballet in the classic “Giselle” (approximately 70 male and female dancers).
The opera in Dubai opened in 2016. Designed by Danish architect Janus Rostock, the building was modeled on a dhow – a traditional Arab boat. The stalls can accommodate 2,000 people. Dubai Opera does not have its own permanent artistic ensemble (impresario model), it hosts performers from all over the world.