Latest news with #FrancoDragone
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Macau's House of Dancing Water returns with 3.7 million gallons of spectacle
Macau's biggest indoor spectacle is making a splash yet again, as it returns to City of Dreams after a nearly five-year hiatus. House of Dancing Water, which debuted in 2010, made waves regionally and beyond for its ambitious scope and scale that required a boundary-pushing 2,000-seat theatre for what was the world's largest permanent water-based show at the time. Advertisement Directed by Franco Dragone , the show was forced to shut down in 2020 due to Covid-19. After Dragone's death in 2022, his long-time collaborator, Giuliano Peparini, took up the mantle, working with veteran martial-arts choreographer Jaden He Jingde to relaunch the production. Now, the show goes on, with a fresh narrative, cutting-edge technology and a world-class 300-strong cast. The House of Dancing Water, Macau's biggest indoor spectacle, is back. Photo: The House of Dancing Water The story will be familiar to those who have visited previously: a brave stranger embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Aani, who is being held captive by the Dark Queen, with water serving as a recurring motif throughout the 80-minute run time. To balance the show's dramatic intensity, a new character, the Sailor, injects moments of comic relief. The purpose-built Dancing Water Theatre features a pool holding 3.7 million gallons of water, more than five times the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The venue has been refurbished to improve sightlines, accessibility and seating comfort, while technological enhancements allow for a more immersive experience, including a stage capable of transforming from a dry platform to a vast aquatic arena in under a minute. The show features a pool holding 3.7 million gallons of water, more than five times that of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Photo: The House of Dancing Water One of the show's most arresting moments is the revamped Golden Boat sequence. This set piece has been re-engineered with a state-of-the-art water-hydraulic system allowing the massive ship to glide across the water, in a spectacle that feels both grand and intimate. Complementing this is the Human Chandelier 2.0, an act in which acrobats perform gravity-defying manoeuvres on flying chandeliers, pushing the boundaries of physical artistry and technical precision.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
New House of Dancing Water in Macau is more Asian, says Cirque du Soleil's Jaden He Jingde
'A waterfront pavilion gets to enjoy the moonlight first.' This is a Chinese saying that explains how someone can benefit from being close to those with influence – and it more or less describes how Hong Kong resident Jaden He Jingde, a veteran martial arts director and Cirque du Soleil alum, landed in the reboot of House of Dancing Water in Macau. Originally directed by Franco Dragone , best known for his work with Cirque du Soleil, House of Dancing Water ran from 2010 until 2020, when Covid-19 restrictions forced the aquatic show to close down. Dragone died in 2022, but the show was revamped by his long-time collaborator Giuliano Peparini and reopened on May 7. 'I worked with Franco and Guiliano in [Las] Vegas,' says He. 'When the production company decided to incorporate more martial arts into the new House of Dancing Water, then they called me.' Jaden He Jingde performing on stage in Cirque du Soleil production Kà in Las Vegas. Photo: Jaden He Jingde
What's On
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
New experience to launch in place of Dubai Fountain during revamp
Something to keep us busy… The Dubai Fountain, one of the most popular attractions in the city, had its last dazzling dance on April 19, 2025. Located right in front of the Burj Khalifa and outside Dubai Mall, the attraction always drew in hundreds of thousands of people for its show. But as we all know by now, the fountain display will be closed for a revamp and planned maintenance for about five months. The attraction will surely be missed, but Emaar Malls Management (LLC) is not leaving tourists and residents high and dry. Instead, it is going to introduce a new concept to keep us busy. According to an official Emaar report, it will soon begin the installation of state-of-the-art digital screens across the promenade spanning 400 meters. The statement said, 'It is designed to animate the location with engaging visual content and help retailers maintain footfall during the fountain's closure.' Currently, the water from the Dubai Fountain space has been drained, leaving us a little bewildered. And we aren't exactly sure when the new digital screens will be installed, as more information has not been shared. But we are keeping our eyes open for any updates. When will the Dubai Fountain resume? The world's tallest performing fountain display will be closed for five months for an upgrade and planned maintenance. The upgrades are said to include more advanced technology being implemented, improved choreography, and enhanced sound and lighting systems. If you are missing the Dubai Fountain show, there's nothing currently on that can really compare, but for some solace, you can always visit the IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City, or if you love a performance, head to Le Perle – the jaw-dropping show by Franco Dragone, known for his productions of Le Rêve in Las Vegas and The House of Dancing Water in Macau. There's no 'fountain' as such, but there is plenty of splashing action. Images: Unsplash and supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
CairoScene
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
La Perle to Host Iftar & Aqua Show During Ramadan
Guests will enjoy a lavish Iftar buffet before witnessing the spectacular performance at La Perle's aqua theatre. Mar 04, 2025 La Perle, Dubai's first permanent show, is bringing a unique Ramadan experience with its 'Iftar & Show' event. Guests will enjoy a lavish Iftar buffet at Le Patio, Habtoor Palace, before witnessing the spectacular performance at La Perle's aqua theatre in Al Habtoor City. Created by the late Franco Dragone, a visionary director known for his work with Cirque du Soleil and The House of Dancing Water, La Perle is an aerial and aquatic spectacle performed by 65 world-class artists. The show merges acrobatics, special effects and immersive storytelling, drawing inspiration from Dubai's culture, past and future. Staged in a 1,300-seat custom-built theatre with a unique aqua-stage, the performance unfolds in a setting designed by Jean Rabasse, offering a 270-degree viewing experience with just 14 rows to ensure an intimate atmosphere. Tickets for the Ramadan event start at AED 454, with two showtimes available. Guests attending the 6:30 PM performance will have dinner at 8:00 PM, while those opting for the 9:00 PM show will dine at 7:00 PM. The Iftar buffet at Le Patio will feature an assortment of Middle Eastern dishes, including mezze, main courses, and desserts. VIP and Platinum ticket holders will have access to valet service and an exclusive lounge before the show. Additional dining options are also available at select Al Habtoor City restaurants, where a set three-course meal can be paired with the performance.
