A Return to Enchantment: “A Thousand Tales” Set to Captivate Dubai Once Again
In April 2025, the vibrant cultural landscape of Dubai is poised for a remarkable revival as the renowned contemporary ballet, A Thousand Tales, returns to the stage. Originally unveiled in 2023, this exquisite production, created by acclaimed choreographer Francesco Ventriglia and set to the evocative music of Alexey Shor, charmed audiences with its enchanting narrative and masterful choreography. The ballet made its groundbreaking debut in the United Arab Emirates, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic community.
The Soul of a Ballet Inspired by Childhood Classics
A Thousand Tales intertwines popular fairy tales that have defined childhoods across the globe, including timeless stories such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Aladdin, Puss in Boots, and The Three Musketeers. Each character emerges seamlessly throughout the performance, creating a rich tapestry that draws upon the nostalgia of these classics. The libretto, an original composition by Ventriglia himself, serves not merely as a script but as a framework for choreography that transports audiences into a whimsical dreamscape.
Following its initial success, Ventriglia is rejuvenating the production with a restaged version destined for the Dubai Opera on April 4th and 5th, 2025. Despite the inevitable evolution of any production, Ventriglia reassures audiences that he intends to maintain the essence of the original masterpiece. His commitment to preserving the core elements that resonated so profoundly with the audience signifies his deep respect for the work and its reception.
“I will respect the original production as much as I can,” Ventriglia expressed, reflecting on the acclaim that A Thousand Tales garnered during its first run. “The public loved it, and it was a great success, so I don’t want to change much. Of course, when you have different artists on stage, they will naturally bring their own expression to the work, so we will be making some adjustments, but no major changes!”
A Unique Experience Awaits in Dubai
As Ventriglia prepares for this performance, he expresses an enthusiasm for returning to Dubai, a city he describes as incredibly unique. His previous experience, while exhilarating, was filled with novelties that left him eager to revisit. “Last time, it was the first time, and I didn’t know what was what really. So this time, I want to actually enjoy the city as well and look around,” he shared candidly.
Moreover, this iteration of the ballet will feature the talented dancers of the Alberta Ballet, the company for which Ventriglia serves as Artistic Director. This tour represents a proud milestone, as it is the first time Alberta Ballet will perform in Dubai. “The dancers are so excited to be going to Dubai,” he added, sharing the palpable joy within the company as they prepare for this cross-cultural exchange.
Craftsmanship in Every Detail
The production is not only a marvel of choreography and musicality but also a visual feast, thanks to the stunning costumes designed by Roberta Guidi di Bagno and the innovative set designs complemented by Valerio Tiberi’s tailor-made stage lighting. These elements, synchronized with Shor’s evocative score, promise to create a mesmerizing atmosphere that will leave audiences entranced.
Ventriglia, reflecting on the process of crafting A Thousand Tales, emphasized the integral role of music in choreography. “Everything for A Thousand Tales started from the music,” he noted. His creative journey began with hours of immersion in Shor’s compositions, which he described as organic and perfectly suited for ballet. The music itself serves as the lifeblood of the choreography—a crucial element that fuels the artistic expression on stage.
“If you don’t have the right music, nothing happens,” he elaborated. For Ventriglia, music is not merely an accompaniment but the very essence that inspires movements and captures the narrative. “It’s like having a beautiful Porsche without fuel. If you don’t have the fuel in, the car doesn’t go, and for me, the music is my fuel.”
A Collaborative Effort to Celebrate Artistry
The production of A Thousand Tales is facilitated once again by SAMIT Event Group, a leading events company in the UAE with whom Ventriglia has previously collaborated. His gratitude for the opportunity to work with them again is palpable, as he acknowledges the importance of successful partnerships in bringing artistic ventures to life.
“A Thousand Tales” is shaping up to be a captivating reimagining of a ballet that has already enchanted audiences. With performances scheduled for the 4th and 5th of April 2025, the event promises not only to rekindle the magic but also to further solidify Dubai’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for high-caliber cultural productions.
Tickets for this extraordinary event can be purchased through the official website of Dubai Opera. As the countdown begins for this much-anticipated engagement, both audiences and performers look forward to another chapter in the captivating saga of A Thousand Tales.
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