Sharjah Fringe, the largest arts and entertainment festival of its kind in the emirate, has announced some of the shows to be staged at Al Noor Island during the 17-day art and entertainment extravaganza from 16 January to 1 February, 2020.
Al Noor Island is one of four destinations where the performances that include theatre, music, puppetry, magic, dance and interactive street shows will be held as part of Sharjah Fringe, presented by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
The festival will bring Ireland’s Fidget Feet Dance Company’sHatch, an aerial dance performance staged amongst the trees on the island. It is a unique blend of music, comedy, theatre, contemporary and aerial dance, about two little caterpillars and their journey to fly as moths and butterflies. Hatch weaves craft workshops, Irish language and Irish dancing into this wonderful story for 4 to 10-year-olds and their families.
In Maxwell the Bubbleologist, Graham Maxwell fuses science and art together seamlessly to create a sensory experience for the audience by putting tornadoes, cubes, bubbles, people and even fire inside bubbles! The audience will get to participate in this show that was voted the ‘The Best Show’ at the South African National Arts Festival by the audience.
There will be more bubble fun with Pop the Bubble Man, that even puts children inside bubbles for loads of fun for the kids.
Brendon Peel’s magic and illusion show Hocus Pocus will include mentalism and mind reading routines as well as more traditional magic tricks.
South African authors Danielle Bischoff and Rob van Vuuren, will read from their books, Florence and Watson and the Sugarbush Mouse and Florence and Watson present the Great Pangolin Mystery, telling African stories with the help of beautiful beaded animal masks, songs and more.
Jamie MacDowell presents a musical interlude of original songs on guitar, in OurKid. The Australian singer-songwriter also prides himself as a story-teller so families can along to enjoy some gentle tales and songs from down-under.
Other acts will include Golden Fairy from Denmark that will enchant with beautifully interactive, hypnotic and heartwarming performances; while The Travelling Artist from Scotland captures caricatures and portraits or passers-by, finding the beauty and the funny characteristics of the human face and what’s hidden behind it.
Mahmoud Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director of Operation for Central and Eastern Region, said: “We chose Al Noor Island as one of the venues for the Sharjah Fringe Festival as it is an ideal destination for families, children, and young adults. It has the right ambience to enjoy some of the family-friendly performances that are a part of the Sharjah Fringe and will be an added attraction for visitors as the price of the shows is included in the regular ticket.”
He added: “While some shows will be held in a seated area at the island, others will involve a tour around the gardens. This was planned in order to provide audiences a lively experience during their time on the picturesque Island.”
Tickets to Al Noor Island will be the same price as they are year-round, and can be bought at the entrance to the Island and at the box offices located in Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Qasba. Discounted ticket prices are available for children, students (with an ID card), and over 60’s, for some shows. Children under the age of two do not require a ticket.
The Box offices are open from Saturday to Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Queries and telephonic bookings can be made by calling: +971 6 556 0777.
The full programme of Sharjah Fringe shows is available on the festival’s website: www.sharjahfringe.com.
Promising the best of family entertainment and children’s theatre, Sharjah Fringe will unfold with 35 ticketed productions and 30 outdoor street performances that are free and open to all members of the public. The shows will be performed by more than 50 artists hailing from across the world.