We Celebrated 52 Years of Union With An Invitation To The World
Official 52nd Union Day Celebrations – National Projects Office
BRIEF
Telling a nation’s story through an immersive theatrical experience.
The 52nd Union Day coincided with the UAE’s hosting of COP28, so we were asked to create a celebration that wove sustainability into the Emirati story in a way that resonated with an international audience and the Emirati public.
APPROACH
A changing country embracing a sustainable future while cherishing its past.
While the core narrative was around Emirati history and culture, the focus was on international collaboration, with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals at the story’s heart, and a blend of artistry and technical audacity to bring it all to life.
EXPERIENCE
In the Round
Our immersive theatre featured 17 room sets that revolved around a 763-strong audience. A full rotation covered almost a quarter of a kilometre.
Weaving the Story
Artist and designer Es Devlin used Al Sadu – the traditional weaving technique – to symbolise the creation of a fabric made from multiple threads, with three generations of Sadu weavers telling the story.
The Sound of Unity
The experience was soundtracked by live musicians – London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Emirati virtuosos playing a specially composed pieces together.
Dancing on Air
The show included a mass choreographed segment by Sadeck Berrabah and a piece that told the story through acrobatic dance form, culminating in a remarkable dance between the young Sadu weaver and a huge robotic arm.
