Wow: Back to the future in 'Kaleido'

By Xu Wei | June 22, 2010, Tuesday |

Print Edition

THE sequel to long-running extravaganza "Era" is "Kaleido," another multimedia spectacular about the infinite possibilities of China's future. It debuts in August. Xu Wei reports.

The future has always inspired artists in film, television and stage.

The connection between present and future is the key to "Kaleido," a sequel to the multimedia spectacular "Era - Intersection of Time," connecting past and present China.

"Kaleido" will debut in August at the newly renovated Shanghai Great World entertainment center, providing another multimedia spectacular - this one a back-to-the-future adventure.

Eric Villeneuve, a veteran Canadian artist and choreographer, directs the show. He also directed "Era" and the cultural gala of APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in Vancouver in 1997.

"If 'Era' connects China's glorious past with the present day, 'Kaleido' is our attempt to showcase local people's imaginations and expectations of the future," Villeneuve says.

He calls Shanghai a perfect platform for presenting this creative, magical and illusionist show.

"Kaleido," from kaleidoscope, refers to countless possibilities people can imagine about the future. It's a journey through time, a visual narrative.

Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, modern dance, singing, extreme sports and many other Chinese elements will be combined with lights, smoke, mist and a water curtain.

Compared with "Era," the sequel features more interactive elements to engage the audience.

Spectators can undertake their own adventures with performers in a crystal cave and underwater world.

Its creative team includes lighting director Alain Lortie and music director Michel Cusson, who has created the scores for 16 films.

"Kaleido" will be performed daily and is expected to run for 10 years, giving everyone in Shanghai a chance to see it.

Since its debut in September 2005, the extravaganza "Era" has been staged more than 1,800 times, attracting 1.8 million people.

"Kaleido"

Date: late August (exact date not decided yet)

Venue: Shanghai Great World, 1 Xizang Rd S. (by Yan'an Rd M.)

Tickets: 80-580 yuan

Art and Culture

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Wow: Back to the future in 'Kaleido'

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