Al Ghurair Centre Embarks on Street Theatre Campaign

World-class acts to transform Al Ghurair Centre into urban theatre landscape

Dubai, October 29, 2013: The world's best street theatre artists are performing for free in Dubai to celebrate Al Ghurair Centre's retail expansion launch.

Circus acrobats from Colombia, street musicians from America, jugglers and magicians from all over the globe are just some of those taking part in the action-packed calendar of performances which will carry on until the end of the year.

Al Ghurair Centre, which is the city's oldest mall, has lined the malls avenues with street theatre acts, as well as transforming many of their open spaces with indoor and outdoor stages hosting the various acts, performances which can be enjoyed for free.

David Thurling, Vice President Malls at Al Ghurair Properties, said: "You go anywhere in the UAE and people's shopping experiences are usually very similar.

“That's because there is very little to choose between the malls, whether that's the food court or the retailers.

"We aren't the biggest mall, but we have real soul and that's our strength. We are right at the heart of a bustling, vibrant, urban community where people walk in right off the street. We give them an authentic, memorable experience that fits with who we are. 

"It was a natural step to choose some of the best urban street artists and performers from around the world to entertain our visitors."

From the schedule, Circolombia is a must-see act and are on the main indoor stage in the Central Atrium. The breathtaking urban circus from Colombia has performed in the UK, Australia, France, Germany and Belgium and combines street dance with Banquine, a technique which involves two people launching a third into the air to perform death-defying acrobatics and aerial stunts.

Troupe leader, Maritza Melo Zambrano, said: "The feedback we had from the first audience was fantastic.

"The act looks dangerous because we are thrown very high in the air and is something that takes years of practice.”

The outdoor stage showcases the talents of the Alliance Boys, a three piece percussion band from the US whose drums include dustbins, street signs and cooking pans.

Lead drummer, Vince Romanell, is from Nashville, Tennessee, and said: "It's awesome to come and work here. We are having a great time with the crowd and in the city itself. I have been to the UAE a few times and it gets better each time.  

"We think it's great what Al Ghurair Centre is doing and we are proud to be a part of it. We are just happy to make as many people as possible enjoy themselves."

The calendar

October 1st: Official opening of the Al Ghurair Centre expansion

October 1st – December 31st:  Street Artist Programme

October 13th to 16th: Emir Corbo – Juggler/Close-up Magician

October 17th – 28th: Alliance Boys street drummers

October 16th – November 2nd:  Circ Colombia Urban Circus main event performance

October 31st – November 30th: Battle of the Bands

November 14th – 16th: James More Magician main event performance

November 29th – December 2nd: Emir Corbo – Juggler/Close-up Magician

December 5th – 7th: Dubai Drums

December 17th – 23rd:  Voca People choir main event performance

December 18th – 21st: Emir Corbo – Juggler/Close-up Magician

December 25th to 28th: Emir Corbo – Juggler/Close-up Magician

December 26th – 28th: Dubai Drums