Performers line up backstage moments before the show begins.
'The National' was given exclusive access behind the scenes to the Expo 2020 Dubai show 'Why? The Musical' by Oscar-winner AR Rahman and Bafta-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
'Why? The Musical' has been staged four times a week at Expo 2020's Al Wasl Plaza since January 20.
The show stars Australian theatre actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi as the leads.
The 45-minute show in English features more than 100 performers as well as stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen.
Performers apply make-up backstage minutes before the show.
The show's four-day-a-week run was extended to five days a week in February.
Performers relaxing before the show begins at Al Wasl Plaza.
'Why? The Musical' tells the story of a young girl who sets off on a journey of discovery, accompanied by a wise old man.
The show teaches audiences about empathy towards the planet and inspires them to create a cleaner, safer and healthier world.
Performers rehearse before the show.
More than 100 performers and dancers are part of the show.
'Why? The Musical' also features eight original compositions by Oscar-winner AR Rahman.
A performer is being assisted by a colleague before the show begins.
A Cyr wheel performer practices his moves.
'Why? The Musical' director Shekhar Kapur is best known to international audiences as the director of the 1998 Oscar-nominated film 'Elizabeth', starring Cate Blanchett.
Costumes being readied for the performance.
Director Shekhar Kapur describes the show as 'an anthem to our planet, to our Mother Earth'.
Director Kapur says the musical celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
A dancer stretches before the show.
Balloons being inflated before the start of the show.
'Why? The Musical' runs five days a week at Al Wasl Plaza.
The 100 performers featured in 'Why? The Musical' come from different countries.
Performers stretching before they take the stage.
Dancers stretch and relax before the show begins.
Performers wait for their turn to go on stage.
Performers line up backstage moments before the show begins.
'The National' was given exclusive access behind the scenes to the Expo 2020 Dubai show 'Why? The Musical' by Oscar-winner AR Rahman and Bafta-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
'Why? The Musical' has been staged four times a week at Expo 2020's Al Wasl Plaza since January 20.
The show stars Australian theatre actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi as the leads.
The 45-minute show in English features more than 100 performers as well as stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen.
Performers apply make-up backstage minutes before the show.
The show's four-day-a-week run was extended to five days a week in February.
Performers relaxing before the show begins at Al Wasl Plaza.
'Why? The Musical' tells the story of a young girl who sets off on a journey of discovery, accompanied by a wise old man.
The show teaches audiences about empathy towards the planet and inspires them to create a cleaner, safer and healthier world.
Performers rehearse before the show.
More than 100 performers and dancers are part of the show.
'Why? The Musical' also features eight original compositions by Oscar-winner AR Rahman.
A performer is being assisted by a colleague before the show begins.
A Cyr wheel performer practices his moves.
'Why? The Musical' director Shekhar Kapur is best known to international audiences as the director of the 1998 Oscar-nominated film 'Elizabeth', starring Cate Blanchett.
Costumes being readied for the performance.
Director Shekhar Kapur describes the show as 'an anthem to our planet, to our Mother Earth'.
Director Kapur says the musical celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
A dancer stretches before the show.
Balloons being inflated before the start of the show.
'Why? The Musical' runs five days a week at Al Wasl Plaza.
The 100 performers featured in 'Why? The Musical' come from different countries.
Performers stretching before they take the stage.
Dancers stretch and relax before the show begins.
Performers wait for their turn to go on stage.
Performers line up backstage moments before the show begins.
