- Title: Beirut cultural festival opens in giant dome
- Date: 19th May 2016
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DIRECTOR AND CREATOR OF THE SHOW, DANIEL GEORR, SAYING: "The show took more than one year of preparation, on the technical side the show is being projected in 360 degrees. In the middle of the stage we re-built the clock, on it the 3d mapping is done and we put 16 projectors, they make it possible for people to see all around them. The production is enormous, with Guy Manoukian and more than 100 musicians."
- Embargoed: 3rd June 2016 12:39
- Keywords: Lebanon Beirut culture festival show 3d mapping artists
- Location: BEIRUT, LEBANON
- City: BEIRUT, LEBANON
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA0034IH14YD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Beirut Cultural Festivals, a series of events showcasing Lebanon's arts, culture and history, kicked off on Tuesday (May 17) with a 3D audio visual production held in a giant dome.
The story of Beirut's history, from ancient times until the modern day, was told through projections of graphics in the white half sphere structure, which was also a host to live musical performances.
Daniel Georr, the director of the show, said the production was a huge technical undertaking.
"The show took more than one year of preparation, on the technical side the show is being projected in 360 degrees. In the middle of the stage we re-built the clock, on it the 3d mapping is done and we put 16 projectors, they make it possible for people to see all around them. The production is enormous, with Guy Manoukian and more than 100 musicians," he said.
Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer Guy Manoukian, whose music combines an Arabic sound with modern dance beats, is among the well known names involved in the festival.
Many politicians and celebrities attended the opening night of the festival to show their support for the event.
Prime Minister Tammam Salam said the festival was a joyful occasion amid some difficult times for the country.
"When Beirut rejoices and dances, Lebanon dances and rejoices. Today this festival that is being launched for the first time, God willing it will be successful, God willing it will lead to gathering together Beirut's people, bring Lebanese around good times in spite of all the difficulties that this country is passing through," he said.
Beirut residents who attended the opening said they were impressed by the quality and scale of the event.
"In reality this is something beautiful for Beirut, the city of Beirut after this sadness that it has lived through, it is nice that there is a Festival of this scope, and this show with Guy Manoukian was really great, they deserve our congratulations," said businessman Mounir Zaatari.
"The show is superb, we are proud to have festivals again in Beirut, this is the first one. The show's level is really high, what happened inside was like a dream, we hope that they do this every year and we hope that Beirut stays the same so every year they do this and more," said attendee Dana Sinno.
The Beirut Cultural Festivals runs until Sunday May 22nd, when it will conclude with a 'motor sports village' including karting and motorbikes and the city's first F1 show.
The festival also features concerts by popular singers Ragheb Alama and Nancy Ajram. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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