Al Ghurair Centre’s Dazzling Dub Fest-19th to 28th March 2015

What comes to your mind at the mention of Shopping Malls? Shopping obviously! It’s time to ditch those stereotypical thoughts. On 19th March, 2015 Buzzingtales was invited to the press preview of a 10 days of scintillating 'International street theater and comedy fair’ - Dub Fest- unfolding right at the heart of Al Ghurair Center. The world class acts and festive ambience coupled with the wonderful weather charmed and mesmerized the visitors.

 

The Al Ghurair Centre’s Dub Fest International Street Theatre and Comedy fair is a free 10 day event showcasing the talents of over 35 international acts from over 17 different countries. 

From 19th to 28th March, artists such as fire-eaters, crystal ball jugglers, acrobat clowns and outlandish comedians will perform on the inner streets of Al Ghurair Centre in Deira, whilst for the first time a live circus school will take place in the Central Atrium.

Mr.David Thurling the VP of Al Ghurair Center stated that the mall is among the oldest shopping centers in Dubai. In the recent times it has been facing competition from newer and bigger malls. He was unpretentious about the fact that like most malls Al Ghurair Center wants a steady stream of customers. However he emphasized that Al Ghurair Center also strives to provide an enriching and complete shopping experience for its customer. They do not want to remain tagged as just concrete structures of opulence but rather endeavor to make Al Ghurair Center a great cultural hub, with vibrant street arts, performances and interactive acts that engage & entertain people. Through the conscious effort to integrate mall cultures with elevating cultural encounter Al Ghurair Centre also wants to attract more tourists to Dubai.

The Al Ghurair Centre secured the rights to host the event last year, having previously been held at Marina Mall. Over 500,000 people attended the Street Con Festival held last year as Al Ghurair Centre became known for its series of urban streetscape events focusing on music and art.

 

A brand new element is also being introduced to this year’s street theatre event. Al Ghurair Centre’s Dub Fest will welcome a circus workshop with eight dedicated stations including a tight wire, walking globe, trapeze, aerial ring, rola bola, stilts, unicycle and pedal go. There are additional areas for soft play, plate spinning and more. Experienced trainers will teach children all their favorite circus acts daily between 3pm and 9pm on the weekdays and 2pm – 9pm at the weekends.

Buzzingtales got to preview a few stupendous and thrilling acts. We rolled on the floor laughing at the grand fiesta with Paul Morocco & Ole. The madcap trio mixed ingenious slapstick mariachi guitar playing & wildfire comedy to stir up an entertaining act.

Thelmo Parole’s emotive act, groovy moves, comic timing and childlike yet provocative humor blew us away.  The Dutchmen are the true rolling stones of street performance. Their immaculate freewheeling stunts, fantastic effortless juggling, stunning unicycle tricks topped with unabashed comedy just left the audience asking for more.

Doctor Bucketman a musician, drummer, composer, artist and creator conjures a show with universal appeal that presents an approach to the world of rhythm and drumming from an original and totally different perspective.

Spandy Andy left everyone bewildered with his zany dance moves, quirky personality and vibrant spandex outfits. Boombox on his shoulders; blasting party music, Spandy Andy loves to celebrate life.

The Checkerboard Guy deftly manipulates clubs, balls, axes, machetes, and stinky shoes, while riding a giraffe unicycle, or making balloon origami, David Aiken, aka The Checkerboard Guy, will make you question the laws of physics. The playful nature of his show is one part inspired insanity, one part interactive game, one part skillful demonstration, and 100% infectious fun.

Victor Rubilar isn’t just another regular performer. He is a true international football freestyle star. With 18 international awards under his belt, 5 Guinness World Records and shows in 52 countries, he will not only entertain you but he will also amaze you with jaw-dropping world-class tricks.

So get ready to be dazzled!!!