‘Fantasm – 1001 Nights’ coming to Sydney

This March, an enchanting “magic carpet ride” of Scheherazade’s ancient tales about the adventures of Sinbad will be told in Sydney through Middle Eastern and contemporary folkloric dance. A one-off international spectacular called Fantasm – 1001 Nights will land at the Concourse, Chatswood on Saturday, March 9. 

The timeless tales of Scheherazade and the heroes of Arabian folklore come to life when more than 20 dancers – both international and local – dazzle Sydney in a variety of dance styles, set to a thrilling, original score by Paul Dinletir.
   
The electrifying show is the brainchild of Bellydance Evolution (BDE), founded in 2009 by renowned U.S. choreographer Jillina Carlano. 

BDE explores, celebrates and reimagines Middle Eastern dance for the 21st century, fusing bellydance with other popular and lesser-known dance forms to take audiences on a spectacular journey. BDE has performed to sold-out crowds in over 20 different countries. In Australia it’s co-produced by local performer and director Jrisi Jusakos.

“We are so excited to have this opportunity to return to Australia with our fourth production, Fantasm – 1001 Nights, this time adding even over-the-top staging, spectacular handmade theatrical costumes and the addition of new styles of dance,” Carlano said.  

Jusakos added that it was important for Australian audiences to experience a show like Fantasm, where the world of Bellydance meets Ballet and Contemporary dance. 

“It’s a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and excitement, highlighting multicultural Australia through dance,” Jusakos said.

Directed by Carlano, written by Lauren Boldt, with music composed by Paul Dinletir of audiomachine, Fantasm – 1001 Nights stars Margarita Kamjaka (Latvia) as Scherazade, Ruslan Kurlovic (Latvia) as King Shahryar, Kapua (USA, of Cirque de Soleil) as Sinbad and the Golden Slave, Jillina Carlano (USA) as The Icon of Wisdom and Savage Queen, Luna (Mexico) as The Icon of Creation, Shoshanna (USA) as Snake Queen and Jrisi Jusakos (Australia/Chile) as the Icon of Love. Virtuoso percussionist Khader Ahmad (Lebanon/Germany) is also part of the cast, which boasts another 16 dancers from across Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, New Zealand and USA – all selected by worldwide audition.

For more information, visit www.bellydanceevolution.com.au. View the Fantasm trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=naXAKX7Atv8.