Over the last few weeks a giant white tent has appeared on Perth’s skyline, nestled between Crown Casino and Belmont Park race course, its medieval looking spires have risen in preparation for the horse filled show Cavalia arriving.
“It’s the biggest touring in show in the world and the biggest touring tent, so it does tend to look like a giant castle, especially at night, that’s part of the magic of Cavalia as soon as you step onto the site you are transported to somewhere else,” said Eric Paquette the show’s Director of Publicity.
The show features 45 horses and was created by one of the co-founders of Cirque Du Soleil. Cavalia began its Australian tour in March playing extended seasons in each Australian city and is now bringing the show to Perth.
Paquette reveals that the horse used in the show’s posters is not a painting but actually a photograph of a real horse who was one of the first to be part of the show. The distinctive grey horse (with a mane that looks like it was styled by Maurice Meade) was famous for its incredibly long mane that nearly touched the floor.
“It’s the perfect combination of the equestrian showman ship and the acrobatic world,” is how Paquette describes the show. “It’s a really nice way to look at the relationship between the horse and people.”
Creating a show with many animals is very challenging, Paquette admits that the horses don’t always do what is expected, but laughs and says that it is this element of unpredictability which makes the show interesting.
Cavalia is on from December 5-29, get tickets from cavalia.com.au
Image: Pascal Ratthe
