DHAHRAN: On Thursday, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), hosted the opening of Circus 1903, a two-hour show that brings all the magic of a traditional circus to the Kingdom.

According to the company, the year 1903 was considered “the pinnacle of entertainment.” Animals and humans dazzled audiences with daring acts, rousing music and dazzling lights.

In 2024, animals are no longer part of the show. Still, the immersive experience took the audience on a spectacular journey of classic entertainment. The ringmaster, David Williamson, plucked young volunteers from the audience to assist with a slapstick comedy act that made for some endearing moments and there was, of course, plenty of juggling, dancing and gravity-defying stunts.

There may be no actual animals, but master designers from the UK-based Significant Object have crafted life-sized elephants that three puppeteers worked together to harmoniously move alongside the humans in the act.

The charismatic ringmaster told the audience: “There’s so much that is the heartbeat of any great circus … when you watch that circus performer underneath the spotlight for those few minutes, what you’re actually seeing is a lifetime of dedication to the art form that has been passed down over the generations.

“Countless hours and years of practice and rehearsal and training create a piece of circus art that may last only a few fleeting moments under the big spotlight, but will live forever in your memory.”

Brought to Ithra by the producers of what is billed as the world’s bestselling magic show “The Illusionists” and the award-winning puppeteers of “War Horse,” the performances are transporting Saudi audiences to a magical space.

“These performers have traveled from the far corners of the globe to bring you daring feats of bravery, breathtaking acrobatics, and mesmerizing acts which promise to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages,” Ithra’s official statement reads.

The circus runs until Sept. 13, with no show on Sept. 8, two shows on Sept. 10, 12 and 13 and a single evening show on Sept. 9 and 11. Tickets are priced from SR100 ($26) and there is a 20-percent discount for those with Ithra’s art and premium membership cards.

It is worth noting that the Ithra Theater can be chilly, so it is recommended that visitors bring a sweater or blanket. No flash photography is allowed, to ensure the safety of those on stage. 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the occasion of his country’s independence day on Saturday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king wished Lula health and happiness, and the government and people of Brazil steady progress and prosperity, SPA added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable of congratulations to Lula.

The Independence Day of Brazil, commonly called Sete de Setembro, is a national holiday observed in Brazil and celebrates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822.