Creating a Unique Show on a Private Island in the Maldives
Welcome to my blog about creating one of my regular projects is a New Year’s Eve show on a private island in the Maldives. This exclusive show is organized and produced by the international show & event production agency One2remember Events, based in Ukraine, who invite me each year to take the director’s seat and create a memorable show for their esteemed client. This marks the fourth show I’ve been entrusted to direct, and each experience brings challenges and rewards. In this case, the concept originated from the project’s creative producer, while my role was to bring this vision to life on stage.
Creating a successful show requires considering every detail: the unique location, the audience category, the event format, and countless other factors. My past experiences reminded me to balance creativity with practicality, keeping resource-intensive ideas in check to stay within the project's and team’s capacities.
The journey to make this show happen was long and demanding. Our team members were spread across Europe, with many working remotely under challenging conditions, especially as much of the team was based in Ukraine during a war.
Despite these challenges, our united and professional team delivered a show that was engaging, light-hearted, and enjoyable, with just a hint of holiday magic. It was a pleasure to see the audience immerse themselves in our story, following the characters with genuine interest. We employed a wide range of directorial techniques to tailor the performance to a diverse audience, and it paid off. The audience was thrilled, and I gained yet another invaluable experience in show creation.
Creating a successful show on a private island requires adaptability, a clear understanding of the unique Maldives audience, and effective teamwork across borders. This experience has solidified my belief in the power of creative collaboration, even in the most challenging of times.
All Show Production Details in a Dropdown Menu
To make navigating the full scope of our show production easier, we’ve organized every detail into a dropdown menu. Here, you’ll find sections covering each phase of the project, from concept development to on-site execution. Explore elements like Costume Design, Stage Setup, Lighting and Video Design, Rehearsals, and more, all laid out in a clear, accessible format. This structure provides a comprehensive overview of the creative and technical journey, showcasing the meticulous planning and teamwork that brought our vision to life on stage.
PROJECT SCOPE
Objective
Design and produce a captivating New Year's Eve dinner show from concept to completion, tailored for a family audience of 250 guests.
Location
An exclusive indoor tennis court on a private island in the Maldives provides a unique and intimate setting.
Timeline
1 year of planning and preparation to ensure a seamless, unforgettable experience.
Setup Duration
1-week setup period to transform the venue into a magical space filled with immersive decor and engaging atmospheres.
Show Duration
2 hours of continuous entertainment, blending storytelling, performances, and interactive elements.
Format
A family-friendly dinner show that combines dining with a multi-sensory performance, designed to enchant guests of all ages.
Audience
An intimate, family-centered gathering, allowing all guests to be part of the story and experience a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration in the enchanting city of Velario.
CREATIVE CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
"Ticket to Fabulous": Bringing a City of Books to Life on Stage
The concept for our latest show, titled "Ticket to Fabulous," was proposed by the project’s creative producer. In this imaginative world, a city built entirely of books comes to life, with each book housing unique characters and stories.
The idea was sold to the client by the executive producer, and from there, my task as director was to envision and realize how this world would unfold on stage.
While the concept is crucial, the real work begins in transforming it into a live performance. This process is a kind of creative laboratory where we take an abstract idea and bring it to life through real characters, a developed storyline, detailed costumes, and thoughtful visual elements. Each choice—be it character design, costume, or set pieces—needs to reflect the magic of a city of books and engage the audience fully in this whimsical, immersive world.
Turning creative visions into reality is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a meticulous balance of imagination and practical solutions to ensure that every detail contributes to the larger narrative. This project exemplifies the journey from idea to live performance, blending creativity with strategic execution to create an unforgettable experience for the audience.
PRE-PRODUCTION
ShowProduction
Synopsis "Velaario"
Welcome to the enchanting city of Velario, where the charismatic Mayor invites guests and spectators to experience the magic of his extraordinary town. As the city bustles with pre-New Year excitement and holiday preparations, a crisis unfolds—the clock atop the main tower has stopped, threatening the arrival of the New Year.
The local watchmaker confirms the breakdown, sending the Mayor into a panic; without the clock’s countdown chimes, the New Year simply cannot begin. Determined to save the celebration, the Mayor and the watchmaker set off on a journey through Velario, gathering missing parts from the city’s fantastical inhabitants—each one a unique and colorful character in this whimsical world.
As the grand finale approaches, the clock is finally restored, the chimes ring out across the city, and the New Year is joyfully ushered in. The celebration is saved, and Velario comes alive with laughter, music, and magic as midnight strikes, bringing this unforgettable evening to a spectacular close
Location
An exclusive indoor tennis court on a private island in the Maldives provides a unique and intimate setting
Stage design
Bringing a Fantastical City of Books to Life on Stage
As I mentioned before, the core idea was built around a fantastical city of books as the main setting and visual concept. The key to this vision, in my opinion, was to preserve various levels and allow characters to emerge from all sorts of unexpected places and entrances. This layered design aimed to create the feeling that the city itself was alive, buzzing with energy and hidden stories waiting to unfold.
It was essential to craft a dynamic space where each character could appear from different levels, doorways, and hidden spots, giving the audience a sense of immersion in a vibrant, ever-evolving cityscape. The challenge lay in translating this multi-dimensional concept into a tangible, interactive stage experience, capturing the essence of a city bustling with life and fantasy.
Stage visualisation
Creating a Multi-Layered City of Books: Collaborative Stage Design and Technical Solutions
In close collaboration with the artistic and technical teams, we developed a stage design that preserved the core concept of a city made of books while enhancing its multi-level structure and varied layout. This approach allowed us to create a highly functional stage environment with numerous entry and exit points, additional platforms, and seamless integration of musicians. Musicians, who were tied to specific positions on stage, were incorporated thoughtfully, with the shortest backstage access routes to ensure smooth transitions.
At the heart of the stage stood the iconic clock tower in the main square—a classic yet instantly recognizable element that helped audiences quickly identify the setting. We took this clock beyond a mere visual centerpiece, using video design, performers, and choreography to bring it to life as an interactive element throughout the show.
The clock played a pivotal role in the show’s climax, where it became the centerpiece for a multimedia performance. This grand finale featured a blend of laser effects, video design, pyrotechnics, and immersive sound effects, creating a dynamic, multi-sensory experience that left a lasting impression on the audience.
This project highlights the power of collaborative stage design, where creativity and functionality merge to craft an engaging, multi-dimensional space that feels alive and captivating.
Costume design
Timeless Costume Design for the Show’s Characters
In designing and developing costumes for the show’s characters, our primary goal was to create a timeless look—iconic costumes that would resonate across all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Together with the costume designer, we sought to build a style that captures the essence of the characters in a way that feels universally relatable yet unique, blending classic forms with eccentric details to make each look unforgettable.
For the city’s inhabitants, we developed a cohesive aesthetic to portray them as a unified mass, subtly manipulated by the Mayor. Their costumes reflect a certain naivety, symbolizing their innocence and vulnerability, which the Mayor exploits to fuel his enjoyment of power. Through carefully selected elements, we brought this contrast to life, balancing individuality with a collective look to create a visually compelling dynamic on stage.
Props design
Enhancing the Characters and the Fantasy City with Unique Props
To amplify the characters and the overall atmosphere of our magical city, our team worked closely with prop designers and decorators to create captivating decorative elements. These custom props added depth and detail to our fictional world, emphasizing its whimsical and imaginative nature. Through these carefully crafted items, we enriched the visual storytelling, immersing the audience further into the enchanting setting we aimed to bring to life on stage.
Makeup design
Bold and Eccentric Makeup Design for Maximum Impact
In developing the makeup and looks for our performers, we focused on creating bold, eccentric styles to match the unique format and genre of the show. The makeup was designed to be vibrant and expressive, ensuring that emotions and character nuances were visible to every audience member, regardless of their distance from the stage. This approach allowed us to amplify the visual impact, bringing each character to life in a way that resonates with the show’s dynamic and immersive atmosphere.
Video content design
The Importance of Video Design in Creating an Immersive Show Experience
I placed particular emphasis on video design for this show, recognizing its vital role in shaping the audience’s experience. With the screen occupying nearly 50% of the visual field, it was crucial to integrate video elements thoughtfully, enhancing the overall stage picture without overwhelming it. The goal was to use video design as a dynamic tool to complement the visuals, adjust the mood, and control the rhythm of the show.
An additional creative challenge in this project was building compositions around a central element—the clock. The video content needed to seamlessly integrate into the circular clock face, incorporating interesting details and dynamic visuals within this unique frame. This approach required precise planning and coordination, ensuring each visual element aligned with the clock’s design, adding depth and continuity to the scene.
For this show, I developed several foundational scenarios for the screen, alongside a wide array of video content tailored to specific performances. We explored a variety of styles—from photorealistic footage to generative design—to create unique visual layers. Given that video design contributes significantly to the audience’s aesthetic enjoyment, I dedicated careful attention to its development, ensuring it was a cohesive and impactful part of the show’s visual storytelling.
Casting
"The Major" > Rudi Macaggi
Rudi Macaggi: The Acromedian – Circus Acrobat and Entertainer Extraordinaire
Rudi Macaggi, known as "The Acromedian," is a third-generation circus acrobat hailing from Italy. Born into a family of performers, Rudi traveled the world with them, performing with renowned circuses before arriving in the United States in 1982. His passion for acrobatics and desire to create a unique style led him to branch out from traditional circus acts to develop his distinctive path.
Rudi’s performances seamlessly blend acrobatics, comedy, fire acts, magic, and tap dance, creating an unforgettable experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. His expressive style and talent for engaging the public have earned him widespread recognition.
Moving to New York City to fulfill his dream of creating his show, Rudi met and fell in love with Lea McGowan, a ballerina who also came to NYC to pursue her artistic ambitions. Together, they have collaborated on innovative performances, combining Rudi’s acrobatic expertise with Lea’s elegance and grace.
Rudi Macaggi’s unique artistry delivers emotion, laughter, and poetic moments, captivating audiences worldwide with his memorable, multi-faceted performances.
"The watchmaker" > Alexander Leshenko
Ukrainian Choreographer and Visionary Performer
Oleksandr Leshchenko is a renowned Ukrainian choreographer and dancer whose journey in dance began at the age of 13 when he discovered his passion and talent for choreography. By 16, he was invited to become the lead choreographer for the Foresight Dance Theatre, a company founded by his future wife, Lina, dedicated to creating musical and circus shows.
Throughout his career, Oleksandr has earned acclaim, winning *Dancing with the Stars Ukraine* and *My Dance Ukraine*, and achieving second place in *So You Think You Can Dance Ukraine*. Recently, Oleksandr and Lina collaborated with Magic Innovations to create a groundbreaking 4D cube performance, merging technology and human expression to enhance their unique dance creations.
Together with Magic Innovations, Oleksandr Leshchenko aims to share the beauty and spirit of Ukraine with audiences worldwide through the power of art.
The citizens > "Foresight dance theatre"
The Foresight Dance Theatre, a modern ballet troupe, was created by the world-famous Ukrainian choreographer Aleksandr Leshchenko.
Over the past 15 years, they have worked with many companies and
performed in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Rihanna. Their shows include Sac Voyage, Snow Queen, Stolen Christmas, 80 Days Around the World, and Chipollino in Chicago.
"The citizens" > special performance > "Duo Nika"
Duo NiKa: Acrobatic Duo from Ukraine - World-Renowned Circus Performers
Niko and Katya, professionally known as **Duo NiKa**, are a celebrated **acrobatic duo from Ukraine**. Partners both on stage and in life, Duo NiKa’s journey began in 2008 when they met while working for a circus in Sweden—Nikolay as a skilled **trampoline artist** and Katya as a talented **aerial acrobat**. In 2010, they married, and by 2012, they created their first act together, blending their unique skills into a powerful duo performance.
Since then, Duo NiKa has traveled internationally, mesmerizing audiences with their **breathtaking circus acts**. Their signature performance, "Keeping Me Alive," is a **hand-to-hand Acro Duo act** that combines strength, artistry, and emotional storytelling. This act has been highly acclaimed by audiences worldwide, showcasing their dedication to circus arts and acrobatic excellence.
Duo NiKa’s **acrobatic performances** continue to captivate viewers across the globe, bringing a unique blend of love, trust, and technical skill to every stage they perform on.
"The citizens" > special performance > "The Inshi - people"
Pioneers of Circus, Dance, and Theater Fusion
The Inshi-People company specializes in creating performances that seamlessly blend circus, dance, and theater into a unique genre. With the development of their landmark production, DREAMS, Inshi-People defined their distinctive style, characterized by the use of modern stage technology that enhances each performer’s presence while telling a compelling story.
Their approach merges innovative visuals with immersive storytelling, setting a new standard in theatrical performances that captivate audiences. Through each production, Inshi-People continues to push the boundaries of creative expression, combining art forms in a way that is both visually stunning and deeply engaging.
"The citizens" > special performance > "Katrina Asfardi"
A Multi-Talented Artist in the World of Circus and Performing Arts
Katrina Asfardi is celebrated as one of the most versatile artists in the show industry, known for her mastery of both classical circus acts and original performances with unique props. Born in Riga, Katrina discovered her passion for dance and gymnastics at 12, soon immersing herself in various dance studios and gymnastics schools. She went on to represent Latvia as a member of the national Aesthetic Group Gymnastics (AGG) team.
After completing her studies at Riga’s Polish High School, Katrina pursued choreography and performing arts at the Latvian Music Academy, graduating as a professional choreographer. At 20, she fell in love with the circus arts, quickly developing an impressive array of acts that led to engagements in prestigious shows and events worldwide.
Katrina’s repertoire includes classic circus disciplines such as aerial silk, hoop, contortion, net, and pole dance, as well as specialty acts featuring distinctive apparatus. Her dedication to her craft and innovative performances have earned her acclaim as one of the finest multi-skilled performers in the industry.
"The citizens" > live music performance > "The Soul Brothers band"
Redefining Event Entertainment with High-Energy Performances
Formed by a group of talented artists and friends, The Soul Brothers was built on a vision to deliver dynamic, customizable concerts and shows for all types of events. Starting as a small, artist-run venture, they founded HT Global in 2014, pioneering the concept of fully choreographed bands in the entertainment industry.
With powerful vocals, electrifying choreography, and stylish suits, The Soul Brothers bring high energy and interaction to every stage. Their unique yet versatile performance style captivates audiences, blending a tailored setlist with a vast repertoire. From Motown and Soul classics to contemporary pop hits, 80’s favorites, and original medleys, their performances create unforgettable experiences for every audience.
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