Android Opera rehearsals at Expo 2020 Dubai — in pictures

  • Keiichiro Shibuya, creator of the Android Opera, joins rehearsals. The robotic performers were due to make their debut in a show called 'Mirror' at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 2. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Keiichiro Shibuya, creator of the Android Opera, joins rehearsals. The robotic performers were due to make their debut in a show called 'Mirror' at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 2. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Organised by the Japanese pavilion, the Dubai show will be the world premiere of 'Mirror'.
    Organised by the Japanese pavilion, the Dubai show will be the world premiere of 'Mirror'.
  • Performers hone their skills ahead of the show's debut.
    Performers hone their skills ahead of the show's debut.
  • 'Mirror' offers a fusion between man and machine, technology and spirituality, the future and tradition.
    'Mirror' offers a fusion between man and machine, technology and spirituality, the future and tradition.
  • Creator Keiichiro Shibuya at the rehearsal.
    Creator Keiichiro Shibuya at the rehearsal.
  • The Android Opera concert will take place at the Jubilee Stage.
    The Android Opera concert will take place at the Jubilee Stage.
  • A member of the National Symphony Orchestra at the rehearsals.
    A member of the National Symphony Orchestra at the rehearsals.
  • Musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra will take part in 'Mirror'.
    Musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra will take part in 'Mirror'.
  • An android which will take part in the performance at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    An android which will take part in the performance at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Android Opera creator Keiichiro Shibuya with one of his robot performers.
    Android Opera creator Keiichiro Shibuya with one of his robot performers.