• 'The National' was given exclusive access behind the scenes to the Expo 2020 Dubai show 'Why? The Musical' by Oscar-winner AR Rahman and Bafta-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    'The National' was given exclusive access behind the scenes to the Expo 2020 Dubai show 'Why? The Musical' by Oscar-winner AR Rahman and Bafta-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • 'Why? The Musical' has been staged four times a week at Expo 2020's Al Wasl Plaza since January 20.
    'Why? The Musical' has been staged four times a week at Expo 2020's Al Wasl Plaza since January 20.
  • The show stars Australian theatre actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi as the leads.
    The show stars Australian theatre actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi as the leads.
  • The 45-minute show in English features more than 100 performers as well as stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen.
    The 45-minute show in English features more than 100 performers as well as stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen.
  • Performers apply make-up backstage minutes before the show.
    Performers apply make-up backstage minutes before the show.
  • The show's four-day-a-week run was extended to five days a week in February.
    The show's four-day-a-week run was extended to five days a week in February.
  • Performers relaxing before the show begins at Al Wasl Plaza.
    Performers relaxing before the show begins at Al Wasl Plaza.
  • 'Why? The Musical' tells the story of a young girl who sets off on a journey of discovery, accompanied by a wise old man.
    'Why? The Musical' tells the story of a young girl who sets off on a journey of discovery, accompanied by a wise old man.
  • The show teaches audiences about empathy towards the planet and inspires them to create a cleaner, safer and healthier world.
    The show teaches audiences about empathy towards the planet and inspires them to create a cleaner, safer and healthier world.
  • Performers rehearse before the show.
    Performers rehearse before the show.
  • More than 100 performers and dancers are part of the show.
    More than 100 performers and dancers are part of the show.
  • 'Why? The Musical' also features eight original compositions by Oscar-winner AR Rahman.
    'Why? The Musical' also features eight original compositions by Oscar-winner AR Rahman.
  • A performer is being assisted by a colleague before the show begins.
    A performer is being assisted by a colleague before the show begins.
  • A Cyr wheel performer practices his moves.
    A Cyr wheel performer practices his moves.
  • 'Why? The Musical' director Shekhar Kapur is best known to international audiences as the director of the 1998 Oscar-nominated film 'Elizabeth', starring Cate Blanchett.
    'Why? The Musical' director Shekhar Kapur is best known to international audiences as the director of the 1998 Oscar-nominated film 'Elizabeth', starring Cate Blanchett.
  • Costumes being readied for the performance.
    Costumes being readied for the performance.
  • Director Shekhar Kapur describes the show as 'an anthem to our planet, to our Mother Earth'.
    Director Shekhar Kapur describes the show as 'an anthem to our planet, to our Mother Earth'.
  • Director Kapur says the musical celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
    Director Kapur says the musical celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
  • A dancer stretches before the show.
    A dancer stretches before the show.
  • Balloons being inflated before the start of the show.
    Balloons being inflated before the start of the show.
  • 'Why? The Musical' runs five days a week at Al Wasl Plaza.
    'Why? The Musical' runs five days a week at Al Wasl Plaza.
  • The 100 performers featured in 'Why? The Musical' come from different countries.
    The 100 performers featured in 'Why? The Musical' come from different countries.
  • Performers stretching before they take the stage.
    Performers stretching before they take the stage.
  • Dancers stretch and relax before the show begins.
    Dancers stretch and relax before the show begins.
  • Performers wait for their turn to go on stage.
    Performers wait for their turn to go on stage.
  • Performers line up backstage moments before the show begins.
    Performers line up backstage moments before the show begins.

Culture

On Stage

Exclusive behind-the-scenes look at 'Why? The Musical' at Expo 2020 Dubai

The weekly show, created especially for the world's fair, has extended its run

David Tusing

February 25, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Since January 20, visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai have been treated every weekend to Why? The Musical, created especially for the world's fair by Oscar-winner AR Rahman and Bafta-winning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

Starring Australian theatre actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi as the leads, the 45-minute show features more than 100 performers as well as stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen and Expo 2020's centrepiece.

Earlier this month, the show's four-days-a-week run was extended to five days a week. While initially set to end on Sunday, organisers have extended the show, which will now be performed until Saturday, March 5.

On Thursday, The National was given exclusive backstage access to the show, and witnessed performers preparing moments before the curtains went up at Al Wasl Plaza.

Scroll through the gallery above for behind-the-scenes pictures of Why? The Musical.

What's the musical about?

Indian actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi is one of the main stars of the show. Photo: Dubai Media Office
Indian actor and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi is one of the main stars of the show. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Why? The Musical tells the story of a young girl who sets off on a journey of discovery accompanied by a wise old man. Along the way, the pair will teach audiences about empathy towards the planet and inspire them to create a cleaner, safer and healthier world. It will "aim to stir visitors’ emotions and draw on a childhood thirst for knowledge," organisers said.

The show features eight original compositions by Rahman, who's been wowing Expo 2020 visitors with his all-woman Firdaus Orchestra. The lyrics of the songs have been written by Sohaila Kapur, Dana Dajani and Shivang. Oscar-winning audio mixer Resul Pookutty has designed the sound for the show.

“I feel blessed and honoured to be creating a musical spectacle in collaboration with Expo 2020 Dubai and AR Rahman. Why? The Musical celebrates diversity and inclusivity, as it takes audiences on a spectacular journey," said Kapur, who won a Bafta award for his 1998 film Elizabeth, when announcing the show in December.

He described the performance as "an anthem to our planet, to our Mother Earth".

When is the show on?

'Why? The Musical' features more than 100 performers and stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome. Photo: Dubai Media Office
'Why? The Musical' features more than 100 performers and stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Why? The Musical runs five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, at 8pm at Al Wasl Plaza. While Sunday was meant to be the last day of the show, additional performances have been added on for Tuesday to Thursday, March 1 to 3, and Saturday, March 5.

Updated: February 25, 2022, 12:15 PM
Expo 2020 DubaiOn StageMusicDubai