The travelling troupe of artistes in the halls and lobbies is a popular feature of the Sharjah International Book Fair, and the 43rd edition does not disappoint. This year, children have been mesmerised by a globe that glides through the hall with an enchanting lady seated inside and waving at the curious onlookers.
She is the wise Mystic who beckons a chosen spectator to take a closer look at themselves on her magical handheld circus mirror, which transforms human features into curious shapes. Or she could choose another onlooker to open a jewellery box in her hand. Who knows what it will reveal? It could be an ancient scroll which has different proverbs about how we look at the world or see ourselves. Another lucky one shattered the huge mirror behind her in an amazing special effect.
The whole performance wows and amazes the crowd with its ethereal music, smoke coming out into the crowd with a theatrical performance by the lady in the globe. And as she leaves, a puff of smoke surrounds her hiding her from view and she glides away to the next audience.
SIBF 2024, which will run until November 17, has opened its doors to over 2,520 publishers from 112 countries, and is celebrating Morocco as the Guest of Honour. The 12-day cultural extravaganza, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, is themed ‘It Starts with a Book’, and has in store 1,357 activities for children and adults alike.