Achi news desk-
The world premiere of the show, called Cirque du Soleil Spirit, took place today, May 9 at the Macallan Estate as guests were invited to discover a “fantastic world” created by a cast assembled from the USA, the UK, China, Spain , Canada. , Finland, Malaysia, Cambodia and Africa.
Their talents, including hair hanging, tight wire, contortion, reed wheel, tight wire, juggling, ring diving, piping and flamenco dancing, are all used to tell the rich history of the Speyside.
Marie-Hélène Delage, creative director of Cirque du Soleil, said: “Cirque du Soleil Spirit is a spectacular collaboration based on mutual respect.
“Through a harmony that goes with nature and storytelling, we have established a collaboration that highlights the strengths of our two brands.
“With this invitation, we welcome guests to an unforgettable experience in the timeless beauty of the Macallan Estate.
“Together, we’ve written a story that celebrates the beauty, wonder and deep connection we all share with the natural world.”
The immersive experience, which takes guests on a “journey through sight, taste, smell and sound” tells the story of Davonna, a fierce spiritual guardian of the Scottish Highlands, and a young dyer named Ayla.
The daughter of a master whiskey maker, Ayla has striven for years to recreate an unobtrusive shade of red that reminds her of her father and the red chalk he would use in his work.
Davonna leads their venture deep into the kingdom’s majestic natural landscapes and through a series of encounters with extraordinary mythical figures along the way, which lead to a reconnection with nature.
The experience will now run from Monday to Saturday each week until Friday, May 31 with a limited number of tickets still available to buy from £200 per person.
Each ticket guarantees access to the sensory experience, one cocktail, one dram and the opportunity to visit The Macallan Bar.
Jaume Ferràs, creative director of The Macallan, said: “2024 marks an important year for The Macallan, celebrating our 200 Years Young mark.
“This collaboration brings together two iconic brands, both committed to constant innovation; resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience that is uniquely inspired by the Highlands and the history of our brand to date.
“Bridging the gap between the craft of whiskey making and the performing arts scene, creating an unforgettable experience that is deeply rooted in the nature that surrounds us at The Macallan, our rich history, and our vision bold for the future.
“We welcome guests from all over the world to our Estate for the launch of this spectacular experience, offering them the chance to experience a stunning performance and bespoke whiskey tasting experience, all unique to The Macallan.”
The rural landscape of the 485 acre Macallan Estate is said to offer a unique setting for the event which ‘supports its overarching narrative’.
The organizers of the event said: “Beyond the entertainment, the collaboration has an essential environmental message.
“It serves as a love letter to the sublime landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, emphasizing the need to reconnect with nature and foster a sense of wonder and responsibility towards protecting natural landscapes.”
Designed by internationally renowned architects and built in 2018, The Macallan Distillery is located within the Speyside estate.
During the Herald’s Scotland and Alcohol series earlier this year, it was reported that Scotland’s 70-plus whiskey visitor centres, including the Macallan Distillery, together became the country’s top visitor attraction in 2022 with two million people go through their doors.
Graeme Littlejohn, director of strategy and communications at the Scotch Whiskey Association, said: “Whisky is essential – it’s central – to the tourism offer in Scotland.
“Two out of three visitors to Scotland will go to the Scotch whiskey attraction, and that is the window through which many tourists from all over the world see Scotland.
“The Macallan, which is in its 200th anniversary, you notice the transformation of the Macallan estate – there’s a lot of different things going on there.
“The whole experience of a distillery tour is now much more inclusive.”
For more information on the Spirit of Macallan and Cirque du Soleil experience, click here.
