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Palestinian Hamza Darar who is competing in the final round of Arab Reading Challenge where selected 250 students from UAE schools eying top 10 contenders spot who will compete with regional Arab finalists for ultimate honors at the grand finale. Photo: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

Sharjah: Spectators, especially children, were left bewildered by circus artists who presented a show walking upside down, with their feet stuck to the roof, at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF).

After wowing audiences in famous theatres and a variety of circus shows, Kai Leclerc made their first appearance in the UAE in one of the festival’s many theatre production showcases this year.

Hundreds of visitors waited in anticipation to witness something they had never done before, staring in wonderment at a stage set-up that was completely inverted. The door, chairs, a table full of articles and other furniture had defied gravity, and raised the young spectators’ curiosity to a whole new level.

The two friendly characters of the production, Camilo and Clara, walked in casually — only that it wasn’t the floor but the stage ceiling that was underneath their feet.

The two played a game of badminton, poured each other beverages, and danced around in their inverted world with much ease.

“It’s magic! You don’t believe in magic?” exclaimed Clara when asked about the trick they used to be on the wrong side of gravity and hang from a ceiling for a 20-minute performance.

“The children are fantastic, and the energy in this theatre is infectious. We are really glad to have experienced Sharjah and its beautiful culture-loving people through this festival,” said professional clown and circus expert Camilo.

From ‘Smurfs Live Production’ to ‘Frozen The Magical Show’, SCRF 2017, which ended on Saturday, offered a plethora of fun, entertaining and educational live productions to choose from for visitors of all ages.