The 2024 Paris Summer Paralympics Opening Ceremony is set to make a profound statement on Wednesday, transforming the iconic Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde into a vibrant stage for change.
Creative director Thomas Jolly has ambitious plans to challenge and reshape societal views on disabilities through a stunning artistic display. \"When we cut off the heads of the king and queen here, it changed society once. Maybe this ceremony will be the second time we change society,\" Jolly remarked, drawing a parallel between historical upheaval and the transformative potential of the event.
Under the sweltering Parisian sun on Monday, a diverse group of 100 dancers, including 20 performers with disabilities, gathered for a final rehearsal. The performance area, marked by the ancient Luxor Obelisk, serves as the perfect backdrop for this grand open arena, blending historical significance with modern innovation.
Swedish director Alexander Ekman has crafted a rhythmic spectacle where dance takes center stage, celebrating all body types through the universal language of movement. Dancers will utilize crutches, wheelchairs, and adapted tricycles, interacting seamlessly with pulsating beats to create a dynamic and inclusive performance.
The musical landscape of the ceremony is being shaped by Victor Le Masne, who composed the full score for the Paris Olympics. On the eve of rehearsals, Le Masne shared a sneak peek of the track \"Sportography,\" which blends organic sporting sounds with drum rhythms. This composition aims to capture the essence of athleticism by incorporating elements like the screeching of shoes and the hard breathing of athletes.
As the world watches, the Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony promises not only to entertain but also to inspire and provoke meaningful conversations about inclusion and the diverse abilities that contribute to our global community.
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2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony aims to change views of disabilities
cgtn.com
