An extraordinary production where breathtaking horsemanship, theatre, dance and cinematic storytelling come together in a spectacular live experience, arriving in Asia for the very first time this September.
For more than two decades, the European phenomenon has captivated audiences across the continent, drawing more than nine million spectators. This September, for the first time, the production ventures beyond Europe, with Hong Kong chosen as the only Asian stop on its international debut.
At Kai Tak Arena, CAVALLUNA – Gate to the Otherworld unfolds as an epic fantasy brought to life by 54 magnificent horses, world-class riders, dancers and performers. Original music, elaborate costumes, breathtaking choreography and striking stagecraft transform the arena into an immersive theatrical world where every scene is driven by movement, emotion and the extraordinary partnership between horse and rider.
Where horses become storytellers
At the heart of the production is Gate to the Otherworld, a coming-of-age story following Meerin, a young sorceress whose rare ability to bring her drawings to life leads her into an epic battle between light and darkness. Rather than relying on dialogue alone, the story is told through movement, music and an extraordinary partnership between horse and rider, where trust becomes as compelling as the narrative itself.
The real stars, however, are the horses. Eight breeds from across Europe appear throughout the performance, from elegant Portuguese Lusitanos and powerful Spanish Andalusians to striking Friesians, spirited Arabians and charming Mini Shetland ponies. Guiding them is an international cast of elite riders, including renowned equestrians Bartolo Messina, Kenzie Dysli and rising Italian star Rudj Bellini, whose performances showcase everything from daring trick riding to moments of extraordinary trust between horse and rider. As Official Equine Transport Partner, Cathay Cargo is operating a series of dedicated charter flights using its Boeing 747 aircraft to bring all 54 show horses safely from Europe to Hong Kong.
The artistry behind the spectacle
Some sequences showcase technical precision, including the famous Hungarian Post, where a rider stands astride two galloping horses while guiding several more. Others are almost meditative, with horses performing freely without reins or tack, responding only to the subtle movements and body language of their trainers.
Created by Emmy-nominated director, composer and writer Klaus Hillebrecht, CAVALLUNA has become one of Europe’s most celebrated family productions, praised as much for its artistry as its horsemanship. The show combines original music, theatrical staging and live performance.
The show’s arrival also marks an important cultural moment for Hong Kong. As the first city in Asia to host CAVALLUNA, Hong Kong joins more than 30 European destinations that have welcomed the production over the past 25 years. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the Exclusive Presenting Partner and Cultural Host of CAVALLUNA – a signature highlight of its Year of the Horse campaign, the limited run offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience a production that, until now, has never toured beyond Europe.
A theatrical masterpiece
With a running time of around two and a half hours (including 25 minutes of intermission), CAVALLUNA offers an immersive evening of live entertainment. Whether you’re fascinated by horses, appreciate large-scale theatre or simply enjoy discovering experiences unavailable anywhere else in Asia, CAVALLUNA promises an evening unlike anything currently on Hong Kong’s cultural calendar.
From spellbinding horsemanship to theatrical storytelling, CAVALLUNA is set to be one of Hong Kong’s standout live events this autumn. Catch the production at Kai Tak Arena on 8 and 10–13 September. Tickets start from HK$395 and are available through HK Ticketing and Ticketflap, with further information at cavalluna.com.
All images courtesy of CAVALLUNA.
