Milan Olympics: Snowshow Steals Spotlight from Opening Ceremony

The Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan on Friday presented a grand spectacle, including a unique cauldron lighting and performances by top artists. However, the anticipated snow was notably absent from the main event. Instead, attendees seeking a winter atmosphere found it at a special edition of "Slava's Snowshow," a renowned production by Russian clown and artist Slava Polunin.

This theatrical show, which has enchanted audiences globally since 1993 with its paper snowstorms, is being presented at Milan's Teatro Strehler until February 22, the closing day of the Olympics. On opening night, the theater was packed, with many spectators opting for the subdued magic of Polunin's snow-filled performance over the Olympic ceremony's grandeur.

Polunin, 75, sees the Olympics as a platform to adapt his improvisational show, drawing atmosphere from the Games. His performance, devoid of spoken dialogue, transcends language barriers, echoing the universal spirit of the Olympics. The show blends humor and pathos, with clowns interacting with the audience and creating a dreamlike experience that evokes childhood memories for many, while also serving as a journey of self-discovery for Polunin.