In The Wheel of Time
The House of Dancing Water - Davide Esposito

Directed by
GIULIANO PEPARINI

THE LEGENDARY DESTINY OF PRINCESS AANI

COLLECTOR'S SOUVENIR BOOK

LIMITED DIGITAL EDITION 2025

“I deeply believe that dreams are an invitation to explore the limitless possibilities that lie within and beyond. They illuminate our paths with hope and inspiration. They urge us to embrace our true selves and pursue our passions. As we close our eyes, we embark on journeys filled with magic and wonder. I realize that the impossible becomes possible and our imaginations take flight. So let us hold onto our dreams, nurturing them with love and belief.”

Lawrence Ho, Chairman
"Just as a jewel, House of Dancing Water illuminates the night at City of Dreams and will immerse you in a magical journey.

Whether it's groundbreaking technology, the fusion of art forms, or the fearless talent that defies imagination, House of Dancing Water is designed to surprise, delight, and inspire.

None of this would be possible without the dreamers and doers who brought this to life. Now, as we stand on the brink of something unforgettable, I invite you to let go of expectations. Open your senses. Lean into wonder. And allow yourself to be swept away by the magic created just for you."

Tim Kelly, Property President
"The performances I create transcend the boundaries of imagination and engage with the present. They narrate our era through allegories, inviting us to perceive differently and reflect, but never through a purely realistic lens. My shows offer a sensory experience where poetry intertwines with spectacle, leading us into enchantment. Beauty and contrast open doors to new horizons, creating a captivating journey for the audience.”

Giuliano Peparini, Artistic Director
“I deeply believe that dreams are an invitation to explore the limitless possibilities that lie within and beyond. They illuminate our paths with hope and inspiration. They urge us to embrace our true selves and pursue our passions. As we close our eyes, we embark on journeys filled with magic and wonder. I realize that the impossible becomes possible and our imaginations take flight. So let us hold onto our dreams, nurturing them with love and belief.”

Lawrence Ho, Chairman
"Just as a jewel, House of Dancing Water illuminates the night at City of Dreams and will immerse you in a magical journey.

Whether it's groundbreaking technology, the fusion of art forms, or the fearless talent that defies imagination, House of Dancing Water is designed to surprise, delight, and inspire.

None of this would be possible without the dreamers and doers who brought this to life. Now, as we stand on the brink of something unforgettable, I invite you to let go of expectations. Open your senses. Lean into wonder. And allow yourself to be swept away by the magic created just for you."

Tim Kelly, Property President
"The performances I create transcend the boundaries of imagination and engage with the present. They narrate our era through allegories, inviting us to perceive differently and reflect, but never through a purely realistic lens. My shows offer a sensory experience where poetry intertwines with spectacle, leading us into enchantment. Beauty and contrast open doors to new horizons, creating a captivating journey for the audience.”

Giuliano Peparini, Artistic Director

A King’s Honor

In the House of the Dancing Waters, wise King Jiànlong ruled peacefully, guarding the powerful Sword of Waters and nurturing harmony between nature and people.

King Jiànlong grieved Queen Qiànlín’s loss. His children, Aani and Zhong, brought comfort—Aani held a magical jewel, Zhong was heir to the sacred sword.

A Shadow on the Throne

At a royal ball, Lilith, pretending to be an exiled noble, charmed King Jiànlong and his children —secretly plotting to claim the powerful Sword of Waters.

When Waters Freeze

Amid autumn mist, their wedding dazzled the palace.  Guests admired Queen Lilith’s beauty — cold and distant — while whispers stirred, questioning the mystery behind her chilling gaze.

Lilith Weaves Her Web

Lilith’s mask vanished, revealing cruelty. She ruled through fear, weakened Jiànlong’s power, and tormented Aani endlessly, turning the once-harmonious palace into a place of suffering.

Fleeing injustice, Aani and Zhong found relief in the Enchanted Gardens. There, Aani discovered her hidden gift—communicating with water and commanding its flow.

The King’s Trap

Lilith deceived Jiànlong with a false invasion; assassins struck in the forest. Chaos followed. In secret, Aani vowed to restore truth and reclaim the sword.

From the Kingdom of Waves
to the Realm of Shadows

Lilith sought to destroy Zhong, unable to wield the sacred sword. Aani hid him with Sage Wabo, who placed him in a peaceful fishing village.

A Villain without Regret

Thief Salvador stole the sacred sword, unknowingly becoming a kingdom’s last hope. Hunted by Lilith, fate called him to heroism—and to make the waters dance.

In the House of the Dancing Waters, wise King Jiànlong ruled peacefully, guarding the powerful Sword of the Waters and nurturing harmony between nature and people.

King Jiànlong grieved Queen Qiànlín’s loss. His children, Aani and Zhong, brought comfort—Aani held a magical jewel, Zhong was heir to the sacred sword.

At a royal ball, Lilith, pretending as an exiled noble, charmed King Jiànlong and his children—secretly plotting to claim the powerful Sword of the Waters.

Lilith’s mask vanished, revealing cruelty. She ruled through fear, weakened Jiànlong’s power, and tormented Aani endlessly, turning the once-harmonious palace into a place of suffering.

Amid autumn mist, their wedding dazzled the palace. Guests admired Queen Lilith’s beauty—cold and distant—while whispers stirred, questioning the mystery behind her chilling gaze.

Fleeing injustice, Aani and Zhong found relief in the Enchanted Gardens. There, Aani discovered her hidden gift—communicating with water and commanding its flow.

Lilith deceived Jiànlong with a false invasion; assassins struck in the forest. Chaos followed. In secret, Aani vowed to restore truth and reclaim the sword.

Lilith sought to destroy Zhong, unable to wield the sacred sword. Aani hid him with Sage Wabo, who placed him in a peaceful fishing village.

Thief Salvador stole the sacred sword, unknowingly becoming a kingdom’s last hope. Hunted by Lilith, fate called him to heroism—and to make the waters dance.

Aani - The Princess
The Gracious Heart Before her mother passed away, she offered Aani a precious stone giving her the power to control and manipulate water. Known for her sweetness and pure heart, Aani remains kind and gentle despite a harsh childhood under the Dark Queen's care. Graceful, generous, and well-organized, she is deeply loved by those around her for her unwavering goodness.
Jean - The Stranger
Jean, a 30-year-old English teacher born in England, carries a deep love for the sea, inherited from his fisherman father. After losing his mother young, her stories sparked his passion for history and naval legends. A romantic at heart, Jean is drawn to travel, old maps, and the search for his soulmate. Guided by his father's words—love is in the sound of the water—he finds peace and purpose in the rhythm of the waves.
Salvador - The Sailor
Born on a ship and descended from generations of sailors, he feels out of place in the modern world. A seasoned thief with no loyalty or law, he relies on manipulation and lives by instinct. Impatient, impulsive, and fiercely solitary, he forms connections only to deceive—his skills as a pickpocket matched only by his wild, untamed nature.
Lilith - The Dark Queen
By marrying Aani's father, the Dark Queen became her stepmother—not out of love, but to drag the kingdom into darkness. Cruel, cold, and vain, she rules through tyranny and black magic. Obsessed with seizing Aani's powers and the king's water-controlling sword, she manipulates from the shadows, often sending her minion Iago to do her bidding. A master of perfidy and black magic,she will stop at nothing to claim ultimate power.
Iago - The Dark Queen's Henchman
Raised in the palace, Iago is the Dark Queen's tricky henchman, always loyal to whoever holds power. An opportunist at heart, he is a cowardly manipulator—bold with the weak, submissive to the strong. Constantly scheming for his own gain, he sows discord and deception, hiding behind the two masks of the commedia dell'arte he always carries.
Zhong - The Fisherman
Zhong is Aani's beloved brother. He has deep-rooted humanistic values. Zhong uses his martial arts mastery to protect the innocent, never to harm. Raised in a humble fishing village,he is unaware of his royal heritage.
Wabo - The Sage
Raised in the forests of Coloane, he learned to live in harmony with nature and knows every path in the kingdom. Wise and deeply connected to the land, he serves as a spiritual guide—playing a key role in helping Jean find his way, both through the kingdom and within himself.
The Sword of Waters
Before his death, the king disclosed the Dark Queen's betrayal and, to protect Aani and the kingdom, his spirit merged with his magical sword. Now a symbol of hope and renewal, the sword holds the power to revive the dead—but it can only be controlled by a pure heart. Desired by many, it remains the kkinlast light in the darkness.
The Blue Jade
A symbol of wisdom, strength, and tranquility, the blue jade stone glows with a deep, calming hue. Representing wealth, power, and excellence, it rests on Aani's chest from the beginning and will become a vital element in the unfolding story..
The Water
The magic and the power of the Dancing Waters can be defined as a mystical, ancient force that flows through the kingdom like a hidden heartbeat. The Dancing Waters hold the memory of the past and the promise of the future. Only a rare few, like Princess Aani, can hear the waters speak and command them—not through force, but through inner peace and understanding.
Aani - The Princess
Before her mother passed away, she offered Aani a precious stone giving her the power to control and manipulate water. Known for her sweetness and pure heart, Aani remains kind and gentle despite a harsh childhood under the Dark Queen's care. Graceful, generous, and well-organized, she is deeply loved by those around her for her unwavering goodness.
Jean - The Stranger
Jean, a 30-year-old English teacher born in England, carries a deep love for the sea, inherited from his fisherman father. After losing his mother young, her stories sparked his passion for history and naval legends. A romantic at heart, Jean is drawn to travel, old maps, and the search for his soulmate. Guided by his father's words—love is in the sound of the water—he finds peace and purpose in the rhythm of the waves.
Salvador - The Sailor
Born on a ship and descended from generations of sailors, he feels out of place in the modern world. A seasoned thief with no loyalty or law, he relies on manipulation and lives by instinct. Impatient, impulsive, and fiercely solitary, he forms connections only to deceive—his skills as a pickpocket matched only by his wild, untamed nature.
Lilith - The Dark Queen
By marrying Aani's father, the Dark Queen became her stepmother—not out of love, but to drag the kingdom into darkness. Cruel, cold, and vain, she rules through tyranny and black magic. Obsessed with seizing Aani's powers and the king's water-controlling sword, she manipulates from the shadows, often sending her minion Iago to do her bidding. A master of perfidy and black magic, she will stop at nothing to claim ultimate power.
Iago - The Dark Queen's Henchman
Raised in the palace, Iago is the Dark Queen's tricky henchman, always loyal to whoever holds power. An opportunist at heart, he is a cowardly manipulator—bold with the weak, submissive to the strong. Constantly scheming for his own gain, he sows discord and deception, hiding behind the two masks of the commedia dell'arte he always carries.
Zhong - The Fisherman
Zhong is Aani's beloved brother. He has deep-rooted humanistic values. Zhong uses his martial arts mastery to protect the innocent, never to harm. Raised in a humble fishing village, he is unaware of his royal heritage.
Wabo - The Sage
Raised in the forests of Coloane, he learned to live in harmony with nature and knows every path in the kingdom. Wise and deeply connected to the land, he serves as a spiritual guide—playing a key role in helping Jean find his way, both through the kingdom and within himself.
The Sword of Waters
Before his death, the king disclosed the Dark Queen's betrayal and, to protect Aani and the kingdom, his spirit merged with his magical sword. Now a symbol of hope and renewal, the sword holds the power to revive the dead—but it can only be controlled by a pure heart. Desired by many, it remains the kingdom's last light in the darkness.
The Blue Jade
A symbol of wisdom, strength, and tranquility, the blue jade stone glows with a deep, calming hue. Representing wealth, power, and excellence, it rests on Aani's chest from the beginning and will become a vital element in the unfolding story.
The Water
The magic and the power of the Dancing Waters can be defined as a mystical, ancient force that flows through the kingdom like a hidden heartbeat.

The Dancing Waters hold the memory of the past and the promise of the future. Only a rare few, like Princess Aani, can hear the waters speak and command them—not through force, but through inner peace and understanding.
Preshow
Salvador, a villain sailor fleeing the Dark Queen's guards, puts the powerful Sword of Waters in the hands of a stranger named Jean. In the chaos and struggle, both fall into the water.
City
From the calmness beneath the waves, a bamboo raft emerges. Zhong the Fisherman discovers the drifting bodies of Jean and Salvador, pulling them to safety. But Salvador grabs the sword and plunges into the depths below. The raft lurches—Jean and Zhong are cast into the sea!
Storm
A gigantic ship erupts from the depths. Jean, Salvador, and Zhong firmly hold on to three towering masts. The ship groans and begins to sink. As it descends into the depths, Jean and Zhong are pulled beneath the surface.
Encounter
Jean is breathless and in danger of life or death. Zhong the Fisherman rescues Jean and introduces Wabo the Sage and the gentle Giraffe. Salvador bursts from a suitcase, still chasing the sword. Suddenly, the Sword of the Waters rises from the sea. The fishermen regains possession of it but Salvador leans forward and disappears with the sword once again.

A luminous cage of water rises containing Princess Aani—graceful, the Heart of Water glowing gently at her chest. Her gaze finds Jean's and he is attracted to her. Jean reaches for the sword but thunder roars and the cage plunges into the deep and Aani slips away.
Queen's Castle
Jean and Salvador lay powerless, imprisoned in the obscure depths of the Dark Queen's secret dungeon. The Queen snatches the Sword of the Waters, savoring its magical power. She commands her sinister henchman, Iago, to begin the celebration.
Queen's Ball
The grand ball begins — skirts rise like chandeliers. At its center, a breathtaking Human Chandelier act floats and glows at its heart. Seizing the moment, Salvador leaps for the sword—but guards overwhelm him. Amid the chaos, Jean dives into the water to escape.
Magic Garden
Beneath the surface, Jean struggles in the dark. Zhong dives in, pulling him to air and light. With a profound melody whispered through his flute, Zhong summons a shimmering cage—within it, Princess Aani. Jean rushes forward and frees her. The moment her feet touch the earth, water dances around her, transforming the stage like magic into an enchanted garden. From a rooftop pagoda, a celestial figure rises,as nature awakens, celebrating Aani's return. Jean watches, heart full, certain he has saved his princess.
Attack Of The Pagoda
Like a crash of thunder, Iago bursts in, flanked by the Dark Queen's guards. Jean is cornered—outnumbered. Suddenly, Zhong's brothers charge into the fight. Chaos ignites. They fight fiercely to shield Jean and Aani, but amidst the confusion, the Queen's forces seize her once more. The pagoda begins to tremble, then sink. Jean vanishes with the structure into the depths below.
The Journey
Jean bursts from the water, gasping — his eyes discovering Aani, bound on Iago's boat. He surges forward, and climbs a towering bridge. But a guard strikes him down, and Aani drifts further into the distance. Jean lingers to the shore. Wabo awaits, pointing toward the fading silhouette of Aani. As Jean rises,the scenes and world shift. The Dark Queen's castle appears indistinctly once more.
The Torture
Jean, now imprisoned in the Queen's torture chamber, witnesses her true cruelty. She departs, leaving him among the shattered remains and relics of those she's already broken.
The Fight
Jean battles two guards — Zhong arrives, fighting fiercely at his side. They forcefully fight, back-to-back. Zhong escapes, but Jean is captured once more.
Losing Aani
The Queen orders Aani's cage to be submerged. Jean breaks free to save her, aided by Salvador. Despite their efforts, Aani is lost. Heartbroken, Jean hears Wabo's final call — to dive into time and hope.
To The Future City
Jean arrives in a futuristic harbor, led by Zhong through towering skyscrapers and shimmering neons in the dark. Hunted by the Queen's guards, he sees bound Aani, then escapes into the night on a stolen motorcycle.
Reunion In No Man's Land
In a desolate land, Jean meets a man with a small box — inside is Wabo. He invites Jean to look up to see countless visions of Aani dancing above in an aerial ballet. Overwhelmed, Jean sees Aani too far to reach and sinks beneath the water.
In Bed With Iago
Iago sleeps beside the sacred sword. Salvador sneaks in to steal it, but Iago awakens. As they struggle, water bursts erupt, flooding the room. Salvador is lucky to escape with the sword.
War
Iago opens the gates to reveal the Queen's army, ready for war. A battle erupts. But as Jean, Zhong and his brothers respond to fight, Jean falls.

Aani, in an act of love, sacrifices the Heart of Water to save him, then collapses. As the Queen attacks, Zhong wields the sword and unleashes its power to stop her.
Love & Coronation
The Queen is captured and caged at last. Zhong uses the sword to revive Aani. The kingdom bows to her, but Aani chooses love over power, sinking into the water, hand in hand, with Jean.
Preshow
Salvador, a villain sailor fleeing the Dark Queen's guards, puts the powerful Sword of Waters in the hands of a stranger named Jean. In the chaos and struggle, both fall into the water.
City
From the calmness beneath the waves, a bamboo raft emerges. Zhong the Fisherman discovers the drifting bodies of Jean and Salvador, pulling them to safety. But Salvador grabs the sword and plunges into the depths below. The raft lurches—Jean and Zhong are cast into the sea!
Storm
A gigantic ship erupts from the depths. Jean, Salvador, and Zhong firmly hold on to three towering masts. The ship groans and begins to sink. As it descends into the depths, Jean and Zhong are pulled beneath the surface.
Encounter
Jean is breathless and in danger of life or death. Zhong the Fisherman rescues Jean and introduces Wabo the Sage and the gentle Giraffe. Salvador bursts from a suitcase, still chasing the sword. Suddenly, the Sword of the Waters rises from the sea. The fishermen regains possession of it but Salvador leans forward and disappears with the sword once again. A luminous cage of water rises containing Princess Aani — graceful, the Heart of Water glowing gently at her chest. Her gaze finds Jean's and he is attracted to her. Jean reaches for the sword but thunder roars and the cage plunges into the deep and Aani slips away.
Queen's Castle
Jean and Salvador lay powerless, imprisoned in the obscure depths of the Dark Queen's secret dungeon. The Queen snatches the Sword of the Waters, savoring its magical power. She commands her sinister henchman, Iago, to begin the celebration.
Queen's Ball
The grand ball begins — skirts rise like chandeliers. At its center, a breathtaking Human Chandelier act floats and glows at its heart. Seizing the moment, Salvador leaps for the sword—but guards overwhelm him. Amid the chaos, Jean dives into the water to escape.
Magic Garden
Beneath the surface, Jean struggles in the dark. Zhong dives in, pulling him to air and light. With a profound melody whispered through his flute, Zhong summons a shimmering cage—within it, Princess Aani. Jean rushes forward and frees her. The moment her feet touch the earth, water dances around her, transforming the stage like magic into an enchanted garden. From a rooftop pagoda, a celestial figure rises,as nature awakens, celebrating Aani's return. Jean watches, heart full, certain he has saved his princess.
Attack Of The Pagoda
Like a crash of thunder, Iago bursts in, flanked by the Dark Queen's guards. Jean is cornered—outnumbered. Suddenly, Zhong's brothers charge into the fight. Chaos ignites. They fight fiercely to shield Jean and Aani, but amidst the confusion, the Queen's forces seize her once more. The pagoda begins to tremble, then sink. Jean vanishes with the structure into the depths below.
The Journey
Jean bursts from the water, gasping — his eyes discovering Aani, bound on Iago's boat. He surges forward, and climbs a towering bridge. But a guard strikes him down, and Aani drifts further into the distance. Jean lingers to the shore. Wabo awaits, pointing toward the fading silhouette of Aani. As Jean rises,the scenes and world shift. The Dark Queen's castle appears indistinctly once more.
The Torture
Jean, now imprisoned in the Queen's torture chamber, witnesses her true cruelty. She departs, leaving him among the shattered remains and relics of those she's already broken.
The Fight
Jean battles two guards — Zhong arrives, fighting fiercely at his side. They forcefully fight, back-to-back. Zhong escapes, but Jean is captured once more.
Losing Aani
The Queen orders Aani's cage to be submerged. Jean breaks free to save her, aided by Salvador. Despite their efforts, Aani is lost. Heartbroken, Jean hears Wabo's final call — to dive into time and hope.
To The Future City
Jean arrives in a futuristic harbor, led by Zhong through towering skyscrapers and shimmering neons in the dark. Hunted by the Queen's guards, he sees bound Aani, then escapes into the night on a stolen motorcycle.
Reunion In No Man's Land
In a desolate land, Jean meets a man with a small box — inside is Wabo. He invites Jean to look up to see countless visions of Aani dancing above in an aerial ballet. Overwhelmed, Jean sees Aani too far to reach and sinks beneath the water.
In Bed With Iago
Iago sleeps beside the sacred sword. Salvador sneaks in to steal it, but Iago awakens. As they struggle, water bursts erupt, flooding the room. Salvador is lucky to escape with the sword.
War
Iago opens the gates to reveal the Queen's army, ready for war. A battle erupts. But as Jean, Zhong and his brothers respond to fight, Jean falls.

Aani, in an act of love, sacrifices the Heart of Water to save him, then collapses. As the Queen attacks, Zhong wields the sword and unleashes its power to stop her.
Love & Coronation
The Queen is captured and caged at last. Zhong uses the sword to revive Aani. The kingdom bows to her, but Aani chooses love over power, sinking into the water, hand in hand, with Jean.

Fun Facts

This is the world's largest water-based show pool, holding 3.7 million gallons (17 million liters) of water—equivalent to more than 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Over 239 water jets integrated into the stage create dynamic fountain effects that reach heights of 18 meters (59 feet).
The highest diveboard of the theater is 25 meters above the water—2.5 times higher than the diving platform at the Olympics.
16 underwater cameras monitor performers, divers, and scenic elements in real-time.
The Dancing Water Theatre is a 2,000-seat venue and features a 270-degree theatre-in-the-round with a central stage approximately 20 meters (65 feet) in diameter.
540 intelligent lights integrated into the theater deliver stunning visuals and water effects.
123 winches across three levels, including 40 traveling winches housed in the Cruciform grid above Level 4.
The theater boasts over 200 safety devices, ensuring performer safety.
The stage lift system, driven by 32 hydraulic cylinders, can carry a total of 208 tons. The stage can transition from dry to a pool in 1 minute!
200 technical and production staff, including professional divers who operate key scenic elements.
The cast includes 92 performers from 30 countries, showcasing acrobats, aerialists, divers and bikers.

DESIGNERS

CHARACTERS

SPECIALISTS

AERIALISTS & FLYERS

DIVERS

MARTIAL ARTISTS

FREESTYLE MOTO RIDERS

PORTERS

STRAPS

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Executive Producer
Terrence R. Williams

Production Stage Manager
Karena Letham

Line Producer
Alex Duffy

Company Managers
Nick Caruso
Bradley Harder

Executive Show Producer
Anna Robb

Production Asst. Stage Mgr.
Nathan Grimoulas

Project Managers
Sebastien Assoignons
Koen Belien
Priga Costa
David Fitzgerald
Mafer Morante

Creation Director
Damien Long

Technical Director
Tommy Connolly

Production Coaches
Rob Bollinger
Rob Winch

Operations Support
Jay Withee

Director of Technical Prod.
Vincent Schonbrodt

Asst. Technical Director
Olivier de Kegel

Wardrobe Supervision
Shannon O'Donnell
Evan Eisenbarth

FMX Consultants
Morgan Karlsson
Alex Elgh

Music Produced, Arranged & Orchestrated by Evan Jolly
Original themes by Benoît Jutras
New Themes by Davide Esposito
Additional Music by Evan Jolly

Music Performed by:

The Hungarian Studio Orchestra
Conducted by Marcelo Dénes-Worowski
Assistant Conductor: Krisztián Balassa
Concertmaster: Balázs Bujtor		 The Sofia Session Orchestra
Conducted by Georgi Elenkov
Concertmaster: Smiliana Lozanova		 The Sofia Session Choir
Conducted by George Strezov
Featured Musicians:

Shen Qi - Erhu
Harry Bellevoisier - Piano, Yangqin, Pipa
Rob Lewis - Cello
Florence Cook - Voice
Emilia Kircheva - Voice 		Chris Beth - Xiao, Dizi, Irish Flute, Whistle
Benjamin Griffiths - Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute
Olivia Broadfield - Voice
Valentina Ferrari - Voice

In The Wheel of Time
The House of Dancing Water - Davide Esposito