Chahine, a highly respected lighting designer for theatre and dance, was known for his innate style and elegance. The profound outpouring of love and respect upon his passing was overwhelming. Although his cremation was attended only by his immediate family, his funeral was planned three months later to allow for proper grieving. Hosted at a canal-side venue, friends and family gathered to celebrate his life. The evening featured heartfelt tributes, live performances, and an array of Chahine’s favourite dishes, culminating in a dramatic show of light, sound, and fireworks. Chahine’s ashes were incorporated into the final fireworks display, symbolising a fitting tribute to his dynamic spirit.
A unique barge funeral was set up as the focal point of the evening. Guests gathered on the towpath as Chahine’s barge, adorned with tall blue beams of light and glowing fire torches, glided into view. The event featured choreographed pyrotechnics, soundscapes, and fireworks that reflected enchantingly on the canal’s water. The final salute included Chahine’s ashes being rocketed into the night sky, with a signature Grappa toast, encapsulating his bold and radical essence. The event was a powerful, collaborative effort with friends and fellow professionals from the arts and theatre, resulting in a truly stunning and unified tribute.
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A barge provided the floating stage. Guests gathered on the tow path as Chahine’s barge glided in to view, tall blue beams of light shone up into the night. The barge was glowing with anticipatory fire torches. To the beat of the ring of an old-fashioned telephone, a signature sound of many of his shows, choreographed pyrotechnics and sound took the show into another level. The lights of the fireworks reflected magically on the water in the canal. With a final salute, signature Grappa in hand, Chahine’s ashes were rocketed up to illuminate the night sky. Bold. Somewhat radical and incredibly powerful, just like the man himself.
The event was curated and produced working closely with friends and fellow professionals in the arts and theatre. Everyone came together in love and respect. This was a unified focused collaboration with stunning results.
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