SHARJAH, UAE- A prince winds up a music box and brings his doll-like princess to life in the halls of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) and leaves the audience in awe.
Performers all the way from Portugal, André dos Santos Vieira and Helena Reis, took to their second performance at SIBF 2026 with a wonder-filled performance of ‘The Music Box’. Reis plays a stationary princess on a rotating platform, who comes to life when the music box is wound up. Viera is the prince who accompanies her and is the one responsible for bringing her to life. Together they form a fairytale-esque performance, interacting with the spectators around them.
Reis mentions the performance encapsulates the “stories we dream about, with princes, princesses, and fairies”.
When asked about the memorable part of the show, Viera says, “It’s fascinating to see the audience understand us as characters in a tale and not as humans”.
Sajla, a regular SIBF visitor, mentioned that it was her first time seeing such an installation. She appreciated the performance and had a picture taken of herself and her young daughter with the artists.
“It’s such a fun and interesting program that can be enjoyed by everyone,” she said.
Young Naina said “I loved standing with the princess, and I am excited to have a picture with her as well!” she said as she beamed with joy.
The Prince and Princess have appeared in daily roaming performances during the book fair. They have performed a separate roaming act as ‘Mr Muffin and Madame Cherry’, a rambunctious couple inspired by sweet treats.
The roaming shows programme runs throughout SIBF’s halls and lobbies, with acts including a whimsical character emerging from a giant storybook, colourful theatrical characters moving through the crowds, and other interactive performances designed to surprise and engage visitors.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 guests from 25 countries.
