SKY-HIGH DRAMA
With ‘elephants’, pyrotechnics and parachute jumpers, Austria’s Hannibal Spectacle is...
Authentic military history it ain’t. But if you’re prepared to suspend belief and simply enjoy this cacophonous biennial event with an extra-large pinch of salt, the afterdark, open-air hannibal Spectacle is an unforgettable 67 minutes of high-mountain theatre.
it takes place on April 5 this year on the tyrolean ski-village of Sölden’s Rettenbach glacier, in Austria, which will fizz, clatter and burst with colour, as hundreds of actors, helped by pretend elephants (snowgrooming machines in disguise) recreate hannibal’s possible route in 218Bc across the Alps.
Back in 2001, the organisers asked all zoo managers in central europe if they could use real elephants, which were based around Kilimanjaro at higher altitudes. two circus elephants were actually present at the first performance that year.
however, they did not perform directly during the show, but walked across the stage a few minutes before the start and were then taken back to the warmth of a mountain garage used to house snow-grooming vehicles.
By general consensus, the carthaginian general’s genuine route was more likely to have been hundreds of miles away across the mountain peaks, via Montgenèvre in France, but no one seems unduly concerned about historical accuracy.
Set in an open-air theatre on a glacier better known for its ski slopes, the show starts at dusk and features throbbing music, almost 40 snow- grooming machines representing hannibal’s elephants, dancers, dramatic lighting effects, pyrotechnics, specially triggered ‘avalanches’, Skidoos, parachute jumpers, skiers — even helicopters and light aircraft.
Yes, the main character is hannibal, but apart from him there’s a veritable galaxy of weird and wonderful characters, mostly with little or no real connection with the celebrated carthaginian general. they can pretty much twist the script in any direction. Why 67 minutes? And not a nice round figure of 60, 65 or 70 minutes? Because, while the all- action drama is very much ‘live’, the main commentary is recorded, and just happens to run for 67 minutes.
While you’re here, the skiing isn’t bad, either — and it normally goes on until the end of April so you can combine the hannibal event with some downhill action.
the Gurgl ( Obergurgl and hochgurgl) area’s lift system alone has access to 112 kilometres of immaculately groomed ski slopes between 1,930 and 3,082 metres, served by 25 lifts. the entire Ötztal Valley covers 363 kilometres of slopes served by 90 mountain lifts in six ski areas.
Sölden is also a party resort with a great nightlife: an eclectic range of lively bars and clubs, many with live bands. And you won’t go hungry, either. At the highest level, at the hohe Mut Alm (2,670 metres) and top Mountain Star, a 360- degree panorama bar at the Wurmkogel peak (3,080 metres) will satisfy all taste buds. come to think of it, the hannibal Spectacle caters to all tastes, too. Just forget the historical accuracy and admire the show.