The power of humanity -- on show and in concert!

A unique and spectacular show marked the opening of the 27th International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, on October 31st, 1999.

The show, choreographed especially for the occasion, honoured and celebrated "the Power of Humanity."

The show was built around the four elements and the balance between the "too much" and the "too scarce" of each of them - how water, fire, air and earth are vital for survival and human development, but how they can also wreak havoc if they are either insufficient or in excess.

Artists from five continents used drama, dance and music to symbolise the themes and the elements. Among them were Vanessa-Mae, Manu Dibango, Cirque de Soleil and Riverdance.

"The Power of Humanity" is the slogan used by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement during its Millennium Year (May 8 1999 to May 8 2000). The slogan reflects the power of acting individually and collectively in order to help those in need.

All proceeds from ticket sales (3,000 tickets were sold) went to Red Cross and Red Crescent water-based projects. All production costs were covered by sponsors

The show was broadcast live by Television Suisse Romande (TSR2) in Switzerland and was also televised in six other countries.

The show was the opener of the "27th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent" the last conference of the millennium to bring together representatives from 188 governments and 176 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Artists: Vanessa-Mae, Manu Dibango, Dick Bakker, Cirque de Soleil, Circus Ethiopia, Riverdance, Up With People.

Patron: Bertrand Piccard

Sponsors: Credit Suisse Group, Tetra Pak, Royal & SunAlliance, Nestle, Hewlett-Packard, Unilever N.V, Toyota Motor Corporation, Philips AG

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