Those of you who know me best were wondering when I would be writing about another one of my favorite artistic experiences, Cirque du Soleil. The wait is over! One needs to experience a Cirque show for oneself in order to fully comprehend what I am about to describe in words. Cirque du Soleil is French for "Circus of the Sun." Homebase for Cirque is Montreal, Canada, and was founded by Guy Laliberte and Daniel Gauthier, two former street performers. Long story short, Cirque du Soleil has grown from one show/73 employees in 1984 to over 3500 employees today from over 40 countries producing 15 shows over every continent except Africa and Antarctica. Cirque performs traveling shows under the "grand chapiteau" as well as numerous permanent shows in Las Vegas and Orlando.
My first Cirque experience was the permanent show in Orlando, La Nouba. La Nouba is located in Downtown Disney. In fact, much of Disney's venues are sprinkled with a little flavor of Cirque du Soleil actors performing before the Disney shows. Our entire family was able to attend La Nouba and it was definitely a highlight of our vacation. Words really cannot describe what happens in a Cirque show other than to say it is circus reinvented. The show combines acrobatics, theatre and live music. I really have never quite fully understood the themes or story line in a Cirque show. A friend of mine attended a traveling show in the Twin Cities and likened it to an acid trip.
My best advice is to experience a show and then let me know what you think. As a matter of fact, Kooza will be showing July 3 - July 26, 2009, under the Grand Chapiteau in downtown St. Paul.
1 comment:
Yes! Now I can stop holding my breath. ;-)
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