CIRQUE DU SOLEIL for South africa

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN SOUTH AFRICA,

THE LEGENDARY, ORIGINAL

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS

THE SIGNATURE PRODUCTION SALTIMBANCO

Performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town in March–April 2011

The critically-celebrated international entertainment group Cirque du Soleil lwill perform for the first time ever in South Africa with its vibrant signature production Saltimbanco in March and April 2011. This timeless Cirque du Soleil opus hits new territories with a series of exclusive shows in Johannesburg from March 9- 13 at the Coca-Cola Dome and in Cape Town from March 23 March 27 at Grand Arena GrandWest Casino. Tickets go on sale today at Computicket..

Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil’s longest-running touring show and has performed since 1992 to wide-spread acclaim to sell-out audiences in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand for more than 11.5 million enthusiastic fans.

Media praise forSaltimbanco:

“Gracefully athletic theatre” – The London Times

“Human exuberance and physicality” – Variety Magazine (USA)

“Myth meets magic…An unearthly mixture of commedia dell’arte and rock-concert razzle” – The New York Times

Classic Cirque du Soleilat its best, Saltimbanco is a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe inspiring artistry and agility. With a cast of 50 high-caliber artists hailing from 20 different countries,Saltimbancofeatures breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles. From the seemingly impossible balancing, jumping and spinning during the Chinese Poles or the Russian Swing to the gravity-defying Bungeesand Trapeze, the crowd pleasing Juggling and Acrobatic Bicycle, to the celebrated and very unique Clowns. Technical expertise and extravagant design are woven together by uplifting spectacular costumes, amazing lighting, humor and enchanting music and magic. Full of colour, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco is a fun show for the whole family to enjoy.

Saltimbanco —from the Italian “saltare in banco,” which literally means “to jump on a bench”—explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. A signature show, it is inspiredby the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show’s eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope.

Saltimbancois currently showing in the United Kingdom and transporting the production to South Africa will be a mammoth task. The equipment on tour, including the set and stage equipment, costumes totals 360,000 pounds (180 tons) and is transported in 16 semi-trailers.All costumes, including headpieces and shoes, are custom-made for the each individual performer at the Cirque du Soleil workshops in Montreal, Canada.The artists wear three to five different costumes during each performance and more than 2,500 costume pieces including 250 pairs of shoes travel from city to city in 50 road cases.

The world premiere of Saltimbancowas held in Montreal on April 23, 1992 under the big top (tent), which was the show’s home for 14 years, visiting more than 75 cities. In 2007, Saltimbancowas restaged to adapt to arena venues and now performs in approximately 40 cities each year.

About Cirque du Soleil:

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Thecompany has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,200 artists from close to 50different countries.Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 100 million spectators in 300 cities on five continents.In 2010, Cirque du Soleil will present 20 shows simultaneously around the world. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are based in Montreal, Canada.For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com

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