Cirque du Soleil makes Seoul debut
By: Cho Chung-un, the Korean Herald
(christory@heraldm.com)
Quidam, the acclaimed show presented by world-famous Canadian circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, hits the stage on March 29 at Jamsil Sports Complex, southeastern Seoul.
With a cast of 54 performers, the show involves breathtaking circus acrobatics such as juggling, contortionists and aerial acrobatics, featuring an inspirational character “Quidam” which leads audiences to an unknown, mythical but adventurous world.
Quidam, Latin for anonymous passerby, describes a mysterious character in an alienated world. The show, led by the gothic character, was created in 1996, inspired by the people of New York City – walking past each other with their heads down – not communicating – not connecting – the company said.
Artists for “Quidam” showcase their aerial acrobatic performance.
The show begins through the eyes of 12-year-old girl Zoe, who takes audiences on a journey through her imagination where she meets many amazing characters along the way. The circus troupe, introducing themselves as an original circus team, stresses the genuineness of the show created by passionate artists with their outstanding talents.
“The shows are not about special effects, they are about the power that can be generated by human beings, either individuals or people working together as a team,” said Ryan Sandilands, corporate alliances director of the global entertainment franchise at a news conference recently held in Seoul.
“Our shows also feature live music and singing, but we sing in our own made up language, which means that we do not alter the performance for local audiences.
“The show you will see here in Korea is exactly the same as those that have been performed in many cities around the world such as New York, Tokyo or Berlin,” said Sandilands.
The circus troupe also confidently expected success in Seoul.
“We are thrilled to show ‘Quidam’ in Korea. Shows of Cirque du Soleil are very special. I believe that (the show) will definitely have success in Korea,” he added.
“We will have another series of shows in two or three years and specifically we will build a theater exclusively for the show in Seoul,” Michael Bolingbroke, Senior Vice President of Cirque du Soleil.
The circus troupe was founded by Guy Laliberte, a former street performer playing an accordion and breathing fire, in 1984 in Baie-Saint-Paul, a small town near Quebec City in Canada.
Since then, the circus company has performed in over 100 cities on four continents.
In 2006 Cirque du Soleil will have 13 different shows performing simultaneously around the world. Cirque du Soleil recently launched shows in Dubai and is scheduled to come to Seoul March and Shanghai in June.
Tickets are 55,000 won to 200,000 won ($60-240). For more information and ticket reservation visit www.quidam2007.co.kr or call 1544-1555 or1588-7890.
The show runs for two and half hours. Children aged under five are advised not to attend the show.
The performance runs from March 29 to June 3.
{ Source: The Korea Herald, Jan.05.2007 }
