On September 15, 2004, the newest spectacle from Cirque du Soleil was revealed — KA. Since then, the media and fans have been abuzz with many questions as the media campaign is kicked off. Text from Cirque’s recent press release involving the show illuminates some of the better-hidden aspects of KA:
KÀ combines acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to illustrate the nature of duality. Created and directed by acclaimed theatre and film director Robert Lepage, the show applies the visual vocabulary of cinema to a live spectacle creating a vibrant narrative that conjures an entire empire on stage.
KÀ tells the epic saga of separated twins-a boy and a girl-who embark on a perilous journey to fulfill their linked destinies. As the plot unfolds, danger lies in wait for them at every turn. Archers and spearmen hunt the twins relentlessly, as their quest takes them through a succession of challenging landscapes, from mysterious seashore through menacing mountains and foreboding forests.
Cirque du Soleil Founder and CEO, Guy Laliberté, describes KÀ as “the most theatrical show we’ve ever done.” It is scripted with a strongly defined almost cinematic narrative, with clearly identified characters and story arcs. The execution of that narrative called for more technologically advanced visual effects than Cirque du Soleil has ever attempted. “That’s why I
wanted Robert Lepage to write and direct the show. With his vast experience in theatre and film, his knowledge of the technology and his curiosity and innovative spirit, he was the only man for the job.”
The KÀ Theatre is an astonishing performance space, seating 1,951 guests. “The arrival of KÀ is the crown jewel in the renaissance of MGM Grand,” says Gamal Aziz, MGM Grand president and COO. “Throughout our reinvention, we have strived for the best in dining, entertainment and service. With the unveiling of KÀ, MGM Grand is taken to a new level.”
The show’s title, KÀ, is inspired by the ancient Egyptian belief in the “ka,” an invisible spiritual duplicate of the body that accompanies every human being throughout this life and into the
next. That concept is also reflected in the show’s visual signature, which evokes the central theme of duality as personified by the twins and the symbolic use of fire. The logo is influenced by Asian iconography.
Special preview performances begin on November 26, 2004 at 8:00pm. One show per evening will be held from November 26th through December 7th, where at that time a two show per-night schedule will begin at 7:00pm and 10:30pm (though this may change). KA is scheduled to perform Friday through Tuesday (Dark Wednesday/Thursday). Children under five-years of age are not permitted into the theater and guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are currently available for purchase at www.ka.com in three categories. Section 102 (front and center) commands a $150.00 US price, Sections 101, 103, 202 are $125.00 US and
Sections 201 and 203 are $99.00 US. All prices include tax.
So, who brings KA to us?
* Guy Lalibert̩ РGuide
* Robert Lepage – Creator and Director
* Guy Caron – Director of Creation
* Mark Fisher – Set Designer
* Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt – Costume Designer
* Ren̩ Dup̩r̩ РComposer and Arranger
* Jacques Heim – Choreographer
* Luc Lafortune – Lighting Designer
* Jonathan Deans – Sound Designer
* Holger F̦rterer РInteractive Projections Designer
* Michael Curry – Puppet Designer
* Patricia Ruel – Props Designer
* Jaque Paquin – Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer
* Andr̩ Simard РAerial Acrobatics Designer
* Nathalie Gagn̩ РMake-up Designer
For more information visit www.ka.com!
[Source: Cirque du Soleil Press Release]
