Cirque du Soleil Raises The Big Top as Kurios Rolls Into Town

If there’s one circus troupe that always assures us of a quality production, it’s Cirque du Soleil. Even with countless shows under their belt, Cirque du Soleil always brims with a furtive imagination that allows each one to feel completely unique, buoyed by its performers complete commitment to each act and finesse when it comes to skill.

And so it is that with great excitement that Singapore once again welcomes Cirque du Soleil back to town this July, as they bring in Kurios, freshly flown in from Tokyo and never before staged in Singapore. Written and directed by Michel Laprise, Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience into a fantasy world where everything is possible. In this realm, set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, reality itself bends and changes according to our perception of it, where the limit is one’s own imagination, and where audiences are about to meet The Seeker, a scientist convinced that there exists a hidden world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams await.

Comprising an international cast of 47 artists from 17 countries, from world-class gymnasts to hand-puppeteers, yo-yo wizards to clowns, these colourful characters will turn the Seeker’s steampunk world upside-down guided by an energetic gypsy jazz, electro swing soundtrack. Of course, being a circus, Kurios isn’t just using any theatre in the country – they’re bringing their own, with a grand Big Top set up on Bayfront Avenue beside Marina Bay Sands.

Gathering at the big white and grey tent after it’s raised, we speak to Cirque du Soleil Senior Publicist Jeff Lovari, who comments: “This is the 6th or 7th time Cirque du Soleil has returned to Singapore, personally my first, and we’re always happy to be here. It’s absolutely beautiful, I love all the greenery and natural elements, and how uniquely beautiful it is with the juxtaposition of old buildings with character, and newer, towering skyscrapers.”

He goes on to talk about how this tent is actually energy-efficient, and its metropolitan look and colours fit into the skyline very well. “The whole process takes maybe 6 days, with 1-2 days for the masts” he says. “But this time, we gave ourselves a little more time since it’s a new tent, and it’s the first time the team is working with this tent. The team has to make sure everything works, and we have to give time to the performers to get used to the stage as well.”

He adds: “The big top is a really stable structure that can withstand heavy rain and strong winds. We’ve got a dedicated team making sure that the structure is safe for everyone that works here or the guests that comes here. They’re working round the clock, and they’re very good at their job.”

“Families from all over the world come to see Cirque, and we’re very fortunate to be a part of that process,” Jeff continues. “Cirque has always done a really good job of creating an atmosphere that fosters familiarity, and we need our audiences to feel that connection and warmth in the performance. That experience already begins at the box office and concession area, where you’ll want to feel like part of the family. Now, we have millions of family members across the USA and Japan, and a new Singaporean family we’re more than happy to welcome.”

On the feeling he hopes Kurios brings to audience members, Jeff says: “For anyone who’s ever been to a Cirque show here in Singapore, we’re going to evoke the same feeling that it’s something magical and really special. It’s going to be fun and energetic, both behind the screens and onstage, and audiences will definitely feel it.”

“But it doesn’t matter if you’re a first timer to Cirque or a regular. Kurios has plenty of specifically created acts, from the traditional done in a new and unique way to others,” Jeff adds. “Everything that happens in the show, we want keep it a surprise, so expect the unexpected. We want to light a fire in people to inspire them, to show them that anything is possible.”

“In curating this show, we threw all the ideas out on the table, whether they could be done or not, and we made it work,” he concludes. “This atmosphere of trying new things and taking chances, I think it’s paid off in a phenomenal way. There is a real sense of joy and excitement in this show, and people walk away feeling like their day has they made better. We want that to stay with them, whether they’re gearing up for the weekend, or they’re going to work the next day.”

Have we made you Kurios enough? Now, WIN yourself a pair of tickets to this amazing show! Just name us 2 acts that Kurios will be showcasing here in Singapore! Winners will be contacted via email. 

Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities comes to Singapore from 5th July to 4th August 2019 at the Big Top beside Marina Bay Sands. Tickets available from SISTIC