It’s all systems go for the biggest circus act in town – the spectacular Varekai, to be performed by the world-renowned Cirque de Soleil—featuring 13 jaw-dropping acts, all unmatched in color and pageantry.

In preparation for this once-in-a-lifetime show, the colorful and awe-inspiring Grand Chapiteau or Big Top—a central part of Cirque de Soleil’s mobile village—has been raised, signaling the start of something big. A marvel on its own, the enthralling Grand Chapiteau stands 66 feet high, 167 feet in diameter and is held by 4 masts, each measuring 80 feet tall—a festival of colors that people from all over the world consider a sight to behold. The Grand Chapiteau seats more than 2,600 people and requires more than 80 people to raise it. The canvas for the tent and its 11 tunnels weighs more than 5,227 kilograms. It is entirely climate-controlled and requires 2-3 generator sets for its power needs.

See some photos from the Premier of Varekai in Manila last 22 June 2011 here.

The Grand Chapiteau will serve as the home of the most colorful act in town -- Varekai (pronounced ver·ay·’kie and means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies), written and directed by Dominique Champagne. Varekai showcases the talents of Canada-based Cirque du Soleil, whose extremely skilled cast will delight audiences both young and old with their memorable rendition of the story of Icarus, based on the Greek myth.

Magnificent costumes, awesome backdrops, and never-before-seen movements that challenge the limits of space and time all come together in a class act that Filipino audiences have never seen and will never forget.

See some photos of the raising of the Grand Chapiteau last 14 June 2011 here

The story picks up where the myth of Icarus leaves off, telling a story of what could have happened to Icarus after he fell from the sky. He lands in the middle of a forest at the summit of a volcano, into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures where he must learn to walk and fly again.

An amazing show of color and pageantry, Varekai captivates audiences with aerial straps, clown acts, the Flight of Icarus, Gregorian dance, handbalancing on canes, Icarian games, juggling, lightbulb, Russian swings, slippery surface, solo on crutches, triple trapeze and water meteors. Varekai brings the audience deep into a world of fantasy and enchantment. The cast keeps the audience mesmerized and thrilled over the course of the show with amazing moves, great music, and spectacular delights. 

Varekai first conquered people’s imaginations when it premiered in Montreal in 2002. Since then, the show has visited more than 55 cities in more than 12 different countries around the world.  Over 6 million people around the world have seen Varekai, and it promises to captivate Filipino audiences the way it has held spectators all over the world spell-bound.

Its 130-strong coterie including 55 artists, represents 25 nationalities: Canada, USA, Russia, Australia, Spain, China, Italy, Ukraine, UK, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, France, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Hungary, Mexico, New Zealand, Serbia, Sweden and South Africa.

Varekaiis testament to the great talent of the Cirque de Soleil, known all over the world for redefining the world of circus and performances. Over the years, Cirque de Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in nearly 300 cities on five continents.  More than 100 million spectators have seen a Cirque de Soleil show since 1984.

Cirque de Soleil’s Manila performance for Varekai is definitely going to be a once-in-a-lifetime performance that will captivate Filipino audiences for years to come. For tickets, please visit www.hoopla.phor contact 775-0939, 881-0947, 0919-4508125 and 0917-4436463

***

About the Sponsors

Cirque du Soleil is made possible by its presenting sponsors, Manila Hotel and Banco De Oro together with Sun Life Financial as its official sponsor.

For information about Cirque du Soleil and Varekai, images and additional information on the show, please visit: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/pressroom/default.htm

For inquiries:

Amiel Mendoza / Lia Ramos / Niel Mugas
EON, The Stakeholder Relations Firm
893-5642 / 893-5690 loc 156 / 125 / 153