KOOZA: the ultimate Cirque du Soleil show

“With this show, we return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil,” explains Julie Desmarais, Senior Publicist for Cirque du Soleil’s upcoming production, KOOZA. “It has all the elements of a traditional Cirque du Soleil show – the energy and adrenaline of acrobatics combined with the comic moments in our clown performances.”

The word KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word koza, which translate to “box”. And that’s what’s at the heart of the story behind KOOZA, says Desmarais. “The main character, The Innocent, is in search of his place in the world. The Trickster delivers the box to The Innocent, which represents the possibilities. The Trickster is a maestro who guides The Innocent through the story so he can find his way and see that everything is possible.”

The show was created in 2007 by David Shiner, who had previously worked as a Cirque du Soleil clown. The show is a series of nail-biting acrobatic performances, a combination of high-energy solo and group acts, including clowns. “We start act one with a trio of contortionists that intertwine at a very fast pace. This is followed by a very romantic performance with dueling unicycles, then a fierce woman that flies above the stage in our aerial number. We finish with a daring double high-wire act, featuring four high-wire artists.”

“During the second act, we get in to a bit of a darker space,” Desmarais continues. “We have a dance of skeletons moving into the wheel of death where we’re building a lot of energy, and then moving on to two nice solo numbers with hula hoops and chair balancing, then finishing up on a real high note with a teeter board number, featuring 19 performers, resembling angels flying.”

This is all driven by very powerful live music with an 8-piece band including two singers that bring a very high energy to the acrobatics. Between the various acrobatic performances, there are many comedy numbers featuring clowns, all taking elements of a traditional circus, but with the Cirque du Soleil modern flair, which includes great music, costumes, a compelling story and high-energy performance.

KOOZA features 53 performers from 25 different countries, and more than 50 people working behind the scenes. “An interesting fact is that each artist does their own makeup, taking up to two and a half hours, depending on the character they play,” says Desmarais. “And we travel with thousands of costume pieces, all maintained by a team of 4 wardrobe permanent members.”

KOOZA’s electrifying acrobatic performances and hilarious clown routines make it a great show for every member of the family. “It’s fun to watch the show and see the kids and their parents laughing at the clown acts, and see the audience reacting as the show progresses. There are a lot of “wows” and it’s great for everyone,” says Desmarais.

“If it’s your first time at a Cirque du Soleil show, KOOZA is a great introduction. If you’ve been before, you’ve seen acrobatic numbers that are very unique – the high wire, the wheel of death, the teeter board – but the energy and focus on acrobatics is very high level and we throw in some comic moments to make you laugh and relax before the next number. KOOZA has every element of Cirque du Soleil all in one show that will keep you on the edge of your seat!”

See KOOZA under the Big Top in Toronto for a limited engagement from April 7 to June 18 in the neighbourhood of Humber Bay shores (2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W.). For tickets and more information, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza.