CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TO TOUR AUSTRALIA WITH THEIR NEWEST CREATION KURIOS – CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

Cirque du Soleil will return to Australia from October this year with its most acclaimed touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™. KURIOS will premiere under their Signature Big Top on 2 October 2019 in Sydney at Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible. In this realm set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, reality is quite relative indeed as our perception of it is utterly transformed.

KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities had its world premiere in Montréal April 2014 and since its debut, the critics have been raving across North America: “It is not to be missed on any account,” said Chris Jones in The Chicago Tribune. “KURIOS is the most enthralling, consistently over-the-top magical show Cirque du Soleil has sent our way in a long time,” raved Robert Hurwitt in The San Francisco Chronicle. “KURIOS is the most joyous piece of theater I’ve seen in years and it will lift your spirits to the stars,” said Richard Ouzounian in The Toronto Star. And Misha Berson in The Seattle Times raved, “KURIOS thrills in a splendidly captivating new show.” The Los Angeles Times made it a Critic’s Choice.

In an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes. In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams await. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.

Michel Laprise, Director, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities “Ever since my first visit to Australia nearly 15 years ago it has been one of my favourite places on earth. I am thrilled that I can return through the spirit of KURIOS and I hope it will inspire and bring joy to everyone who enters into our special realm of reality under our big top.”

Michel Laprise worked in theatre for nine years as an actor, director and artistic director before joining Cirque du Soleil in 2000. At Cirque du Soleil, Michel spent five years as a talent scout before taking on, in 2006, the role of Special Events Designer. In that capacity, he directed the large-scale performance event created for the launch of the Fiat Bravo in Italy (2007); the Cirque du Soleil performance event celebrating Quebec City’s 400th anniversary (2008); the opening show at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Russia (2009); the launch of Microsoft’s Kinect console at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo; and the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 FIBA International Basketball Federation World Championships in Istanbul. In 2012, Michel collaborated with pop star Madonna, providing artistic direction for her performance at the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show; he later went on to direct her MDNA tour. Michel cowrote and directed the VR movie “Kurios: Inside the Box” which won the Daytime Emmy® Award in the Outstanding Interactive Media category.

TICKETING AND SHOW INFORMATION 

• SYDNEY Venue: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park Date: From Wednesday 2 October 2019 Times: Tuesdays to Fridays 8pm; Saturdays 4:30pm & 8:00pm; Sundays 1:30pm & 5:00pm Bookings: cirquedusoleil.com/kurios 
• BRISBANE Venue: Northshore Hamilton, Brisbane Date: From Friday 10 January 2020 Times: Tuesdays to Fridays 8pm; Saturdays 4:30pm & 8:00pm; Sundays 1:30pm & 5:00pm Bookings: cirquedusoleil.com/kurios 
• MELBOURNE Venue: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne Date: From Thursday 12 March 2020 Times: Tuesdays to Fridays 8pm; Saturdays 4:30pm & 8:00pm; Sundays 1:30pm & 5:00pm Bookings: cirquedusoleil.com/kurios 
• ADELAIDE Venue: Under the Big Top at Adelaide Showground Season: From 29 May 2020 Times: Tuesday to Friday 8pm; Saturday 4:30pm & 8pm; Sundays 1:30pm & 5pm Bookings: cirquedusoleil.com/kurios 
• PERTH from 16 July. Venue details TBC

EXPERIENCE KURIOS LIKE A VIP 

The ultimate Cirque du Soleil experience with the best seats and access to the intimate VIP suite one hour before the show and at intermission, including wines, hors d’oeuvres, take-home souvenirs and free parking. 

VIP EXPERIENCE TICKET PRICE: From $325 Sign up at cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueclub for complimentary membership to the Cirque Club. Members receive advance access to the best seats under the Big Top, deals and discounts for tickets, promotions with our partners and a chance to experience never-before seen exclusive Cirque du Soleil content.

About KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities 

KURIOS is Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production since 1984. The newest big top production to tour Australia arrives with a cast of 47 artists from 17 countries including world-class gymnasts, acrobats, contortionists, hand-puppeteers, yo-yo wizards, clowns, actors and musicians. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.