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.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
Tickets from $80, click to book or call 1800 036 685
Sydney from 2 October 2019 – Entertainment Quarter
Brisbane from 10 January 2020 – Northshore Hamilton
Melbourne from 12 March 2020 – Under The Grand Chapiteau;
before heading to Adelaide and Perth
Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators with productions presented in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 50 countries.
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 before bringing this extraordinary show to Brisbane from January 10.
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.
“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.” said Michel Laprise, Director of Kurios. Laprise has 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 co-wrote and directed the VR movie “Kurios: Inside the Box” which won the Daytime Emmy® Award in the Outstanding Interactive Media category.
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