Cirque du Soleil brings its cast of over 50 artists to Calgary for its latest show, ECHO, running until October 19 at Stampede Park. As Cirque’s 51st show, ECHO combines vibrant characters, inspiring music, contemporary abstract costumes, creative lighting and projections, and never-before-seen acrobatics for a performance sure to leave you feeling hopeful for the future. Beyond circus acts, ECHO showcases a commanding story highlighting the power of change, the hope in youth and the value of empathy.
“ECHO is about connecting everybody and working together to create the world we want to live in. It’s not just a concept. It’s something I truly believe in,” says director Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar.
A story of connection
Beyond offering captivating stunts from some of the world’s best acrobats, ECHO pulls audiences into a world of fantasy and infinite possibilities. Follow as FUTURE, the female protagonist, and her dog set off on a journey to discover how actions have the power to shape the world, and if we come together, we can rebuild our planet to create the world we all want to live in.
“I think it’s important, when people come to ECHO, to be blown away by the performances and acrobatics, and at the same time, I want them to leave feeling empowered,” says Mukhtar.
Back to the basics
ECHO marks a return to Cirque du Soleil’s roots by featuring traditional circus artistry. Talented as ever, the performers will put on an unforgettable show with icarian games (strength and precision acrobatics), loose wire acrobatics, teeterboards, trapeze performances and more.
While the circus artistry sticks to tradition, ECHO’s fashion pushes boundaries. ECHO marks Nicolas Vaudelet’s, a veteran of haute couture houses, 13th production redefining circus costumes. For ECHO, Vaudelet created a signature look that fuses art, technology and practicality. The floating cloud suit, worn by the juggler, is a blue-and-white, three-piece suit made of 3D pixel printing to look like crumpled paper and appear as though it’s floating with the help of stage lighting — all while being practical for a high-intensity performance.
Discover something new
Welcoming people of all ages, ECHO is for everyone — including those who have already seen a Cirque du Soleil show. The production brings bold new visuals and is the first-ever Cirque du Soleil show to feature seven live vocalists, with all of the vocalists also playing an instrument at some point in the show. And don’t miss the never-before-seen acrobatics. Expect a dazzling hair suspension act, and for the first time, a double slackwire act.
“The creative intention for ECHO was to try and create something our fans haven’t experienced yet in a big top,” says Mukhtar. And it does just that.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit cirquedusoleil.com/echo.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.
