Cirque du Soleil to Perform in First-Ever Qatar Show

Doha, June 28 (QNA) - Cirque du Soleil will launch one of its productions in Qatar for the first time from July 4-7 at Aspire Dome in Doha; with the participation of 50 artists from 20 different countries. The first show titled "Saltimbanco" will kick-start Wednesday night. A word derived from the Italian language, it literally means "to jump on a bench" as the show aims to explore the urban experience in all its countless forms. It envisions people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, and the towering heights of skyscrapers in inspiration of the urban fabric of the metropolis and its inhabitants. With the use of specific visual vocabulary, the show s cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, in an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope. Cirque du Soleil will present seven shows in Doha tying synchronized acrobatics and athleticism into artistic expression. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil evolved into a major Quebec-based organization providing artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries. It is estimated to have more than 100 million spectators. A classic Cirque du Soleil, Saltimbanco portrays a kaleidoscopic celebration of artistry and agility. Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil s longest running touring show since 1992 across the world, entertaining over 11.5 million fans. (QNA)