Last night I was thrilled to be invited along to opening night of Cirque Du Soleil’s latest spectacular, KOOZA.
Under the famous blue-and-yellow Big Top at Flemington Racecourse, KOOZA wowed a packed house with incredible acts, gorgeous set and costumes, constant laughs, heart-stopping stunts and seriously talented live musicians.
My husband and I had the most amazing seats (Row BB) and were treated to some cheeky clowns playing mischief with popcorn and one very cheeky dog, who…. well, let’s just say I’m not going to spoil the hilarious surprise for you if you are heading along, which you absolutely should! Because the show is bloody wonderful!
The name KOOZA is inspired by the Sanskrit word “koza,” which means “box,” “chest” or “treasure,”chosen because one of the underlying concepts of the production is the idea of a “circus in a box.”
The show is a colourful, sparkling homage to the traditions of circus and combines thrilling acrobatics with the art of clowning. KOOZA’s beautiful costumes were designed by Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt, who drew inspiration from a wide variety of sources including graphic novels, the painter Klimt, Mad Max movies, lock movements, tin soldiers, and marching bands. There are more than 175 costumes and 160 hats in the show – 1,080 items in all, including all the shoes, props and wigs… Just incredible!
A fun fact which really blows my mind is that all of KOOZA’s performers apply their own make-up. This can take up to two hours! Did I say incredible? Just an all-round plethora of talent.
Photos: OSA Images Costumes: Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt ©2012 Cirque du Soleil
Photos: Matt Beard Costumes: Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt ©2012 Cirque du Soleil
My favourite acts were undoubtably ‘The Wheel of Death‘ and ‘High Wire‘, both had my heart pumping and I momentarily couldn’t watch the death defying stunts, they were THAT good!
The cast of 50 acrobats, musicians, singers and actors (from all over the world) present heart-stopping feats and laugh-out loud antics to a live musical fusion of jazz, funk and Bollywood beats.
Treat yourself and go VIP ROUGE – The ultimate Cirque du Soleil experience with the best seats in the house and access to the intimate VIP suite one hour before the show and at intermission, including delectable wines and hors d’oeuvres and take home souvenirs.
Cirque Du Soleil KOOZA
Playing in Melbourne at Flemington Racecourse until March 26th.
For more info or to buy your tickets, click here.
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