The House of Dancing Water in Macau, another one of the true legends in live entertainment, is no more. The show might re-open in a different form at some point in the future. However, with Covid still active around the globe, nothing is sure for now… except one thing: even if Franco Dragone’s masterpiece will be revived in the coming years, we will never see it again in the majestic grandeur and uniqueness of how it was originally created.
A little while ago we published an article about Khalil Oghab, the founder of Iranian circus. Before coming to international fame, the Iranian Iron Man was already known throughout his home country as a champion of the Zurkhaneh. The Zurkhaneh are athletes who are trained in a traditional system of athletics which was originally used to coach warriors in Persia and the adjacent lands.
An interest in night life and parties was how Sacha Savenkoff’s journey to technical director began. Playing with lighting and sound at the clubs led him to become an enthusiastic hobby technician. Until he found his way to one of Europe’s largest theme parks where a multitude of challenges quickly turned him from amateur to pro. It was there as well, where Sacha found his passion for ice shows. In this second part of our interview find out more about how Sacha’s career continued…
Over the years, as a photographer, writer, and stage manager, I either created something myself or I witnessed the creative process unfold at my place of work. Through the years, one thing became evident: Be it for small creative projects or multi-million dollar shows, the essence of the creative process remains the same. Creation is at the heart of everything we do. How we do it is our personal choice. Yet, in the end it is a dance of strategy intertwined with trial and error.
Khalil Oghab is the Father of Iranian Circus. This is a title he has given himself, yet it is also the truth. Nowadays, outside Iran, not many will have heard of him. Neither people inside nor outside the circus community. However, Oghab holds world records in strength. He is one of a kind and plays an important part in international circus history, since he founded the first Iranian circus.
The international acrobatic circus company Les Farfadais performed in Sitges, Spain, in the summer of 2020. Les Farfadais have a unique history and have grown from a single duo of acrobats to a company with over 50 artists around the world. While they are creating beautiful acts and shows, they are also changing the world as we know it.
From 2011 to 2013, I studied Theatre, Stage & Events Management at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Never would I have expected my graduation from the Academy in August 2013 to turn out to be a mini-revolution. As one of only very few foreigners who graduated that day, I was at a loss and could only try to do my best to be respectful and not get in the way.
Nearly four decades have passed since Krin Haglund first stepped inside a circus tent, but enthusiasm fills her voice and brightens her face as it probably did on that memorable day. Looking back at twenty years spent on a broad variety of stages and sets, this vibrant woman describes her career as a constant quest to celebrate everyone’s individuality and uniqueness as much as what makes her stand out when standing on stage.
French Canadian Genevieve Denis joined her first Cirque du Soleil touring show in 2002. Touring with Cirque brought Genevieve many new experiences. It changed her life and her perspectives forever. Remembering her life with Cirque du Soleil, Genevieve shared some of these memories with me in this personal and heartwarming interview.
Circus has been Vladimir Antosik’s life. He has been a steady presence in the business for forty years – since 1980. His work and passion was only once interrupted – just recently, by the closing of shows due to Covid19. Afterwards, his show life is bound to continue. During our chat, Vladimir remembers how it all began…
Las Vegas And Le Rêve. Two names which at the moment move the entertainment industry. Las Vegas, a town we thought would never slow down. And Le Rêve, a legendary show we thought will not close its doors for many more years. Covid19 has changed the world. Especially the live entertainment world. Marin Britten, former acrobat for both Cirque du Soleil’s Love and Dragone’s Le Rêve shares her thoughts with us.
Theater and show practitioners, performers and technicians alike, acquire an abundance of valuable skills over the years. These skills help us master difficult shows and creations. They help us think on our feet. They help us succeed on a daily basis in an ever-changing environment. Often, however, we underestimate how much we know. And, how transferrable and useful many of our skills are.
Acrobat Lionel Zalachas remembers Le Rêve. His odyssey begins in 2009, when he is hired for the creation of The House of Dancing Water and first dives into the aquatic show universe of Franco Dragone. Everyone talks about Le Rêve, the legend in Las Vegas. It seems unreal, far away. Then, five years later, he is hired to perform in Le Rêve. The legend, the dream is becoming a reality. Here is Lionel’s story…
Early on, Charly Ortega found himself working for shows that were brought to life in collaboration with large corporations. He was fascinated by the challenges these business partnerships presented in his daily work as a stage manager. And, he decided to specialize in navigating these unique environments.
The Greatest Showman celebrates the birth of great circus extravaganzas and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Portraying P. T. Barnum in the movie was Hugh Jackman’s dream project since 2009. His dream finally came true in 2017, when Greatest Showman premiered in movie theaters around the world. Since August 2020, the inspiring, life-affirming, and heart-warming musical is now available for us on Disney+ to continue on dreaming.
Stacy Clark is the founder of Projet Lumiere Project, which is a hub for Circus professionals through Covid-19.
August 2020, it was announced that Le Rêve in Las Vegas will go permanently dark. Le Rêve (“The Dream”) is and was not just any show. This is a tribute to a dream, a vision, a milestone, and a pioneering effort that ushered in a new era of aquatics shows. It is a tribute to a show which mesmerized audiences for 15 years. And, most importantly, a tribute dedicated to the creators, cast, and crew of this unforgettable masterpiece.
In the fall of 2019, I entered the world of stage management on cruise ships. At that time, I was offered a contract as Senior Stage & Production Manager on the Oasis of the Seas. With no regular handover and no handover notes, it took me about a month to get on top of all admin and organizational duties. Thankfully, I had a wonderful cast and crew, who supported and trusted me. Now, to tackle the show call.
In the fall of 2019, I was offered a contract as Senior Stage & Production Manager on the Oasis of the Seas, one of the World’s largest cruise ships. After the first week, my predecessor left, as did the whole production team which had just finished the creation of our new show Aqua80. I received some last good advice, email addresses and phone numbers for emergencies, and was then left pretty much to my own devices.
In the fall of 2019, I was offered a contract as Senior Stage & Production Manager on the Oasis of the Seas, one of the World’s largest cruise ships. As soon as I arrived onboard, I found out that nothing was going to be as I had thought. I wasn’t too surprised. Changing plans are the norm rather than the exception in the entertainment industry, be the venue located on the ocean or elsewhere.
Jono Ayres is an Aerialist, Teacher & Classes Manager at Circomedia in Bristol where he has revolutionised the online move of its Youth Circus.
In the fall of 2019, Royal Caribbean offered me a contract as Senior Stage & Production Manager on the cruise ship Oasis of the Seas, one of the largest on the planet. I was supposed to take over the Aqua Theater onboard. A beautiful amphitheater with 700 seats.
Following the UK Government’s £1.57bn Arts bailout Arts, the Theatre and Circus still await guidelines on when they will be able to reopen their doors.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, live Theatre, Musicals and Opera and performance shows have been forced to reschedule and make the move online until venues can reopen.
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