ZAIA KOOZA ZED Group Photo

Sunday March 20, 2011 artists and techs from the Cirque Du Soleil shows ZAIA, KOOZA and ZED took a group photo on the ZAIA stage at the Venetian in Macau, China. We (the ZAIA crew) were happy to host them in Macau while they awaited updated reports on current events in Japan following the tsunami.

We think that this is the first time three different performing casts from Cirque shows have all been together and shared the stage. You can click on the image for a larger view.

Email Q&A: ZAIA and Cirque Flute Scores

Email question received:

Dear Conrad –
I enjoy your blog.  It’s a great chance for outsiders to get an inside look at what it’s like to be in a Cirque production. I write because I recently posted a video on Cirque’s Facebook Casting page and have two questions with respect to the use of various flutes in ZAIA.

1. How many different flutes are used in your current production?

2. To your knowledge, are there other current Cirque shows that are scored
exclusively for the flute? (either concert flute or other world flutes)

Thanks for your time.

Continue reading “Email Q&A: ZAIA and Cirque Flute Scores” →

ZAIA Celebrates 1,000th Show

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPueHkXkKkA

On Sunday March 20, 2011 the Cirque Du Soleil show ZAIA celebrated it’s 1,000th performance. The ZAIA cast had a big party at the Venetian casino in Macau along many of the artists and crew from the ZED and KOOZA shows. Here are some videos from Aomen (Macau) TV that I believe were released in December, 2010. It shows behind the scenes talks with a trapeze catcher and artistic director in the ZAIA show.

Hard to believe it’s been over three years since we began training in Montreal for the show. It’s been a very interesting time here in Macau, China!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Egp2NJNSs

Cirque Tokyo ZED and KOOZA Employees Evacuated to Macau

As a personal rule I do not post Cirque Du Soleil information that has not already been released to the public. That is not any directive from management. Just a personal guideline. I feel ok to post this since it has already been published publicly at:

http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/stageandpage/
archive/2011/03/15/cirque-du-soleil-japan-update-zed-performers-
evacuated-to-macau.aspx

“Cirque has decided yesterday to transfer all its employees currently in Japan to Macau (China). These preventative measures touch the staff and artists of ZED, presented at Tokyo Disneyland, which is closed for the next 7 days, and artists and staff of Kooza, presented in Fuji Dome in Tokyo, which is also cancelled until further notice. Artists and staff will benefit from the support of the Macau colleagues and will be able to pursue their training at the Macau training centre.”

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Skagit Herald – March 10, 2011

Thank you to Beverly Crichfield from the Skagit Herald (Skagit County, WA – USA) for writing this article for the Thursday, March 10, 2011 edition. You can subscribe to the Skagit Herald and find local news at http://www.goskagit.com

The article talks about the years I did music and theater in Mount Vernon, WA and Skagit County, USA before moving to Macao, China with Cirque Du Soleil. You can click on the images to enlarge and read.

Below is front page of magazine insert.

ZAIA Live Promo – Hunan China TV

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjQwMDU1MzYw.html

Cirque Du Soleil artists from the ZAIA show did a live television promo up in Hunan, China in late January 2011. It featured the acts of Straps, Skate and Hand to Hand.

I don’t know how to embed that link because it’s from a Chinese website – but it’s there if you’d like to watch it. I’ve been told that the spot was seen by several million viewers in mainland China.

Cirque du Soleil and James Cameron form 3D partnership

MONTREAL — A group of entertainment heavyweights including Cirque du Soleil and Canadian director James Cameron have formed a partnership to produce theatrical 3D projects.

Reel FX and Cirque du Soleil Images are the production partners.

“Shooting with the Cirque du Soleil team has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional life,” Cameron said in the release.

“It’s a unique opportunity for me, and my 3D partner Vince Pace, to bring the Cirque du Soleil experience to a worldwide audience through the magic of 3D cinema.”

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20101209/james-cameron-cirque-du-soleil-101209/