The world famous Canadian circus troupe Cirque Du Soleil has announced that it will return to London in January 2008 to present the British premiere of Varekai. The piece, which takes its name from the Romany for 'wherever', uses Cirque Du Soleil's renowned acrobatic and dramatic skills to pay tribute to the nomadic soul. Varekai runs at the Royal Albert Hall from 8 January-3 February 2008.
The artists of Cirque Du Soleil may feel that the Royal Albert Hall is a home away from home, as the company has presented shows, including Alegria, Dralion and Saltimbanco, at the prestigious venue on many occasions.
Varekai was first seen in Canada, the home of Cirque Du Soleil, in April 2002. In the five years since its Montreal debut it has toured the US and the Asia Pacific. It will make its European debut in October, before reaching British shores in the new year.
The tale of Varekai is set at the summit of a volcano hidden deep within a forest; a place hidden from the world where everything is possible. A lone adventurer falls into this new world and begins exploring its many hidden and fascinating wonders.
Shawn Kent, the European Marketing and Sales Director for Cirque Du Soleil, said he expected fans to be "truly surprised and captivated by the world of Varekai".
Since 1984, Cirque Du Soleil has evolved from a troupe of 20 street performers into a company with more than 3,000 employees from 40 different countries. When Varekai is playing at the Royal Albert Hall, it will be one of 13 shows being presented simultaneously across the globe.
MA