The Essence of KOOZA

Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA mesmerizes audiences with its thrilling acrobatics and imaginative performances. This show stands out by embracing traditional circus elements while weaving an intricate narrative throughout its acts.

Character-Driven Storytelling

At the heart of KOOZA’s performance are its richly crafted characters, which include the ‘Trickster,’ ‘The Innocent,’ and a lively ‘Clown.’ These figures guide the audience through a unique journey filled with moments of discovery and humor. Rob Tannion, the Artistic Director of KOOZA, emphasizes, “What really ties it together are our characters.”

The Dedication of Performers

For many performers, appearing in KOOZA represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Aerialist Mizuki Shinagawa shared her commitment, stating, “I train every day—5 to 6 hours, sometimes 10 hours.” This intense regimen is driven by a longstanding passion for performance, as she noted, “This was my dream since I was little.”

Behind the Scenes

The preparation for KOOZA is a monumental task, involving a team of 150 individuals working together to erect the show’s venue within just one week. Director of Site Operations, Jean-François Raymond, reflects on the team’s resilience and coordination, remarking on the diverse international makeup of the group, which includes 31 nationalities among its 140 members, 54 of whom are artists.

Backstage, the environment is bustling. The production team offers a restaurant serving diverse cuisines, numerous warm-up spaces, and a wardrobe area filled with elaborate costumes crafted for the performances. Alexandra Mancini, Head of Wardrobe, explained her team’s role: “We maintain, alter, and create costumes for the show.” They also provide makeup training for the artists, ensuring that each character is presented beautifully.

Engaging with the Community

Tannion expressed appreciation for performing in a city known for its cultural vitality, stating, “A community that embraces the arts, fosters it, and nurtures it, and I think that’s really good.” This connection to the audience enhances the overall experience of the show.

Get Your Tickets

KOOZA is currently being showcased Under the Big Top at Oracle Park and will continue until March 17, 2024. To experience this enchanting performance, available tickets can be purchased here.