One of the most beloved productions from Cirque du Soleil, Corteo, is heading to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, and is set to charm Australian audiences for the very first time, playing from August to October 2025.
This exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca (who also directed LUZIA), first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005 and features a double-sided stage where audiences face each other. Since its creation, Corteo show has amazed over 12 million spectators, in 30 countries, on 4 continents.
Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor, with the grace and power of the acrobat, to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity, situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels, juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection.
The show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, illustrating the portion of humanity that is within each of us all. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.
In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience.
The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo.
“Corteo is a real celebration of life that blends comedy and never-seen-before acrobatics into a unique staging arrangement. Australians who fell in love with the breath-taking artistry and storytelling of LUZIA will be equally captivated by Corteo,” said Mike Newquist, Chief Revenue Officer of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
“It is no secret that Australians love Cirque du Soleil. We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with this incredible organisation. It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of people who embrace boundless creativity,” said Geoff Jones, TEG Group Chief Executive Officer.
“We know Aussie fans will be blown away by Corteo. This show is everything that you love about Cirque du Soleil and so much more. We look forward to bringing Corteo to Australia and know it will create long lasting memories for those who are lucky enough to see it.”
Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo will play Perth Arena (8 – 10 August), John Cain Arena, Melbourne (22 – 24 August), Qudos Bank Arena (4 – 7 September), Brisbane Entertainment Centre (18 – 21 September) and Adelaide Entertainment Centre (2 – 5 October). For more information, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com for details.
Image: Corteo – photo by Maja Prgomet | Costumes by Dominique Lemieux | © Cirque du Soleil