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Floored by COVID-19, Cirque du Soleil eyes return to the high-wire

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MONTREAL/HANGZHOU, China (Reuters) – As the coronavirus pandemic ripped around the globe, Cirque du Soleil, a circus troupe formed by Quebec street performers that become a global powerhouse, saw most of its operations grind to a halt in barely 48 hours.

The company, which gained international renown for extravagant shows featuring acrobats, jugglers, firebreathers and musicians, was forced to shut down productions in China, Italy and the United States, among other countries. This month, it filed for bankruptcy protection and is close to reaching a restructuring deal..

“I never thought in my life that I would wake up one day and basically in 48 hours we end up with no shows, no revenues,” CEO Daniel Lamarre told Reuters.

“It was very tough because from hour to hour I was learning that one country was shut down and then the other country was shut down.”

Lamarre, who joined Cirque in 2001 as an executive scouting for new opportunities for its high-flying acts, was left scrambling to help performers get home from closed productions abroad and find warehouses to store its 50 trucks of equipment per show.

Before the pandemic, the entertainment company had 44 performances running worldwide and generated about $1 billion in annual revenues from shows that featured underwater performances and others based on Michael Jackson, Lionel Messi and The Beatles.

Show cancellations led the company to permanently or temporarily lay off 95% of workers.

“My whole Facebook feed was just sadness,” said Chris Gatti, a former high-bar performer and consultant for the company.

Privately held Cirque declined to divulge ticket sales but court documents show the company had nearly $1.5 billion in liabilities.

He Guowei, a performer at the company’s Land of Fantasy show in China, practiced his human body juggling specialty at home after the show shuttered in January due to the pandemic.

“We feel frustrated when we know the show is suspended,” he recalled while training in Hangzhou. “And we also have fears because we have no idea how bad the epidemic is.”

Covid threat

The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest threat to face Cirque du Soleil, which was created in the early 1980s as “The Stiltwalkers of Baie-Saint-Paul” in Quebec, before becoming a global entertainment company thanks to sold out Las Vegas shows, touring productions and acquisitions.

The shows, which have no animals or star performers, helped some key troupe members become wealthy. Guy Laliberté, a performer and co-founder of the company, is on Forbes list of Canadian billionaires.

While Cirque sees a potential reopening in the fall for its resident productions in Las Vegas and Orlando, Lamarre only expects the company to get back to where it was in terms of the number of shows, revenues and profits in 2023.

“We think that it will take a year to 18 months before we’re back to normality which means having a vaccine or a cure that makes people feel safe in a theater. And then from there we think that within a couple of years we’ll be able to bring back the company where it was.”

The Cirque is seeing some green shoots of recovery with the reopening of the Chinese production last month, and another show opening in early July in Mexico.

In Hangzhou, China, He Guowei said he thinks attendance is higher than before the pandemic, except the audience now wears masks. Cirque du Soleil did not immediately respond to questions about ticket sales.

“When we stepped on the stage again, we felt almost the same (as) when we made our debut in last August,” he said. “The effort we made during this time was not in vain.”

Reporting and photo: Reuters

Entertainment

Create unforgettable holiday memories: Coco Collection’s festive programs in Maldives

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As the holiday season approaches, Coco Collection warmly invites guests to experience a festive celebration filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness in the heart of the Maldives. From December 22, 2024, to January 2, 2025, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu are set to mesmerise guests of all ages with a series of unforgettable events that promise to make this holiday season truly magical.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu: Where Tradition Meets Tranquility

Located in the serene Baa Atoll, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers an intimate and heartwarming festive celebration. This enchanting island resort captures the essence of love, reunions, and mindfulness, combining the peacefulness of nature with the excitement of the holiday season. Feel the gentle chimes of baubles, bells, and carols as the island transforms into a festive haven, weaving an atmosphere of joy and enchantment. Some of the highlights include:

  • Coco Little Islander’s Club: Let the little ones dive into Maldivian culture through activities like the Kids Bodu Beru Class.
  • Coco Festive Pamper Package: Rejuvenate with spa treatments that incorporate natural elements, designed to soothe both body and soul.
  • Gourmet Indulgences: Relish in festive feasts featuring exquisite flavours, prepared with love and attention to detail.
  • Private Deserted Island Escape to Embudhoo: Create cherished memories with loved ones on a secluded island retreat.
  • Lucky Draw: Stand a chance to win amazing prizes that will add an extra touch of magic to your stay.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s festive program is all about celebrating traditions with a hint of elegance, making it an ideal destination for families and couples to reconnect and enjoy the season of togetherness.

Coco Bodu Hithi: A Celebration of Contemporary Luxury and Festive Cheer

Coco Bodu Hithi is all set to welcome the festive season in style, offering a mix of sophistication, contemporary luxury, and island charm. Known for its elegant ambiance, this breathtaking resort presents an array of events that capture the warmth and joy of the holidays in a setting of pure indulgence. The celebration kicks off with the Grand Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 22, followed by a range of exciting activities, including:

  • Family Fun: Engage in Christmas-themed crafts, Gingerbread Man decoration, and beach games for the little ones.
  • Culinary Experiences: Savour a variety of exquisite dishes from four distinct dining venues, offering everything from fresh seafood and authentic Japanese cuisine to Mediterranean and international flavours.
  • Holistic Spa Treatments: Indulge in blissful spa treatments that are sure to leave guests feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
  • Sophisticated Evenings: Conclude the day with fine wine, live music, and a touch of glamour, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Coco Bodu Hithi’s festive celebrations are all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures in a luxurious setting, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking to bask in the joy and warmth of the season.

Embrace the festive spirit with Coco Collection and create a holiday experience filled with magic, elegance, and unforgettable moments in the Maldives.

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Entertainment

World-renowned guitar duo Café del Mundo to perform at Patina Maldives Fari Islands

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Patina Maldives Fari Islands has announced three exclusive live performances by Café del Mundo, the renowned guitar duo, scheduled for October 28, October 30, and November 1, 2024.

Café del Mundo, featuring Jan Pascal and Alexander Kilian, is celebrated for its captivating fusion of flamenco, classical, jazz, and modern pop music. The duo will bring their distinctive sound to the Maldives, promising an unforgettable musical journey under the stars.

Drawing over ten thousand concertgoers annually, receiving standing ovations, and amassing millions of online fans, Café del Mundo’s performances are known for their magnetism. Jan Pascal and Alexander Kilian’s exceptional mastery of the guitar—combining the authenticity of Paco de Lucía with the energetic style of artists like Coldplay and U2—has earned them international acclaim. The duo has performed alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded at Abbey Road Studios, delivering concerts that transcend genre boundaries and evoke pure joy and passion.

Music is a core element of the guest experience at Patina Maldives, with curated playlists and live performances designed to enrich each stay with immersive, transcendent moments. As a private sanctuary emphasising originality and discovery, these performances by Café del Mundo aim to connect conscious travellers through creative and meaningful experiences.

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Celebrate the holidays with a galactic twist at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s AstroFest

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli is preparing to embark on an intergalactic journey this festive season as the island transforms into a celestial oasis with AstroFest 2024-2025, taking place from December 21st, 2024 to January 8th, 2025. This year’s theme is a cosmic celebration of space, featuring floating astronauts, glowing planets, and celestial decor that transport guests into a dazzling universe. With twinkling fairy lights adorning every corner and celestial-inspired activities, the island is set to become a galactic paradise where adventure and celebration await under the stars.

The festivities will begin on December 21 with the Christmas Tree Light-Up Ceremony, setting the stage for the magical season ahead. On Christmas Eve, December 24, a special evening will unfold with the Gala Cocktail Session at sunset, followed by live performances from DJ Jeremiah and belly dancer Vika Kolesnyk, creating a vibrant atmosphere for this special night.

On December 25, Christmas Day will feature Santa Claus’ Interstellar Arrival, a spectacular cosmic entrance that will delight guests of all ages. The evening will include a Christmas Beach BBQ under the stars, where guests can indulge in a delicious culinary feast.

AstroFest will also offer plenty of family-friendly activities. Guests can participate in the colourful and vibrant Olhuveli Galaxy Colour Run on December 26, a cosmic race filled with fun and laughter. On December 27, families can join the exciting Cosmic Quest Day, a day-long treasure hunt with hidden celestial surprises scattered across the island. These activities are designed to bring a sense of adventure and discovery to the festive celebration.

New Year’s Eve on December 31 will be the highlight of AstroFest. Guests will be invited to enjoy an exclusive Gala Cocktail Session, followed by a lavish Gala Dinner at the resort’s beachfront, offering an unforgettable dining experience under the Maldivian celestial sky. The Galactic New Year Bash will set the stage for a spectacular night, headlined by Amber Na, one of Asia’s top-ranked DJs, known for her explosive EDM sets. DJ Jeremiah will return with his energetic beats, and performances from Italian pop sensation Matilde G, and talented singer-songwriter TEJMUSIK from India, will keep the celebration alive as the island counts down to 2025.

The festivities will continue into the new year with special performances by renowned belly dancer Alla Kushnir on January 2 and 7, adding her signature grace and elegance to AstroFest. Russian singer Tanya German, known for her energetic pop and dance performances, will captivate audiences on January 4 and 7, while the Wild Fire Arts Collective will mesmerise guests with their cirque-style entertainment, blending acrobatics, creativity, and visual artistry on January 7.

For guests seeking a more relaxed experience, the II Sense band will perform soothing acoustic sets on December 22, 29, and January 5, creating the perfect ambiance for celestial stargazing.

Sports enthusiasts will have their turn on January 2 with the Olhuveli Open Tennis Masters, where participants can showcase their tennis skills in a thrilling tournament. On January 3, the Snowman at the Beach Competition will offer a playful twist on the traditional snowman, encouraging families to get creative with sand sculptures.

For the younger guests, the Little Astronauts’ Adventure on January 6 will provide a fun-filled day of space-themed games and crafts, ensuring young explorers are fully entertained. With something for everyone, AstroFest promises that each day will be packed with adventure, joy, and celebration.

AstroFest will conclude with a Cosmic Farewell Party on January 8, where guests will bid adieu to this unforgettable festival under the stars, enjoying live music from High Tide for one final night of celestial celebrations.

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