Entertainment

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

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2020

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

Action

Ocean, culture, community: sustainable celebrations at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru

Published

4 days ago

July 7, 2025

m@ldives

Single-use plastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with over 11 million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Since the Banyan Group began its efforts to eliminate single-use plastics in 2018, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have led the way within the group—achieving a 75% reduction in plastic use, the highest rate across all properties.

This July, guests are invited to participate in a series of sustainability-focused activities designed to create meaningful impact:

12 July: A community clean-up in Malé City in collaboration with CLEAN Maldives, bringing together locals, guests, and team members to reduce marine waste in urban environments.
19 & 26 July: Marine litter snorkelling clean-ups around the house reef, removing plastic debris while protecting marine life and habitats.
29 July: A recycled arts and crafts workshop at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in partnership with Feyran Craft House, transforming collected plastic into handcrafted artworks.

These efforts support the Banyan Group’s ‘Brand for Good’ sustainability targets, which include the complete elimination of guest-facing single-use plastics by 2025 and full elimination across operations by 2030.

Taking place at Dhawa Ihuru—recognised for having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2025)—the Rannamaari Dive Fest invites divers and marine enthusiasts to explore the famed Rannamaari Shipwreck, located just metres from the shoreline.

This immersive day features:

Guided dives to the shipwreck
Underwater treasure hunts
Marine conservation talks
Cultural experiences including local arts and crafts, Maldivian cooking classes, and spa rituals

The event pays tribute to the vibrant marine ecosystem that defines Dhawa Ihuru as a premier dive destination.

Observed on 26 July, Maldivian Independence Day commemorates the country’s emergence as a sovereign island nation. In celebration of this historic occasion, both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have curated three days of experiences rooted in national pride, community, and tradition.

26 July: Guests may participate in a symbolic swim across the channel connecting the two islands, representing unity and freedom. The day continues with a Maldivian Culture Talk exploring traditions, language, and the significance of Independence Day, followed by a traditional Bodu Beru performance and beach bonfire under the stars.
26–28 July: Three days of beachside “Fun Olympic Games” celebrate island spirit through friendly competition and laughter.
25–31 July: Special dive and water sports promotions of up to 30% will be available. Offers include signature experiences such as diving the Rannamaari Shipwreck and snorkelling excursions with nurse sharks and stingrays.

The July programming forms part of the lead-up to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s official 30th anniversary in September 2025. Each initiative reflects the resort’s founding philosophy: Embracing the Environment, Empowering People. Guests are invited to reconnect with nature, engage with Maldivian culture, and experience the true spirit of the Original Maldives.

Entertainment

Game on! Kandima unveils Maldives’ most exciting all-ages entertainment hub

Published

1 week ago

July 1, 2025

m@ldives

Kandima Maldives, the bold lifestyle resort known for redefining island getaways, has once again raised the bar with the launch of PlaySpace – an all-ages entertainment destination transforming the leisure landscape of the Maldives.

Centrally located within the island resort, PlaySpace blends nostalgic retro flair with cutting-edge fun, offering a dynamic mix of activities for families, thrill-seekers, and social guests alike. From action-packed bowling and immersive virtual reality to escape room challenges and private karaoke sessions, the venue strengthens Kandima’s position as the Maldives’ leading active lifestyle destination.

According to Dermot Birchall, General Manager at Kandima Maldives, “At Kandima, we’re constantly evolving the island experience. PlaySpace adds a new dimension – it’s immersive, social, and above all, wildly entertaining.”

Key Highlights of PlaySpace Include:

Bowling Lanes with a Twist: Themed experiences such as Team Challenge, Date Night Deluxe, and Family Blitz, complemented by snacks, drinks, and curated playlists.
Karaoke & Cocktails: Private singing rooms paired with wine, beer, or bubbly under the Karaoke & Cocktails Package.
VR & Arcade Zone: Thrilling VR adventures, air hockey, billiards, and timeless arcade classics.
Escape Rooms: Brain-teasing challenges for up to three guests – ideal for team bonding or friendly competition.
Eats & Treats: A variety of gourmet snacks including paninis and mini pizzas, plus refreshing beverages like Tropical Dreamscape and Lychee Breeze – all alcohol-free.

With its vibrant 80s-inspired design and bold approach to leisure, PlaySpace perfectly reflects Kandima’s playful luxury ethos. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it promises guests a unique and energetic addition to their island stay.

Adding to the excitement, Kandima has also introduced Fast Track, the Maldives’ first and only oceanfront e-go-kart circuit. Spanning 500 metres with 10 turns and speeds reaching up to 80 km/h, this professional-grade asphalt track brings a high-octane edge to island adventure.

As Kandima continues to innovate and launch new experiences, guests can expect even more surprises in the near future – with fun, flair, and freedom at the heart of it all.

Entertainment

The Presets to ignite nights in exclusive Kandooma Maldives showcase in April 2026

Published

1 month ago

June 5, 2025

m@ldives

Imagine your favourite music festival—but swap muddy fields for white sands, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. In April 2026, acclaimed electronic duo The Presets will trade stadiums and festival crowds for an exclusive beachfront series of shows at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, offering fans an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime island escape curated by Music in Paradise.

From Coachella to Splendour in the Grass, The Presets—Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes—have made their mark on the global stage. But this time, they’re doing things differently. From 11–18 April 2026, fans will experience a week of sun-drenched luxury capped off by three electrifying live performances, including a sunset DJ set on the beach and an exclusive rooftop party at the resort’s Sunset Bar.

“We’re beyond excited to host The Presets at Kandooma,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Their energy, talent, and incredible live shows are a perfect match for our vibrant island setting. Guests can expect something truly unforgettable.”

With a career spanning two decades, The Presets are electronic music royalty in Australia. Their breakout 2008 album Apocalypso went triple platinum and produced the festival anthem “My People.” With multiple ARIA Awards, APRA Songwriter of the Year titles, and collaborations like the RAKA EP with Golden Features under their belt, the duo continues to shape the sound of electronic music worldwide.

Their 2018 album HI VIZ soared to the top of iTunes within hours of release and included hits like “Do What You Want” and “Martini,” both nominated for major Australian music prizes.

Fans can now secure the Early Bird Gold Experience Package for A$3,790 per person (twin share) for seven nights in a Beach Villa—saving over $1,000. This VIP experience includes: