Cirque Du Soleil Soars into Outer Space
Guy Laliberté, Cirque Leader, Sends Green Message from Space
Oct 1, 2009
It seems very fitting that a ground-breaking, earth-shattering entertainment company that has built its reputation and empire on showcasing humans flying through space, would now see its founder/pilot Guy Laliberté take the ultimate flying experience by rocketing into the stratosphere on an actual spacecraft and take the world along for the ride.
“I have been described as many things throughout my 25 years with Cirque du Soleil. Fire-breather, entrepreneur, street smart, creative," says Laliberté. "I am honored and humbled today with my new job description: humanitarian space explorer. Traveling has always been my way of life and I have been researching the possibilities of space travel with Space Adventures Ltd since 2004. But I needed it to be the right time and for the right purpose. This is the time. And the purpose is clear: to raise awareness on water issues to humankind on planet earth. My mission is dedicated to making a difference on this vital resource by using what I know best: artistry. This will be the first poetic social mission in space.”
On September 30, 2009, Laliberté shot into space to the International Space Station with a plan to draw attention to the official launch of the ONE DROP Foundation to fight poverty in the world by making water more available to all. Laliberté and his space comrades plan to stay in space for about 10 days. As part of this “star trek” adventure, a web conference call with Laliberté and personalities such as U2 and Al Gore is scheduled for October 9 – for what might be called a “webathon or space-age Live Aid" – a Cirque version of a charitable telethon.
It seems appropriate, and possibly mind-jarring, that a man who helped to reshape Las Vegas – one of the tourist capitals of the world – would himself take on his own journey to be one of the planet’s early space tourists. Can another Cirque du Soleil plot-line be far behind? For those who might have been living on Mars for the last 25 years and sheltered from the phenomenal success – artistically and financially – of Cirque du Soleil, here are a few dizzying facts. (An oxygen tank nearby might be useful!)
Cirque du Soleil Facts
- About 100 million spectators have seen a Cirque du Soleil show since 1984.
- More then 15 million will see a Cirque du Soleil show in 2009.
- 20 shows will be presented in 2009 including in Europe, Japan, South America, North America and Mexico.
Las Vegas Shows
- The Cirque du Soleil’s six stunning Vegas shows now playing as of 2009 are: Mystere, Zumanity, Ka, Beatles Love, Criss Angels Believe and O.
- The O production focuses on a theme of water as highlighted in a YouTube video.
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