Kinmond and al-Bader speak about ‘Saltimbanco’ yesterday

Qatar Tourism Authority is supporting the staging of ‘Saltimbanco,’ the longest running show by the globally acclaimed entertainment group, Cirque du Soleil, at Aspire Dome from July 4 to 7.
“Doha is the only venue in the GCC region for the closing tour of the show which premiered in 1992,” QTA’s director of tourism Abdulla al-Bader said yesterday.
The name ‘Saltimbanco,’ is from Italian ‘saltare in banco’ which literally means ‘to jump on a bench.’ Described as classic cirque at its best, it is a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe-inspiring artistry and agility.
Inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants, the show will feature 50 performers and musicians from more than 20 countries.
“There will be a total of six performances of ‘Saltimbanco’ in Doha - 8pm daily from July 4 to 7, and a 4pm matinee on July 6 and 7,” explained Luke Kinmond, general manager of SDI Marketing, official Qatari agency partner of Cirque du Soleil.
The custom stadium to be built inside Aspire Dome will seat 3,000 for each performance of the two-hour show.
“The culturally appropriate show for the whole family features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles,” Kinmond said.
Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show’s eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope.
‘Saltimbanco’ is set to enthral, from the seemingly impossible balancing, jumping and spinning during the Chinese poles or the Russian swing to the gravity-defying bungees and trapeze, the crowd-pleasing juggling and acrobatic bicycle, to the celebrated and very unique clowns.
Technical expertise and extravagant design are woven together with uplifting spectacular costumes, amazing lighting, humour and enchanting music and magic.
“Tickets are selling very well,” Kinmond said while pointing out that the prices, ranging from QR130 to QR1,100 are “very accessible” when compared to the 600 or 700 euros charged abroad.
Cirque du Soleil was founded in Canada in 1984, and since its inception as a group of some 20 street performers 27 years ago, it has literally redefined circus entertainment, bringing the genre to over 300 cities on six continents and now employing more than 5,000 people worldwide.
More than 15mn audience members viewed Cirque du Soleil shows over the past year, and 1mn of those saw the ‘Saltimbanco’ tour at various locations around the world. It is estimated that over 11.5mn have seen ‘Saltimbanco’ since 1992.
“The seating will be like that around a football pitch. The Aspire Dome is the only venue in the GCC region to host an arena version of the show. We needed a closed space with a very high ceiling,” Kinmond said.
SGI Marketing is keen on bringing other Cirque du Soleil shows to Qatar in future as well, the official observed while hinting that ‘Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour’ may be considered.
Tickets for ‘Saltimbanco’ are available from www.cirquedusoleil.qa and Virgin Megastore at Landmark Mall. Some new outlets will be opened in the coming days.