Cirque du Soleil woos thousands in Qatar with Saltimbanco

Cirque du Soleil debuted its longest-running, signature production Saltimbanco in Doha this week,ending on a spectacular high Saturday night. Supported by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), SDI Marketing, St. Regis Hotel Doha and Chevrolet, the stunning show sold nearly 18,000 tickets, attracting visitors from Qatar and all around the GCC.

Local and expat audiences were captivated by six outstanding performances across four days. Acts like Chinese Poles enthralled audiences with the breath taking display of agility, power and speed; Boleadoras kept the crowds engrossed with trance-like rhythm and percussion.

Saltimbanco Company Manager, Chris May, said: “Cirque du Soleil was thrilled to perform for the first time ever in Qatar. Artists performed to sell-out crowds each night and the audiences were warm and hospitable. Performing for Qatar’s diverse population was an incredible experience for the team and we look forward to returning in the future.”

World-renowned for its astounding displays of acrobatics, Cirque du Soleil thrilled audiences at the Aspire Dome with a series of sixshows this week. Qatar Tourism Authority worked closely with SDI Marketing to promote the show which included 50 high caliber artists from 20 different countries.

Mr. Abdullah Mallala Al Bader, Head of Tourism at QTA, said: “Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is proud to have lent its support for the spectacular internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil, staging its longest-running show Saltimbanco in Doha.Bringing a world class act like Cirque du Soleil to the country underlines the QTA’s role to offer residents and tourists alike the very best in family entertainment in Qatar to reinforce it as a world class tourist destination,”

“Qatar has proved it can stage even the largest of events and for Cirque du Soleil to choose it as a location for their magnificent show underlines its reputation. The incredible acrobatic performances have enthralled Doha audiences and visitors from the region all this week, not to mention the show’s extravagant design, spectacular costumes and amazing lighting,” added Al Bader.

A vivid portrayal of the diversity that defines a metropolis, Saltimbanco is Cirque du Soleil longest running touring show and has performed since 1992 to sell-out audiences across the world, enticing over 13 million enthusiastic fans. The troupe will continue their tour on to Southeast Asia with stops in Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila.