What is KOOZA? Simply put, KOOZA is a seamless blend of art forms combined in a world-class circus production loved around the globe It follows a journey of self-discovery of The Innocent through fateful meetings with quirky characters, thrilling acrobatic numbers, and a reinterpretation of classic circus tropes we all love.
KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil – A Return to the Origins of Circus
Titled after the Sanskrit word “koza”, meaning treasure, KOOZA is an homage to the circuses of old. It retains many of the original elements from circus shows, such as acrobatic performances, juggling, classic displays of clownery, and the stage itself.
In fact, the creative team paid great attention to the shape and size of the stage so that it would match the dimensions of traditional circus rings. That’s where the similarities end though...
Performances in KOOZA exceed expectations of what one would wait for in a run-of-the-mill circus show. Take the contortion act as an example. The contortionists display their honed skill of matching speed to dexterous movements, creating beautiful living sculptures.
Unlike the original circuses where the performances were the main attraction of the spectacle, in KOOZA they are woven into the storytelling, elevating the experience to new artistic heights.
The Creative Vision Behind KOOZA
The strong artistic vision is what makes KOOZA a fan-favorite production and guides its approach to storytelling. It masterfully blends themes of fear, duality, fragility, and power, exemplifying everything that humanity is capable of.
However, though these underlying themes are manifested subtly, it’s often channeled through exuberant and often comical scenes, an element also alluding to KOOZA’s core form of a traditional circus show.
The central character of the production, The Innocent, is a reflection of the life journey, symbolizing the uncertainties and surprises each individual encounters at varying stages of their life.
We also owe the artistry of KOOZA to the creative vision that dictated the need for vivid soundscapes, electrifying visuals, and a stage designed as a vehicle for its heartfelt story.
Uncover All the Secrets
Want to know more? Find out everything you need to know about KOOZA and its captivating storylines!
Characters of KOOZA
To decipher what KOOZA is about, it’s important to understand the motivations and personality traits of the main characters.
The Vibrant and Eccentric Characters of KOOZA
Each character seen in KOOZA adds a new layer to the storytelling with their distinct personality. Here’s an overview of this eclectic bunch.
- The Innocent: The main character of KOOZA, The Innocent, reflects the human condition itself, susceptible to the unexpected twists and turns of life. This melancholic character mirrors the journey of the audience, trying to answer the question of “what is KOOZA”, from the minute he is spirited away by the Trickster. His self-discovery is central to the story and climax of the show.
- The Trickster: The Trickster, as his name hints, is not the archetypal guide character you would think is at the center of this story. It’s him who creates the world of KOOZA, a circus pulled right out of his magical box, for The Innocent to discover. The Trickster, like other iconic characters in literature and cinema, represents an element of chaos. His appearance signifies a pivotal moment in the show, right from the time he springs out if his “koza” box.
- The King, and his Clowns: The classic clown trio in the show, the King and his clowns bring in an element of carefreeness and humor, but they’re also a representation of the spectrum of human emotions. The King represents the human need for validation, commanding respect for himself and his title, while his court jesters, The Tourist and The Handyman represent opportunistic behavior, hence their shifty loyalty to the king.
Signature Acts in Cirque du Soleil - KOOZA
Taking a closer look at the acts, whether they’re a permanent staple of the show or a rotation act, helps pick up clues and piece together the story for yourself. As a callback to the original circuses, spectacular human performances are paramount to KOOZA as much as its story.
A Closer Look at KOOZA's Breathtaking Performances
KOOZA seamlessly blends skillful performances reminiscent of original circuses with its engaging storyline. Take "Charivari”, for example, KOOZA’s melting pot of skills, combining elements from the traditional Inuit game of “Blanket Toss”, rapid costume changes, human pyramids and daring acrobatics.
In other words, it’s an evolution of the original act, a common thread linking all the signature acts in KOOZA.
The Thrilling Tightrope, Wheel of Death, and Other Daring Feats
The thrilling acts of KOOZA are the centerpiece of the show, designed to give an adrenaline rush to the audience, like the tightrope walk and the death-defying acrobatics display on the Wheel of Death.
Both acts use proximity to the audience to highlight the tension and inherent danger in different ways. In the High Wire act, the twin wires are suspended at 15 and 25 feet respectively to add depth and dynamism to the 5-acrobats act — where they walk, balance, fence and bike on the wire.
On the other hand, the Wheel of Death makes its dazzling, high-velocity rotations and teamwork the focus of the act. You simply can’t look away! This spellbinding quality is shared by other signature acts as well. Here’s a brief introduction to other acts of KOOZA.
- Balancing on Chairs: Balancing on Chairs is simple in theory but it takes ingenuity to perform a balancing act atop a towering stack of chairs, reaching 23 feet in the air.
- Contortion: Dressed in golden costumes, the three contortionists push the limits of body and mind with a stunning display that creates momentary sculptures.
- Hoops Manipulation: Reaching up to seven simultaneous hoops, this act is a mesmerizing combination of exceptional balance, fluid movements, and contortion.
- Unicycle : The KOOZA twist to the regular unicycle adds a passenger in the mix to highlight the teamwork through graceful choreography.
- Teeterboard: Flung into the air, the artists perform flawless somersaults with incredible agility, followed by an even more incredible display of acrobatics - 30 feet in the air!
- Icarian Games: A high-octane circus act, performed by two artists, elevated to the next level! You’ll get dizzy trying to wrap your head around it.
Artistic Elements of KOOZA
The artistic vision and remarkable showmanship behind KOOZA are what makes it a standout production. From costumes to original music, the attention to detail and originality, generously poured into more than 175 costumes, sets it apart as a once in a lifetime experience.
The Whimsical Costumes and Set Design of KOOZA
Clothes make a person - at least they do make a character come alive! Costume designer Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt drew upon a wide range of pop culture influences to add a touch of magic and whimsy to the costumes used in KOOZA.
Her inspiration takes the audience through a journey through time and space, traversing the fictional lands of Mad Max, touching on various graphic novels and time travel movies as well as real traditions originating in India and Eastern Europe.
As one of the most creative designers of her time, Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt doesn’t stop at aesthetics. Often, the costumes serve a functional purpose as well. For example, molded carbon was used to create the skeletons’ costumes, which replicate the sound of bones clanking when performers hit parts of it.
Another example of the genius of Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt can be found within the design of the “Rat Cape”, a costume element that creates a blood-chilling illusion of rats running down the performer’s body.
Art is an integral part of what makes KOOZA its own. The themes and influences of various artistic sources are not solely limited to costuming but encompass the circular stage and the decor itself. The “Bataclan”, the main set piece for the show, draws inspiration from Hindu culture, as well as the buses found in Pakistan.
The Soundscapes That Bring KOOZA to Life
The surreal soundtrack, composed by Jean-François Côté, has the remarkable ability to mirror The Innocent’s journey throughout the show. The orchestral music blends multiple influences to highlight the central theme of duality.
Inspired by diverse music genres such as Indian classical music and 1970s funk, the timeless quality of the soundscape is elevated further by the performance of live musicians. Jean-François Côté also found inspiration in the classic film scores of the 1940’s and 1950’s, highlighting the nostalgic quality of KOOZA.
What is KOOZA Like Behind-the-Scenes
There’s a lot that goes into producing a circus show like KOOZA. Everyone has a role to play in bringing the story to life. Learn more about what goes into the making of KOOZA.
The Making of KOOZA: Crafting a Traditional Circus with a Modern Twist
KOOZA was created with an objective to combine and meld two traditional types of circus acts into one: acrobatics and clowning. Adding the charm of modern production and the storytelling style of musicals was key to making the final product feel whole.
From the moment the character of The Trickster bursts onto the stage, the show takes hold of the audience. It can be hard to pinpoint “What is KOOZA about”, without having really experienced it.
It’s not just the story, not just the traditional circus performances. It goes beyond that by layering modern sophistication to art, music, and costumes, weaving an unforgettable experience.
Insights from the Creators and Performers of KOOZA
For director David Shiner, having the troupe of performers add their personal touch was key to making KOOZA a unique production. David wanted to tell a story about power, death, and the fleeting quality of life.
At the same time, he wanted to ensure that KOOZA wouldn’t become a theater play but remained what it was always meant to be: a circus show. His own journey as a clown, and artistic influences of directors such as Ingmar Berman has brought a magical quality to KOOZA’s production.
The grand vision behind KOOZA required an equally bold stage. Set designer Stéphane Roy wanted to capture “the essence of the circus itself, a sense of palpable danger”, when he began work on KOOZA. Covering 260 degrees, the set design of KOOZA achieves just that.
There’s a dynamic quality to the audience interaction with no attempt to conceal or disguise anything. The precision and proximity to the acts truly lets the artists shine and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Inside the Rehearsal Studio: Preparing for KOOZA's Spectacular Acts
To truly understand what KOOZA is about, it’s important to learn more about the efforts taken by Cirque du Soleil to safely train new cast members. The training for new artists can go up to a few months, to familiarize them with the routine.
Each new act is first envisioned in the studio and again goes through the cycle of training before it makes its debut. KOOZA is indeed a love of labor, especially when it comes to perfecting the performances that go into making it a unique spectacle.
Planning Your Visit to KOOZA
KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil is one of the most engaging shows you’ll ever watch, with a constant stream of mind-bending acts performed with exceptional execution. A little bit of preparation can go a long way in making sure you have the best experience possible.
How to Make the Most of Your Experience at KOOZA
- Check if KOOZA is playing near your city: KOOZA is a traveling show, which means our showtimes and venues change frequently. Please check the KOOZA page on our website for our next show listing to start planning your visit.
- Know the timings: KOOZA show lasts for 125 minutes, so prepare accordingly when it comes to food and bathroom breaks. Please note that outside food is not allowed in KOOZA.
- Getting there: As the show location changes, you’d want to make sure you have the best possible route to reach the location. Plan ahead to get at least 60 to 90 minutes before the show starts. There are plenty of onsite festivities and audience interaction opportunities that you won’t want to miss!
- Confirm Medical Conditions: While KOOZA is meant for the whole family, it can cause issues with photosensitivity. Please review the information on KOOZA website before you book your tickets.
Engage with KOOZA
The show may be over (for now 👀), but the magic of KOOZA doesn’t have to flutter off! Keep the excitement alive by connecting with the KOOZA and Cirque du Soleil community online.
- Join the conversation: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming performances, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive fan moments.
- Hear what others are saying: Dive into reviews and blogs to see what audiences just like you loved most about the show.
- Take a piece of KOOZAhome: If you were mesmerized by the performance, don’t forget to stop by the merch booth! Explore the collection of KOOZA and Cirque du Soleil memorabilia; find apparel, keychains, postcards, and more delightful products.
These are just some ways you can keep the memories close and relive the wonder anytime you wish.