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| foundation = {{start date and age|1984|6|16|df=y}}
| founders = [[Guy Laliberté]]<br>[[Gilles Ste-Croix]]
| location_city = [[Montreal]],
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = Stéphane Lefebvre, President and CEO
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| services =
| num_employees = 4000+
| revenue = {{nowrap|{{increase}} [[Canadian dollar|C$]]850 million
| divisions = Cirque du Soleil Images<br>Cirque du Soleil Events + Experience
| subsid = [[Blue Man Group]]<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Deb|first=Sopan|year=2017|title=Blue Man Group Is Bought by Cirque du Soleil, With Plans to Expand|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/cirque-du-soleil-buys-blue-man-group.html|journal=New York Times|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707175333/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/cirque-du-soleil-buys-blue-man-group.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br>[[VStar Entertainment Group]]<ref name="Kelly">{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/cirque-du-soleil-targets-kids-with-acquisition-of-vstar-entertainment|title=Cirque du Soleil targets kids with acquisition of VStar Entertainment|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2018-07-05|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=10 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910155525/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/cirque-du-soleil-targets-kids-with-acquisition-of-vstar-entertainment|url-status=live}}</ref><br>The Works Entertainment<ref name="Arsenault">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/cirque-du-soleil-acquires-magic-show-company-the-works-entertainment-1.4284968|title=Cirque du Soleil acquires magic show company The Works Entertainment|last=Arsenault|first=Julien|date=2019-02-06|website=CTVNews|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073240/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/cirque-du-soleil-acquires-magic-show-company-the-works-entertainment-1.4284968|url-status=live}}</ref><br>4U2C<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/business/4u2c-sets-the-ice-ablaze|title=4U2C sets the ice ablaze|date=2014-05-06|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073239/https://montrealgazette.com/business/4u2c-sets-the-ice-ablaze|url-status=live}}</ref><br>Outbox Enterprises<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2011/music/news/outbox-enterprises-to-take-on-ticketmaster-1118031494/|title=Outbox Enterprises to take on Ticketmaster|date=2011-02-03|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073236/https://variety.com/2011/music/news/outbox-enterprises-to-take-on-ticketmaster-1118031494/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| homepage = {{URL|cirquedusoleil.com}}
}}
'''Cirque du Soleil''' ({{IPA
Originating as a performing troupe called ''Les Échassiers'' ({{IPA
After financial successes and failures in the late 1980s, ''[[Nouvelle Expérience]]'' was created—with the direction of [[Franco Dragone]]—which not only made Cirque du Soleil profitable by 1990, but allowed it to create new shows.<ref name="CdS1">{{cite book |last=Babinski |first=Tony |title=Cirque du Soleil: 20 years under the sun |publisher=[[Harry N. Abrams Inc.]] |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-8109-4636-1 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780810946361 }}</ref> It expanded rapidly through the 1990s and 2000s, growing from one production to dozens of shows in over 300 cities on six continents. The company employed 4,900 people from 50 countries and generated an annual revenue of approximately US$1 billion in 2017.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":19">{{Cite news|last=van Praet|first=Nicolas|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-caisse-boosts-cirque-du-soleil-stake-with-deal-to-buy-out-founder/|title=Caisse boosts Cirque du Soleil stake with deal to buy out founder|date=17 February 2020|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2020-02-17|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217202404/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-caisse-boosts-cirque-du-soleil-stake-with-deal-to-buy-out-founder/|url-status=live}}</ref> The multiple permanent [[Las Vegas Strip|Las Vegas]] shows alone play to more than 9,000 people a night, 5% of the city's visitors, adding to the over 100 million people who have seen Cirque du Soleil productions worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/jan/27/theatre1|title=Spend! Spend! Spend!|last=Glaister|first=Dan|date=2005-01-27|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-12-18|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219033917/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2005/jan/27/theatre1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Cirque Global: Quebec's Expanding Circus Boundaries|last=Bennett|first=Susan|publisher=McGill–Queen's University Press|year=2016|isbn=978-0-7735-9870-6|editor-last=Batson|editor-first=Charles R.|location=Montreal|pages=85|chapter=Circus and Gentrification|editor-last2=Leroux|editor-first2=Louis Patrick}}</ref>
In 2000, Laliberté bought out Daniel Gauthier's stake in the company, and with 95% ownership continued to expand the brand.<ref name="Hermann" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2009/sep/30/guy-laliberte-clown-space-circus|title=Circus tycoon Guy Laliberté becomes first clown in space|date=2009-09-30|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-12-20|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=7 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907125439/http://www.theguardian.com/science/2009/sep/30/guy-laliberte-clown-space-circus|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Laliberté sold 20% of his share to the investment groups [[Istithmar World]] and Nakheel of [[Dubai]], but later bought back their stake following the [[2008 recession|2008 global financial crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 August 2008 |title=Istithmar and Nakheel buy 20% Cirque du Soleil stake |url=http://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-markets/retail/istithmar-and-nakheel-buy-20-cirque-du-soleil-stake-2008-08-07-1.224234 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916223945/http://www.emirates247.com/eb247/companies-markets/retail/istithmar-and-nakheel-buy-20-cirque-du-soleil-stake-2008-08-07-1.224234 |archive-date=16 September 2014 |access-date=2019-12-24 |website=Emirates 24/7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Austen |first=Ian |date=2015-04-20 |title=Sale of Cirque du Soleil Aims to Open Doors in China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/21/business/dealbook/cirque-de-soleil-deal.html |access-date=2024-06-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 2015, [[TPG Capital]], [[Fosun International|Fosun Industrial Holdings]], and [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]] purchased 90% of Cirque du Soleil while Laliberté retained a 10% stake in the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2015/0421/LTN20150421055.pdf|title=Voluntary Announcement Investment in Cirque du Soleil|date=20 April 2015|work=Fosun International|publisher=Hong Kong Stock Exchange|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121043826/http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2015/0421/LTN20150421055.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/04/cirque-du-soleil-act-150423131838452.html|title=Cirque du Soleil's second act|work=Al Jazeera English|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-date=29 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429105314/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2015/04/cirque-du-soleil-act-150423131838452.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2020, Laliberté sold his remaining 10% stake in the company to Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec for $75 million.<ref name=":19" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/caisse-paid-75-million-to-guy-laliberte-for-cirque-du-soleil-shares|title=Caisse paid $75 million to Guy Laliberté for Cirque du Soleil shares|access-date=18 August 2020|archive-date=21 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821172359/https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/caisse-paid-75-million-to-guy-laliberte-for-cirque-du-soleil-shares|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a bankruptcy brought on by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the company was sold to a group of its creditors led by [[Catalyst Capital Group]] in November 2020.<ref name=":24" />
The company's creations have received numerous prizes and distinctions, including three [[Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience|Drama Desk Awards]];<ref name=":11">{{Cite book|title=Cirque du Soleil|publisher=Rizzoli|year=1993|isbn=978-08-4781-793-1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/ragtime-beauty-queen-win-drama-desk-awards-com-75429|title=Ragtime, Beauty Queen Win Drama Desk Awards|last1=Gans|first1=Andrew|last2=Lefkowitz|first2=David|date=18 May 1998|website=Playbill|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30|last3=Viagas|first3=Robert|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230061643/http://www.playbill.com/article/ragtime-beauty-queen-win-drama-desk-awards-com-75429|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dramadeskawards.com/2013-winners.html|title=2013 Winners|date=2013-09-27|website=Drama Desk Awards|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927100734/http://www.dramadeskawards.com/2013-winners.html|archive-date=27 September 2013|access-date=2019-12-29}}</ref> seven [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s;<ref name="CdS10">{{cite web|url=http://www.galafilm.com/galafilm/e/news/46870804.php|title=GalaFilm News|access-date=11 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070707192058/http://www.galafilm.com/galafilm/e/news/46870804.php <!--Added by H3llBot-->|archive-date=7 July 2007}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleil-corteo|title=Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo|website=Television Academy|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230061642/https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleil-corteo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleils-dralion|title=Cirque Du Soleil's Dralion|website=Television Academy|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230061655/https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleils-dralion|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleil-ii-new-experience|title=Cirque du Soleil II: A New Experience|website=Television Academy|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230061643/https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleil-ii-new-experience|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleil|title=Cirque du Soleil|website=Television Academy|language=en|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525163419/https://www.emmys.com/shows/cirque-du-soleil|url-status=live}}</ref> multiple [[Gemini Awards]];<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|url=https://www.equipespectra.ca/communiques/amerimage/20051206.PDF|title=The television program ''Midnight Sun'' wins a Gémeaux Award|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926103343/https://www.equipespectra.ca/communiques/amerimage/20051206.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://playbackonline.ca/1996/03/11/5135-19960311/|title=The 1996 Gemini winners|date=11 March 1996|website=Playback|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922215016/https://playbackonline.ca/1996/03/11/5135-19960311/|url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Daytime Emmy Award]];<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vrfocus.com/2016/05/felix-paul-studios-win-daytime-emmy-for-inside-the-box-of-kurios/|title=Felix & Paul Studios Win Daytime Emmy For Inside the Box of Kurios|last=Graham|first=Peter|date=3 May 2016|website=VRFocus|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927050215/https://www.vrfocus.com/2016/05/felix-paul-studios-win-daytime-emmy-for-inside-the-box-of-kurios/|url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Juno Award]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://junoawards.ca/nomination/1996-best-global-recording-cirque-du-soleil/|title=1996 {{!}} Best Global Recording {{!}} Cirque du Soleil|website=The JUNO Awards|access-date=2019-12-30|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230061646/https://junoawards.ca/nomination/1996-best-global-recording-cirque-du-soleil/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dance.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Guy_Laliberte_Honored_On_The_Hollywood_Walk_Of_Fame_20000101 |title=Guy Laliberte Honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |publisher=Dance.broadwayworld.com |date=22 November 2010 |access-date=18 February 2011 |archive-date=9 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209031233/http://dance.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Guy_Laliberte_Honored_On_The_Hollywood_Walk_Of_Fame_20000101 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, Cirque du Soleil was awarded the National Arts Centre Award, a companion award of the [[Governor General's Performing Arts Awards]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Cirque du Soleil biography|url=http://ggpaa.ca/award-recipients/2000/cirque-du-soleil.aspx|publisher=Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Foundation|access-date=4 February 2015|archive-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205000303/http://ggpaa.ca/award-recipients/2000/cirque-du-soleil.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2002 was inducted into [[Canada's Walk of Fame]].<ref name="Cirque">{{cite web|url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/cirque-du-soleil|title=Cirque du Soleil|publisher=Canada's Walk of Fame|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803214232/http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/cirque-du-soleil|archive-date=3 August 2008|access-date=2007-01-07}}</ref>
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The company's first production ''Le Grand Tour'' performed in Quebec for 13 weeks in summer 1984. Although several issues persisted during the first tour (including a collapsed tent and conflict between artists), it was a financial success. After securing funding from the [[Canadian government]] for a second year from the help of Quebec premier [[René Lévesque]], Laliberté hired Guy Caron, head of the [[École nationale de cirque|National Circus School]], as Cirque du Soleil's [[artistic director]]. Laliberté and Caron reworked the company's performance style to emulate that of [[Moscow State Circus|Moscow Circus]] by having the acts tell a story. Further influences from the Circus of China, Cirque Arlette Gruss, and [[Circus Roncalli]] led Cirque du Soleil to approach their shows in a more theatrical fashion with live music and no technical crew on stage. To assist in this shift towards a theatrical production, Laliberté and Caron hired Belgian director [[Franco Dragone]] to direct segments of their 1985 production, ''Cirque du Soleil''.<ref name="CdS1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soa.ilstu.edu/anthropology/theses/rushing/Thesis.htm|title=Thinking Outside the Big Top: Transformations of Ritual and Culture in the American Circus|author=Rushing, Kelly|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103030417/http://www.soa.ilstu.edu/anthropology/theses/rushing/Thesis.htm|archive-date=3 November 2007|access-date=2 August 2007}}</ref>
The company's first non-Quebec performances in [[Ontario]] in 1985 were unsuccessful, leading to a $750,000 deficit. To
In the summer of 1987, Cirque du Soleil was invited to present ''Le Cirque Réinventé'' at the Los Angeles Arts Festival. Despite only having enough money to make a one-way trip, the company agreed to open for the festival in September of that year. ''Le Cirque Réinventé''<nowiki/>'s first American performances were an instant critical and financial hit, allowing them make a profit of over $1.5 million by the end of 1987.<ref name="forbes2">{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2004/0315/100.html|title=The Acrobat|author=Miller, Matthew|date=15 March 2004|work=Forbes|access-date=2 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128002426/http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2004/0315/100.html|archive-date=28 January 2007}}</ref><ref name="PBS">{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cirque-du-soleil|title=Cirque du Soleil|author=Solman|first=Paul|date=19 March 2001|website=PBS|access-date=2 August 2007|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219033913/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cirque-du-soleil|url-status=live}}</ref> The show continued to tour Canada and the United States throughout 1988 and 1989, during which time plans for a second touring show named ''Éclipse'' started being developed. Due to artistic differences with these plans, Guy Caron, along with a number of artists, left the company causing the plans to be shelved. Gilles Ste-Croix, who had been away from the company since 1985, subsequently replaced Caron as artistic director.<ref name="CdS1" />
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The success of ''Nouvelle Expérience''<nowiki/>'s contract in Las Vegas led to a deal between Cirque du Soleil and the Mirage Casino-Hotel to create a permanent show, ''[[Mystère (Cirque du Soleil)|Mystère]]'', residing in [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino]] on the [[Las Vegas Strip]]. It premiered in December 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-06-fi-cirque6-story.html|title=Cirque's Outlook -- Some Call It a Mystere|last=Hirsch|first=Jerry|date=6 July 2003|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-19|archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219033916/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-06-fi-cirque6-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Its success as the company's first permanent production would later allow for the creation of two more permanent shows in 1998: ''[[O (Cirque du Soleil)|O]]'' in Las Vegas and ''[[La Nouba]]'' at [[Walt Disney World]] in [[Orlando, Florida]].<ref name="Hermann" /> During this time of expansion the company also founded their International Headquarters in Montreal's [[Saint-Michel, Montreal|Saint-Michel neighbourhood]]<ref name="CdS1" /> and their multimedia division, Cirque du Soleil Images.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|title=Dans les coulisses du Cirque du Soleil|last=Beaunoyer|first=Jean|publisher=Québec Amérique|year=2005|isbn=978-27-6440-242-9|language=fr|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/danslescoulisses0000beau}}</ref> In 1999 they premiered their film ''Alegría'', also directed by Dragone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/reviews/alegria-2-1200456456/|title=Alegria|last=Loewenstein|first=Lael|date=19 January 1999|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220061532/https://variety.com/1999/film/reviews/alegria-2-1200456456/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/goodbye-big-top-hello-arena/article24356635/|title=Goodbye big top, hello arena|last=Hays|first=Matthew|date=23 January 2006|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924223034/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/goodbye-big-top-hello-arena/article24356635/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the premiere of ''La Nouba'' in 1998, the creative team that had developed all of the company's shows from
==== First international ventures ====
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=== 2000–2009: Rapid growth ===
In 2000, the company produced their [[IMAX]] film ''Journey of Man
In 2002, the company created the touring show ''[[Varekai]]'' and in 2003 premiered the resident show ''[[Zumanity (Cirque du Soleil)|Zumanity]]'' in Las Vegas, their first "[[X rating|X-rated]]" show performed only for adults aged 18 years and older. The company also produced their first television shows that year: the documentary reality miniseries ''[[Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within|Fire Within]]'' and the variety series ''[[Solstrom]]''.<ref name="CdS1" /><ref name=":8" /> In 2004, Cirque du Soleil premiered the resident show ''[[Kà]]'' at [[MGM Grand Las Vegas|MGM Grand]] in Las Vegas, directed by Robert Lepage. In September of that year, the company launched their record label, Cirque du Soleil Musique, after their agreement with [[BMG Music Canada|BMG Canada]] expired.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-09-23/cirque-du-soleil-unveils-record-label/556836|title=Cirque du Soleil unveils record label|date=2004-09-23|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308223614/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-09-23/cirque-du-soleil-unveils-record-label/556836|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2005, Lamarre took over as President of Cirque du Soleil from Laliberté while Heward took on the role of executive producer for special projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lentreprise.lexpress.fr/rh-management/le-show-multinational-du-cirque-du-soleil_1537800.html|title=Le show multinational du Cirque du Soleil|last=Henebelle|first=Isabelle|date=2005-05-23|website=L'Entreprise|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074037/https://lentreprise.lexpress.fr/rh-management/le-show-multinational-du-cirque-du-soleil_1537800.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79354/cirque-du-soleil-r-the-spark-by-created-by-lyn-heward-and-written-by-john-u-bacon/|title=Cirque du Soleil: The Spark by John U. Bacon|website=Penguin Random House|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074040/https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79354/cirque-du-soleil-r-the-spark-by-created-by-lyn-heward-and-written-by-john-u-bacon/|url-status=live}}</ref> In that same year the company premiered the touring show ''[[Corteo]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/11/17/playful-corteo-is-a-bouncy-blast-in-san-francisco/|title=Playful 'Corteo' is a bouncy blast in San Francisco|last=Jones|first=Chad|date=2005-11-17|website=East Bay Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-20|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074040/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/11/17/playful-corteo-is-a-bouncy-blast-in-san-francisco/|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, the Cirque du Soleil switched ticketing companies to go with Outbox's technology, a white label system, of which it also became a shareholder.<ref>{{cite news |title=A second chance at the ticket promotion business is a global success |url=https://financialpost.com/entrepreneur/fp-startups/a-second-chance-at-the-ticket-promotion-business-is-a-global-success |newspaper=Financial Post |date=10 February 2014 |language=en-CA |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424193041/https://financialpost.com/entrepreneur/fp-startups/a-second-chance-at-the-ticket-promotion-business-is-a-global-success |url-status=live |last1=Bitti |first1=Mary Teresa }}</ref>
[[File:Beatles Love Cirque Du Soleil sign.jpg|left|thumb|Beatles ''[[Love (Cirque du Soleil)|Love]]'' sign at the Mirage Hotel]]
Cirque du Soleil premiered two shows in 2006: ''[[Delirium (Cirque du Soleil)|Delirium]]'', their first significant touring arena show, in January of that year and ''[[Love (Cirque du Soleil)|The Beatles Love]]'', their first collaboration with [[The Beatles]], in June.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20101211/292092137018161|title=Quidam: making the move to a bigger big top|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=11 December 2010|website=Montreal Gazette|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074039/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20101211/292092137018161|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/the-beatles-love-by-cirque-du-soleil-1200515029/|title=The Beatles Love by Cirque du Soleil|last=Gallo|first=Phil|date=2006-06-30|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074038/https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/the-beatles-love-by-cirque-du-soleil-1200515029/|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, in 2007 they opened two more productions with the resident show ''[[Wintuk]]'' in New York City and the touring tent show ''[[Koozå]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/times-colonist/20071114/282402690031810|title=Cirque du Soleil aims Wintuk at youngsters|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=14 November 2007|website=Times Colonist|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221074039/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/times-colonist/20071114/282402690031810|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2007 the company made their first effort to convert tent shows to arena settings by launching ''Saltimbanco''<nowiki/>'s arena tour in London, Ontario (this custom would be followed by other tent shows in later years).<ref name=":9" />
The company opened three resident shows within the span of 3 months in 2008 — ''[[Zaia]]'' in [[Macau]], China, ''[[Criss Angel Believe (Cirque du Soleil)|Criss Angel Believe]]'' in Las Vegas, and ''[[Zed (Cirque du Soleil)|Zed]]'' in Tokyo, Japan — which furthered their practice of producing multiple shows at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/girard-premieres-permanent-cirque-show-in-tokyo-1.761865|title=Girard premieres permanent Cirque show in Tokyo|date=2 October 2008|website=CBC|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001024013/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/girard-premieres-permanent-cirque-show-in-tokyo-1.761865|url-status=live}}</ref> That year Cirque du Soleil also announced that they sold a 20% stake in the company to Dubai investors Istithmar World and Nakheel in order to finance their goals,
In 2009, they launched 3 more shows: the touring tent show ''[[Ovo (Cirque du Soleil)|Ovo]]'', the touring theatre show ''[[Banana Shpeel]]'', and the resident show ''[[Viva Elvis (Cirque du Soleil)|Viva Elvis]]'' in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cirque-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-with-bug-themed-show-ovo-1.842513|title=Cirque to celebrate 25th anniversary with bug-themed show Ovo|date=8 April 2009|website=CBC|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929052557/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cirque-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary-with-bug-themed-show-ovo-1.842513|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.traveller.com.au/new-9-billion-casino-redefines-vegas-strip-kyjt|title=New $9 billion casino redefines Vegas strip|date=17 December 2009|website=Traveller|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224091833/https://www.traveller.com.au/new-9-billion-casino-redefines-vegas-strip-kyjt|url-status=live}}</ref> At this time Cirque du Soleil began being criticized for the quality of their productions. ''Banana Shpeel'' became labelled as one of the company's first "failures" when it was panned by both critics and audiences;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/26/theater/26shpeel.html|title=When Cirque du Soleil Met Theater: 'Shpeel' Failure|last=Healy|first=Patrick|date=2010-06-25|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-21|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/26/theater/26shpeel.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Criss Angel Believe'' and ''Viva Elvis'' also received negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/criss-angel-believe-1200472545/|title=Criss Angel Believe|last=Gallo|first=Phil|date=2 November 2008|website=Variety|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071815/https://variety.com/2008/legit/reviews/criss-angel-believe-1200472545/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/viva-elvis-cirque-du-soleil-brings-the-king-back-to-vegas.html|title=Theater review: 'Viva Elvis' -- Cirque du Soleil brings the King back to Vegas|last=Lewis|first=Randy|date=20 February 2010|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/02/viva-elvis-cirque-du-soleil-brings-the-king-back-to-vegas.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
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=== 2010–2015: Cutbacks and restructuring ===
The touring show ''[[Totem (Cirque du Soleil)|Totem]]'' premiered in 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2010/04/08/cirque_du_soleil_explores_evolution_with_totem.html|title=Cirque du Soleil explores evolution with 'Totem'|date=8 April 2010|website=The Star|language=en|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071819/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2010/04/08/cirque_du_soleil_explores_evolution_with_totem.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was soon followed by three more shows in 2011: the resident show ''[[Iris (Cirque du Soleil)|Iris]]'' in Los Angeles and the touring shows ''[[Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour]]'' and ''[[Zarkana (Cirque du Soleil)|Zarkana]].''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/theater/guy-laliberte-guides-cirque-du-soleil.html|title=Guy Laliberté Guides Cirque du Soleil|last=Zinoman|first=Jason|date=2011-06-03|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-22|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=17 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217170529/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/theater/guy-laliberte-guides-cirque-du-soleil.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the company was still growing at this time, it continued to face several issues with its newer productions. ''Zarkana'' and ''Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour'' received poor reviews<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/zarkana-new-york-reviews|title=Zarkana New York Reviews|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=2011-07-02|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071818/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/zarkana-new-york-reviews|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.straight.com/arts/cirque-du-soleils-michael-jackson-immortal-world-tour-spans-absurd-shallow|title=Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour spans the absurd to the shallow|last=Varty|first=Alexander|date=2011-11-05|website=The Georgia Straight|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://www.straight.com/arts/cirque-du-soleils-michael-jackson-immortal-world-tour-spans-absurd-shallow|url-status=live}}</ref> and the company had a string of closures. ''Banana Shpeel'' closed in Toronto in October 2010 after cancelling its previously-announced engagement in San Francisco.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October10,2010.html|title=Broadway To Vegas: October 10, 2010|last=Deni|first=Laura|date=2010-10-10|website=Broadway to Vegas|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071817/http://www.broadwaytovegas.com/October10,2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2011, Cirque du Soleil announced the closure of ''Zed'' due to poor ticket sales as a direct result of the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|March 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-to-close-show-in-japan-1.1009711|title=Cirque du Soleil to close show in Japan|date=2011-07-25|website=CBC|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920212838/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-to-close-show-in-japan-1.1009711|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2011 MGM Grand asked the company to close and replace ''Viva Elvis'' by the end of 2012 due to poor ticket sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/the-demise-of-viva-elvis-in-las-vegas-dont-blame-elvis|title=The Demise of Viva ELVIS in Las Vegas: Don't Blame Elvis!|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=2011-11-28|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071816/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/theatre/the-demise-of-viva-elvis-in-las-vegas-dont-blame-elvis|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2012, the company announced the closure of ''Zaia'' due to disappointing ticket sales<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/visit/cirque-du-soleil-macau-871570/|title=Cirque du Soleil leaves Macau|last=Li|first=Zoe|date=20 February 2012|website=CNN Travel|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920210626/http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/visit/cirque-du-soleil-macau-871570/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in November 2012, despite critical praise, announced the closure of ''Iris,'' also due to low ticket sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-nov-30-la-et-1201-cirque-closes-iris-20121201-story.html|title=Cirque du Soleil's extravagant 'Iris' will close Jan. 19|last1=Ng|first1=David|last2=Zahnister|first2=David|date=2012-11-30|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071817/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-nov-30-la-et-1201-cirque-closes-iris-20121201-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2012, the company announced a new division — Cirque du Soleil Média — in conjunction with Bell Media, followed by the release of their second film ''[[Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away|Worlds Away]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/cirque-du-soleil-and-bell-media-complete-joint-venture-transaction-and-announce-new-company-cirque-du-soleil-media|title=Cirque du Soleil and Bell Media Complete Joint Venture Transaction and Announce New Company, Cirque du Soleil Media|date=18 December 2012|website=Bell Media|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071317/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/cirque-du-soleil-and-bell-media-complete-joint-venture-transaction-and-announce-new-company-cirque-du-soleil-media/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cirque-du-soleil-worlds-away|title=Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away|date=2012|website=Metacritic|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803084132/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/cirque-du-soleil-worlds-away|url-status=live}}</ref> At this time Cirque du Soleil also announced 50 layoffs. The layoffs consisted mostly of 30 employee positions at their International Headquarters in Montreal, including three vice-presidents.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20121215/282480001113357|title=A final bow, but no last rites|last=Donnelly|first=Pat|date=15 December 2012|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224071819/https://www.pressreader.com/canada/montreal-gazette/20121215/282480001113357|url-status=live}}</ref>
With the high output of shows between 2007 and 2011 in combination with its multiple closures, the company began slowing down its operations. In 2012 and 2013 it only opened two shows: the touring tent show ''[[Amaluna]]'' and the resident show ''[[
In January 2014, Cirque du Soleil announced the creation of Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, a division aimed developing more traditional theatre productions in order to diversify their production output.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/legit/news/cirque-du-soleil-taps-scott-zeiger-to-launch-new-theatrical-division-1201055994/|title=Cirque Du Soleil Taps Scott Zeiger to Launch New Theatrical Division|last=Cox|first=Gordon|date=2014-01-14|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071259/https://variety.com/2014/legit/news/cirque-du-soleil-taps-scott-zeiger-to-launch-new-theatrical-division-1201055994/|url-status=live}}</ref> The company subsequently announced numerous subsidiaries in addition to its Theatrical division, including the Sandbox Hospitality Group, 45 Degrees, 4U2C, and Outbox Enterprises.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/guy-laliberte-on-a-mission-to-rejuvenate-his-cirque-du-soleil/article18502374/|title=Guy Laliberté on a mission to rejuvenate his Cirque du Soleil|last=Cousineau|first=Sophie|date=6 May 2014|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=18 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918181847/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/guy-laliberte-on-a-mission-to-rejuvenate-his-cirque-du-soleil/article18502374/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, ''[[Kurios (Cirque du Soleil)|Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities]]'', a touring tent show, premiered in Montreal to critical acclaim<ref name="TS">{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2014/05/02/kurios_is_cirque_du_soleils_strongest_act_in_years_review.html|title=Kurios is Cirque du Soleil's strongest act in years: review|author=Ouzounian, Richard|date=May 2, 2014|work=[[Toronto Star]]|access-date=27 December 2019|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2014/05/02/kurios_is_cirque_du_soleils_strongest_act_in_years_review.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was followed in November 2014 by ''[[Joyà]]'', both the company's first resident show in Mexico and their first [[Dinner theater|dinner theatre]] production.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201411/22/01-4821487-le-cirque-du-soleil-au-mexique-le-nouvel-eldorado.php|title=Le Cirque du Soleil au Mexique: le nouvel eldorado|last=Siag|first=Jean|date=2014-11-22|website=La Presse|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071312/https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201411/22/01-4821487-le-cirque-du-soleil-au-mexique-le-nouvel-eldorado.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 20 April 2015, Guy Laliberté announced that he had sold a 90% joint stake in the company to the investment groups TPG Capital, Fosun Capital Group, and La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec for approximately $1.5 billion, while retaining a 10% stake in the company himself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://financialpost.com/news/fp-street/cirque-du-soleil-sold-to-investor-group-led-by-private-equity-firm-tpg-capital|title=China 'is ready for us': Cirque du Soleil sold to investor group led by private-equity giant TPG Capital|last=van der Linde|first=Damon|date=2015-04-20|website=Financial Post|language=en-CA|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919232631/https://financialpost.com/news/fp-street/cirque-du-soleil-sold-to-investor-group-led-by-private-equity-firm-tpg-capital|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lactualite.com/culture/le-nouveau-pari-du-cirque-du-soleil/|title=Le nouveau pari du Cirque du Soleil|last=Morin|first=Marie-Claude|date=16 May 2016|website=L’actualité|language=fr-CA|access-date=2019-12-26|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071304/https://lactualite.com/culture/le-nouveau-pari-du-cirque-du-soleil/|url-status=live}}</ref> The sale received regulatory approval from the [[Government of Canada]] on 30 June 2015.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 June 2015 |title=Cirque du Soleil sale to American, Chinese private equity firms gets approval |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-sale-to-american-chinese-private-equity-firms-gets-approval-1.3134174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701184048/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/cirque-du-soleil-sale-to-american-chinese-private-equity-firms-gets-approval-1.3134174 |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=1 July 2015 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |agency=[[The Canadian Press]]}}</ref> Under the new ownership, the company began majorly restructuring its executive leadership in order to focus on increasing their profitability. Their finance director, chief operating officer, and numerous vice-presidents were all replaced within six months of the company's sale.
=== 2015–2020: Rebranding and diversification ===
In November 2015 the company premiered the touring arena show ''[[Toruk – The First Flight|Toruk — The First Flight]]'' based on James Cameron's ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/review-of-the-cirque-du-soleil-show-toruk-the-first-flight|title=Review of the Cirque du Soleil show Toruk – The First Flight|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2015-12-22|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071302/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/review-of-the-cirque-du-soleil-show-toruk-the-first-flight|url-status=live}}</ref> It was followed shortly after by the touring tent show ''[[Luzia (Cirque du Soleil)|Luzia]]'' and the company's first Broadway musical ''[[Paramour (Cirque du Soleil)|Paramour]]'', both opening in April 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/cirque-du-soleils-luzia-is-a-magical-mexican-spectacle/article29837400/|title=Cirque du Soleil's Luzia is a magical Mexican spectacle|last=Everett-Green|first=Robert|date=3 May 2016|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924195316/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/cirque-du-soleils-luzia-is-a-magical-mexican-spectacle/article29837400/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/production/paramour-lyric-theatre-vault-0000014143|title=Cirque du Soleil Paramour Broadway @ Lyric Theatre|website=Playbill|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/http://www.playbill.com/production/paramour-lyric-theatre-vault-0000014143|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of 2016 the company had also launched the preschool television series ''[[Luna Petunia]]'' on Netflix.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2016/12/12/new-netflix-toon-aims-to-make-mindfulness-matter/|title=New Netflix toon aims to make mindfulness matter|last=Whyte|first=Alexandra|date=12 December 2016|website=Kidscreen|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=4 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104220413/http://kidscreen.com/2016/12/12/new-netflix-toon-aims-to-make-mindfulness-matter/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, it launched three more productions. ''[[Séptimo Día - No Descansaré|Séptimo Día — No Descansaré]]'', an arena show based on the music of [[Soda Stereo]], premiered in March for a short year-long tour targeted largely at South and Central American audiences.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7718150/cirque-du-soleil-tribute-soda-stereo-sep7imo-dia|title=Cirque du Soleil Pays Tribute to One of Argentina's Most Iconic Bands With Soda Stereo's 'Sep7imo Dia'|date=10 March 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071301/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7718150/cirque-du-soleil-tribute-soda-stereo-sep7imo-dia|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2017, it premiered the touring tent show ''[[Volta (Cirque du Soleil)|Volta]]'' and in October, ''[[Crystal (Cirque du Soleil)|Crystal]]'', the company's first [[ice show]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201704/06/01-5086063-volta-du-cirque-du-soleil-appel-dadrenaline-.php|title=Volta, du Cirque du Soleil: appel d'adrénaline !|last=Siag|first=Jean|date=2017-04-06|website=La Presse|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071313/https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201704/06/01-5086063-volta-du-cirque-du-soleil-appel-dadrenaline-.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-crystal-is-a-lot-of-fun-but-its-also-sign-of-a-new-commercial-cirque|title=Review: Crystal is lots of fun, but it's also sign of a new commercial Cirque|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2017-12-21|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-crystal-is-a-lot-of-fun-but-its-also-sign-of-a-new-commercial-cirque|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
▲In 2017, it launched three more productions. ''[[Séptimo Día - No Descansaré|Séptimo Día — No Descansaré]]'', an arena show based on the music of [[Soda Stereo]], premiered in March for a short year-long tour targeted largely at South and Central American audiences.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7718150/cirque-du-soleil-tribute-soda-stereo-sep7imo-dia|title=Cirque du Soleil Pays Tribute to One of Argentina's Most Iconic Bands With Soda Stereo's 'Sep7imo Dia'|date=10 March 2017|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071301/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7718150/cirque-du-soleil-tribute-soda-stereo-sep7imo-dia|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2017, it premiered the touring tent show ''[[Volta (Cirque du Soleil)|Volta]]'' and in October, ''[[Crystal (Cirque du Soleil)|Crystal]]'', the company's first [[ice show]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201704/06/01-5086063-volta-du-cirque-du-soleil-appel-dadrenaline-.php|title=Volta, du Cirque du Soleil: appel d'adrénaline !|last=Siag|first=Jean|date=2017-04-06|website=La Presse|language=fr|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071313/https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/spectacles-et-theatre/cirque/201704/06/01-5086063-volta-du-cirque-du-soleil-appel-dadrenaline-.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-crystal-is-a-lot-of-fun-but-its-also-sign-of-a-new-commercial-cirque|title=Review: Crystal is lots of fun, but it's also sign of a new commercial Cirque|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2017-12-21|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-23|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227071305/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-crystal-is-a-lot-of-fun-but-its-also-sign-of-a-new-commercial-cirque|url-status=live}}</ref>
Under the ownership of TPG Capital, Fosun Capital Group, and La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Cirque du Soleil took steps to diversify and rebrand the company. On 6 July 2017, Cirque du Soleil announced that it had acquired the [[Blue Man Group]] as a new subsidiary of the company for a reported cost of US$65.5 million.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/cirque-du-soleil-buys-blue-man-group.html|title=Blue Man Group Is Bought by Cirque du Soleil, With Plans to Expand|last=Deb|first=Sopan|date=2017-07-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-12-29|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=7 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707175333/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/theater/cirque-du-soleil-buys-blue-man-group.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 25 April 2018, the company announced that 45 Degrees, their special events subsidiary, had taken over the main company's creation and production department.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/cirque-du-soleil-to-revive-its-classic-show-alegria-in-april-2019|title=Cirque du Soleil to revive its classic show Alegria in April 2019|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2018-04-25|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073237/https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/cirque-du-soleil-to-revive-its-classic-show-alegria-in-april-2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 July 2018, they announced their acquisition of the children's entertainment company [[VStar Entertainment Group]] and its subsidiary [[Cirque Productions|Cirque Dreams]].<ref name="Kelly" /> Cirque du Soleil launched the children's show ''Big Top Academy'' through [[TVOntario|TVO]] in October 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2018/09/24/big-top-academy-le-cirque-du-soleil-cree-une-serie-jeunesse|title="Big Top Academy": le Cirque du Soleil crée une série jeunesse|last=Lauzon|first=Yan|date=24 September 2018|website=TVA Nouvelles|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229073238/https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2018/09/24/big-top-academy-le-cirque-du-soleil-cree-une-serie-jeunesse|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, it premiered the touring tent show ''[[Bazzar (Cirque du Soleil)|Bazzar]]'' in India, the company's first production to tour in that region.<ref name="van Praet" /> In 2019, the company opened six shows: the touring tent show ''Alegría: In a New Light''; the touring arena shows ''Axel'' and ''Messi10''; the touring theatre show ''<nowiki/>'Twas the Night Before''; and two resident shows — ''X: The Land of Fantasy'' in Hangzhou, China and ''[[R.U.N. (Cirque du Soleil)|R.U.N]]'' in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-to-bring-its-1994-show-alegria-into-the-21st-century|title=Cirque du Soleil to bring its 1994 show Alegria into the 21st century|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|date=2019-02-12|website=Montreal Gazette|language=en|access-date=2019-12-29|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220215446/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/cirque-du-soleil-to-bring-its-1994-show-alegria-into-the-21st-century|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2020, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced that it had acquired Guy Laliberté's remaining 10% stake in Cirque du Soleil, bringing its total ownership in the company from 10% to 20%.<ref name=":19" />
=== 2020–2021: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic ===
On 19 March 2020, responding to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Cirque du Soleil announced that all 44 active shows worldwide would be suspended, and that 4,679 employees, comprising 95 percent of their staff, would be temporarily laid off, effective immediately. These actions brought the company into a state of financial collapse with a debt of over $1 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://media.cirquedusoleil.com/portals/ksyxpbzi/2020-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319235939/https://media.cirquedusoleil.com/portals/ksyxpbzi/2020-03-18|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 March 2020|title=CMarch 19, 2020: Important Ann ouncement From Daniel Lamarre|website=media.cirquedusoleil.com|access-date=19 March 2020|date=19 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite web|url=https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20200319mo57000/cirque-du-soleil-entertainment-group-announces-company-wide-temporary-layoffs-as-a-result-of-coronavirus-pandemic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320000741/https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20200319mo57000/cirque-du-soleil-entertainment-group-announces-company-wide-temporary-layoffs-as-a-result-of-coronavirus-pandemic|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 March 2020|title=Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Announces Company Wide Temporary Layoffs as a Result of Coronavirus Pandemic|website=morningstar.com|access-date=19 March 2020|date=19 March 2020}}</ref> Although it received financial support with a $50 million injection from its shareholders and a $200 million loan from the Quebec government, on 29 June 2020 the company announced that it had filed for [[bankruptcy]] protection and was [[termination of employment|terminating]] 3,500 employees who had previously been laid off.<ref name="nyt_2020">{{Cite web |title=Will Cirque du Soleil Rise Again? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/world/canada/cirque-du-soleil-coronavirus-debt.html |last=Bilefsky |first=Dan |date=2020-05-17 |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2020-05-27 |archive-date=25 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525120530/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/17/world/canada/cirque-du-soleil-coronavirus-debt.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In connection with the filing, Cirque du Soleil entered a [[Stalking horse offer|stalking horse bid]] from its shareholders with the intention of drawing outside bidders to buy the company.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jordan Valinsky|title=Cirque du Soleil files for bankruptcy protection and cuts 3,500 jobs|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/business/cirque-du-soleil-bankruptcy/index.html|access-date=2020-07-12|website=CNN|date=29 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630202522/https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/29/business/cirque-du-soleil-bankruptcy/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2020, the company's shareholders offered a proposal that would allow its creditors to obtain a 45% stake in the company while the current shareholders would maintain a 55% shared stake.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-10|title=Cirque du Soleil returns to court on Friday|url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-returns-to-court-on-friday-1.5018689|access-date=2020-07-12|website=Montreal|language=en|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713082947/https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-returns-to-court-on-friday-1.5018689|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 July 2020, a takeover proposal by the company's creditors valued at US$1.2 billion was approved as a benchmark bid in the company by the [[Quebec Superior Court]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 July 2020|title=Quebec court gives OK to Cirque du Soleil's 'stalking horse' deal to sell itself|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cirque-du-soleil-sale-1.5653656|access-date=2020-07-17|website=CBC|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718010545/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cirque-du-soleil-sale-1.5653656|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 August 2020, [[Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec]] reported that it had to write off the US$75 million investment which it had made only four months prior, in February.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rastello |first1=Sandrine |title=Quebec Fund Lost $75 Million in Four Months With Cirque Deal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-17/quebec-fund-lost-75-million-in-four-months-with-cirque-deal |access-date=5 October 2020 |work=Bloomberg News |date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009042218/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-17/quebec-fund-lost-75-million-in-four-months-with-cirque-deal |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 November 2020, it was announced that the company emerged from bankruptcy and was sold to a group of its creditors led by Canadian investment company [[Catalyst Capital Group]].<ref name=":24">{{Cite news |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7481558/cirque-du-soleil-sale-coronavirus/ |title=Cirque du Soleil wraps up sale transaction, emerges from creditor protection |work=globalnews.ca |date=2020-11-24 |access-date=2020-11-25 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125012107/https://globalnews.ca/news/7481558/cirque-du-soleil-sale-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In January 2021, the company's previously announced 2021 production ''Nysa'' was cancelled as a direct result of the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Nysa kommt nicht ins Theater am Potsdamer Platz|url=https://berlin.cirquedusoleil.de/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117002701/https://berlin.cirquedusoleil.de/|archive-date=2021-01-17|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Nysa kommt nicht ins Theater am Potsdamer Platz|language=de-DE}}</ref>
=== 2021–present: Emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic ===
With the exception of the resident shows ''Joyà'' and ''X: The Land of Fantasy'', which reopened with limited capacities in the summer of 2020,
In 2022, ''Mad Apple'' opened in the former ''Zumanity'' theatre at New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, followed
▲On 30 November 2021, Cirque du Soleil announced that Daniel Lamarre would be stepping down as president and CEO of the company and transitioning into the role of executive vice-chairman of the board, while former chief financial officer and chief operating officer Stéphane Lefebvre would take over as president and CEO, effective 1 December 2021.<ref name=":22"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-30|title=Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre to step down after 21 years|url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/cirque-du-soleil-ceo-daniel-lamarre-to-step-down-after-21-years-1.5687770|access-date=2021-12-27|website=CTV News|language=en}}</ref>
▲In 2022, ''Mad Apple'' opened in the former ''Zumanity'' theatre at New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, followed in 2023 by the premiere of the touring show ''Echo''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schulz |first=Bailey |date=2022-02-22 |title='It's not just a Cirque show': Cirque du Soleil's 'Mad Apple' to debut in Las Vegas this spring |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/las-vegas/2022/02/22/cirque-du-soleil-las-vegas-nyc-mad-apple/6887351001/ |access-date=2022-03-12 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacroix-Couture |first=Frédéric |date=11 October 2022 |title=New Cirque du Soleil show set to premiere in Montreal in 2023 |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9190700/cirque-du-soleil-premiere-montreal-echo/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Shows ==
Line 155 ⟶ 137:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Mystère (Cirque du Soleil)|Mystère]]''
| 25 December 1993 || [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino|Treasure Island]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Alegría (Cirque du Soleil)|Alegría]]''
Line 164 ⟶ 146:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[O (Cirque du Soleil)|O]]''
| 15 October 1998 || [[Bellagio (resort and casino)|Bellagio]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[La Nouba]]''
| 23 December 1998 || [[Disney Springs]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Dralion]]''
Line 176 ⟶ 158:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Zumanity]]''
| 14 August 2003 ||[[New York-New York Hotel and Casino|New York-New York]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Kà]]''
| 26 November 2004 || [[MGM Grand Las Vegas|MGM Grand]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Corteo]]''
Line 188 ⟶ 170:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Love (Cirque du Soleil)|The Beatles Love]]''
| 2 June 2006 || [[The Mirage]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Koozå]]''
Line 197 ⟶ 179:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Zaia]]''
| 26 July 2008 || [[The Venetian Macao]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Zed (Cirque du Soleil)|Zed]]''
Line 203 ⟶ 185:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Criss Angel Believe]]''
| 26 September 2008 || [[Luxor Las Vegas|Luxor]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Ovo (Cirque du Soleil)|Ovo]]''
Line 211 ⟶ 193:
| 19 November 2009 || Tour || Theatre (2009–2010) || {{no|Retired}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Viva Elvis (Cirque du Soleil)|Viva Elvis]]''
| 16 December 2009 || [[Aria Resort and Casino]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Totem (Cirque du Soleil)|Totem]]''
Line 218 ⟶ 200:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Zarkana]]''
| 9 June 2011 ||[[Aria Resort and Casino]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Iris (Cirque du Soleil)|Iris]]''
Line 230 ⟶ 212:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Michael Jackson: One]]''
| 23 May 2013 || [[Mandalay Bay|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Kurios (Cirque du Soleil)|Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities]]''
Line 236 ⟶ 218:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Joyà]]''
| 8 November 2014 || [[Vidanta]], Riviera Maya
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Toruk – The First Flight|Toruk — The First Flight]]''
Line 242 ⟶ 224:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Paramour (Cirque du Soleil)|Paramour]]''
| 16 April 2016 ||[[
▲[[Hamburg]], [[Germany]]{{Efn|''Paramour'' previously ran on Broadway in 2016 and 2017. It reopened in Hamburg in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/05/03/paramour-enchante-les-allemands|title=Paramour enchante les Allemands|first=Raphaël|last=Gendron-Martin|date=2019-05-03|access-date=2020-01-01|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029234818/https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2019/05/03/paramour-enchante-les-allemands|url-status=live}}</ref>|name=|group=}}|| Theatre (2016–2020) || {{no|Retired}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Luzia (Cirque du Soleil)|Luzia]]''
Line 264 ⟶ 245:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''X (The Land of Fantasy)''
| 3 August 2019 ||[[Hangzhou]], China || Resident (since 2019) || {{operational|Sold}}{{Efn|Operations for ''X (The Land of Fantasy)'' were sold and taken over by the Hangzhou Suntiandy Group Company following the production's reopening in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Paul |date=2023-10-24 |title=A 360-Degree View of 'X Show Hangzhou', a Circus Arts Spectacular in Hangzhou |url=https://www.smartshanghai.com/brand-stories/cirque-du-solei-hangzhou |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=SmartShanghai |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/1mh4512000dvvqgp619DF_C_1200_800_Q70.jpg?proc=source%2ftrip&proc=source%2ftrip|title=X Show Program|date=2024-06-19|website=Trip.com reviews|language=cn|access-date=2024-06-19}}</ref>|name=|group=}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''Axel''
Line 273 ⟶ 254:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[R.U.N]]''
| 24 October 2019 || [[Luxor Las Vegas|Luxor]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''<nowiki/>'Twas The Night Before...''
Line 282 ⟶ 263:
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''[[Mad Apple]]''
| 12 May 2022 || [[New York-New York Hotel and Casino|New York-New York]],
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''Echo''
| 20 April 2023 || Tour || Grand Chapiteau (since 2023) || {{Active}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''Songblazers''
| 2 July 2024 || Tour || Theatre (since 2024) || {{Active}}
|- style="background:#fff;"
! scope="row" | ''{{okina}}Auana''
| 15 December 2024 || [[Outrigger Hotels & Resorts|Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel]], Honolulu, Hawaii || Resident || {{won|place=Upcoming}}
|}
=== Future productions ===
* '''Nuevo Vallarta resident show:''' In November 2019, Grupo Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil announced the creation of a second dinner theatre resident show in Mexico, performed in a specially designed 600-seat theatre in Nuevo Vallarta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vallartadaily.com/nuevo-vallartas-cirque-du-soleil-dinner-show-expected-to-begin-in-2021/|title=Nuevo Vallarta's Cirque du Soleil Dinner Show expected to begin in 2021|date=2019-11-26|website=Puerto Vallarta Daily News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-13|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213020446/https://www.vallartadaily.com/nuevo-vallartas-cirque-du-soleil-dinner-show-expected-to-begin-in-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''
== Areas of activity ==
Line 375 ⟶ 361:
| 2–10 January 2016 ||''Joel''||[[Moscow]]||''Joel'' was a winter-inspired show directed by Fernand Rainville that performed in the 800-seat Barvikha Luxury Village concert hall in [[Barvikha]], Moscow.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buro247.ru/culture/theatre/na-repetitcii-shou-joel-cirque-du-soleil.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308113726/https://www.buro247.ru/culture/theatre/na-repetitcii-shou-joel-cirque-du-soleil.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 March 2021|title=На репетиции шоу JOEL Cirque du Soleil|last=Ishiguro|first=Kristina|date=30 December 2015|website=BURO|language=ru|access-date=2020-01-05}}</ref>
|-
| 6 February 2016 – 23 December 2020 ||''La Forge aux étoiles''||[[Vienne (département)|Vienne]],
|-
| 16 June–9 September 2017 ||''Reflekt''||[[Astana]],<br>[[Kazakhstan]]||This 75-minute production featuring 80 performers was created and performed 71 times for [[Expo 2017]] in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the summer of 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://astanatimes.com/2017/06/cirque-du-soleil-gives-sneak-peek-before-expo-2017-performance/|title=Cirque du Soleil gives sneak peek before EXPO 2017 performance|last=Stanton|first=Chris|date=2017-06-09|website=The Astana Times|language=en|access-date=2020-01-05|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926152619/https://astanatimes.com/2017/06/cirque-du-soleil-gives-sneak-peek-before-expo-2017-performance/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 30 June 2018–present ||Andorra summer series||[[Andorra]]||Following the ''Scalada'' series in Andorra, the Government of Andorra extended its contract with Cirque du Soleil with further summer productions — ''Diva'' in 2018, ''Rebel'' in 2019, ''Mūv'' in 2022,
|-
|14 August 2018 – 19 August 2019
Line 393 ⟶ 379:
|27 November 2019 – 18 December 2022
|''Vitori'', ''Fieri'', and ''Amora''
|[[Valletta]],
|In April 2019, Cirque du Soleil announced a three-year contract with the Malta Tourism Authority to create a series of 60-minute shows performed at the [[Mediterranean Conference Centre]]. The first show, ''Vitori'', played in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/94681/cirque_du_soleil_to_perform_28_shows_in_malta_during_2019|title=Cirque du Soleil to perform 28 shows in Malta during 2019|last=Calleja|first=Laura|date=30 April 2019|website=Malta Today|language=en|access-date=2020-01-05|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501083757/https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/94681/cirque_du_soleil_to_perform_28_shows_in_malta_during_2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series returned with the shows ''Fieri'' and ''Amora'' in 2021 and 2022, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Magri|first=Giulia|date=2021-11-25|title=Watch: Cirque du Soleil makes a 'fieri' return in first pandemic performance|url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/watch-cirque-du-soleil-makes-a-fieri-return-in-first-pandemic.916855|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Times of Malta|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-14 |title=Cirque du Soleil presenting brand-new production in Malta |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/cirque-du-soleil-presenting-brandnew-production-malta.987692 |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb}}</ref>
|-
|2 May
|''Best Of'' series
|[[Jeddah]],
|A 90-minute production titled ''Fuzion'' performed as part of the 2022 Jeddah Season in May 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abid |first=Ameera |date=2022-05-26 |title=Cirque Du Soleil Fuzion catapults into Jeddah with remarkable acts |url=https://arab.news/jykw3 |access-date=2022-10-16 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> This was followed by ''Vizion'' in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-26 |title=Cirque du Soleil to perform at Jeddah events |url=https://arab.news/gag9p |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>
|}
Line 539 ⟶ 525:
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Volta (Cirque du Soleil)|Volta]]'' || A film adaptation of the touring show ''Volta'', filmed live in Montréal in 2017 and released on [[Bell Fibe TV]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv1.bellaliant.ca/fibetv1/shows/volta|title=Volta|publisher=tv1.bellaliant.ca|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=3 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803173646/http://tv1.bellaliant.ca/fibetv1/shows/volta|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2022 || ''Without a Net'' || A documentary about rebooting the show ''O'' after the production was shut down due to [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/press/news/2024/without-a-net-trailer-release|title=Press Release|publisher=Cirque du Soleil|access-date=3 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14960276/|title=Without a Net|publisher=[[IMDB]]|access-date=3 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}
Line 592 ⟶ 580:
*[[Guy Laliberté]], founder and former CEO
*[[Mathieu Laplante]], producer, director, choreographer, and former circus performer
*[[Thom Wall]],
*[[Mason Ryan]], former WWE wrestler and current Cirque du Soleil performer
| |||