Cirque Du Soleil pays tribute to Michael Jackson in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The show, ‘Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour’ brings Jackson’s perfectionist approach and Cirque du Soleil dancers’ entertainment. AP Photo

The three-day visual extravaganza “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” by Cirque Du Soleil starts today in Istanbul’s Ülker Arena and will continue through March 16 and 17 with five shows.

The unique performances of Cirque du Soleil have attracted a wide audience in Turkey, Anatolia news agency reported Pozitif Live Vice General Manager Orçun Ejder as saying at a press conference for the event held March 13 at the Edition Hotel in Istanbul. Ejder cited this reason for bringing the group back to Turkey.

“The show brings Jackson’s perfectionist approach and Cirque du Soleil dancers’ entertainment,” Art Director Tara Young said, “We are proud of our show. If Jackson could see this show, he would be very proud as well.”

Young said there are 49 artists in the show from 17 different countries as well as more than 30 musicians that worked with Jackson for more than 5 years. “This makes our show authentic. There is only one Michael Jackson in the world and we are not trying to imitate him, we aim to keep his memory alive,” she added.

Noting that they meticulously auditioned artists, acrobats and singers from around the world, Young said they made very careful choices. “For Michael Jackson’s memory we have gathered the best dancers from the world.”

According to Young, the program underscores Jackson’s global messages of hope, love and peace. A fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Jackson’s creative world, the show unfolds his artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Jackson’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the king of pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

“The Immortal World Tour” takes place in a realm where the audience discovers Jackson’s inspiration and the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Jackson’s inner world are unlocked through his love of music and dance. World-famous performance group Cirque du Soleil was created in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberte and Daniel Gauthier. Initially named Les Echassiers, they toured Quebec in 1980 as a performing troupe. Its theatrical, character-driven approach and the absence of performing animals helped define Cirque du Soleil as the contemporary circus that it remains today.

Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline. The company draws the audience into the performance through continuous live music, with performers rather than stagehands changing the props.

From circus shows to world stars

The Cirque du Soleil expanded rapidly through the 1990s and 2000s, going from one show to 19 shows in over 271 cities on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. The shows employ approximately 4,000 people from over 40 countries.

Cirque du Soleil’s creations have received numerous prizes and distinctions, including a Bambi Award in 1997, a Rose d’Or in 1989, the Drama Desk Awards in 1991 and 1998, three Gemini Awards,
four Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Previously, Cirque Du Soleil visited Turkey with their show “Alegria” and their longest-run program, “Saltimbanco.”