Saudi Arabia to establish a circus academy soon
The Saudi Ministry of Culture signed an agreement with the entertainment group Cirque du Soleil to present its international shows for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as plans to establish an international academy for training in circus arts.
The agreement was signed in New York City by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Theater and Performing Arts Authority, and Gabriel de Alba, co-chair of the Cirque du Soleil entertainment group.
The agreement stipulates that the group will present some famous circus entertainment shows for the first time in Saudi Arabia, including several touring shows, The Illusionist Show, Now You See Me Show, Paw Patrol Live Show, Race to Rescue, Trolls Live Show, and the Blue Troupe Tour MAN International, in addition to the Kingdom’s hosting of a unique version of the Cirque du Soleil show that will be specially designed for the Kingdom.
The agreement also includes, according to a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, that the two parties develop plans to establish an academy, and a regional office of Cirque du Soleil, to provide an educational curriculum with high standards and led by the best international experts specialized in the field.
Students from all over Saudi Arabia and abroad will have the opportunity to hone their performance skills through advanced education and training programs, through international circus school exchange programs, and artist residency programs, it will also grant them internationally recognized certificates.
It is noteworthy that the Cirque du Soleil entertainment group has previously presented 6 shows in the Kingdom since 2018, the last of which was the “Messi 10” show, which was held last November during the Riyadh season, which shed light on the life of the famous Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.