Corteo, the most enchanting of Cirque du Soleil’s arena productions has finally returned to Europe after more than a two-year hiatus with the incredible cast reuniting on the stage in Split, Croatia tonight. This is the very first performance following the forced postponement of all Cirque Du Soleil shows in March 2020. The show heralds the unique arena productions return to their much-loved Ireland, with the show set to open in Dublin from 6 – 10 July 2022.

General tickets will be on sale on now via cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.

This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005. Since then and including its transformation into an arena show in 2018, the show has amazed audiences of over 10 million people, in 150 cities over the world.

Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.

In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience. An atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows. The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and the central curtains, which were hand painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of Corteo. 

Duncan Fisher, Vice-President of Operations and General Manager, Touring Show Division said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that we are finally able to bring Corteo back to Europe and for the first time in Ireland. For two years our performers have been waiting to experience the joy of the audience once again and excitingly with the unique staging of Corteo, for the first time the audience will also get to see and feel the show from the performer’s perspective. Tonight, in Split they get to do this again and It will be an emotional and magical return.”

Show Schedule

Dublin – 3 Arena

Wednesday, 6 July 2022 at 8pm

Thursday, 7 July 2022 at 8pm

Friday, 8 July 2022 8pm

Saturday 9 July 2022 at 12pm, 4pm & 8pm

Sunday 10 July 2022 at 1pm

Tickets on sale now from www.ticketmaster.ie. 

Corteo Premiere in Split 22/05/20: pictures (credit: Maja Prgomet) 

To download show content here: Images of the show, broll and trailer

For more information, visit: cirquedusoleil.com/Corteo

About Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil has redefined how the world views the circus; from small town talent to a household name. Based in Montreal (Qc), the Canadian organization went on to become a global leader in live entertainment with the creation of world-class immersive and iconic experiences, across 6 continents. Cirque du Soleil connects with audiences by being genuine, human and inclusive. Privileged to work with artists from 90 countries to bring their creativity to life on stages around the world, the company aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. Over the years, more than 215 million people have been inspired, in over 70 different countries. For more information, visit cirquedusoleil.com.