The Baron. The Dreamer. The Ringmaster. The Child. The Cavaliers. La Belle. Vers Multicolores*. Vers Masques*. The Baroques. These are the characters of Cirque Du Soleil’s magical and inspiring Saltimbanco, set to open next Friday, July 8 for a limited season at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Saltimbanco, from the Italian “saltare in banco” which literally means to jump on a bench, is the show which started Australia’s love affair with Cirque du Soleil when the internationally-acclaimed entertainment company first toured here in 1999. Directed by Franco Dragone, Saltimbanco features a 50-strong international cast of kaleidoscopic talent from more than 20 different countries.

Set inside an imaginary metropolis of colourful inhabitants, Saltimbanco features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles.  Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show’s eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world where diversity is a cause for hope. Technical expertise and extravagant design are woven together with spectacular costumes, amazing lighting, humour, and enchanting live music. Overflowing with colour, amusement and amazement, Saltimbanco inspires, amazes and creates wonder. It is the Cirque Du Soleil experience of a lifetime.

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Québec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 artists from close to 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators (almost 12 millions on Saltimbanco since 1992) in 300 cities on five continents. In 2011, Cirque du Soleil will present 22 shows simultaneously around the world. Oaks Hotels & Resorts is the official sponsor.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – SALTIMBANCO
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall   from 8 July 2011
Show times *: Tuesday to Thursday 8pm, Friday to Saturday 4pm & 8pm, Sunday 1pm & 5pm  *show times may vary

Tickets: Adults: $69-$119, Children (2-12 years): $55-$95
Premium: $149-$159, Tapis Rouge VIP Experience $325