While Australia has only ever enjoyed Cirque du Soleil in its traditional touring format (usually in their “Grand Chapiteau” tent – as Luzia will be later this year in Brisbane and Sydney), over the years, select destinations around the world have come to enjoy permanent Cirque residencies.
Las Vegas is famed to host the majority of these attractions, with their brilliant new production Mad Apple, which is the closest thing they’ve done to a variety show, Michael Jackson: One celebrating the music of the iconic popstar, and their impressively long running Mystère, their first resident production in 1993, amongst those currently on offer. There are also resident productions in Orlando (Drawn to Life) and Mexico (Joyà), and previously they’ve had one in China (X (The Land of Fantasy)).
These residencies allow Cirque to work with custom built theatres, creating a show that can technically go above and beyond anything that can be achieved on the road. And as anyone who has seen their shows in Vegas will attest – they can really do some incredible work in a permanent space. Watch the Cirque documentary on Amazon Prime Video, Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net, to get a taste of their Las Vegas residency O, which takes place in a stage that doubles as a water set. It’s truly spectacular.
Now Australian audiences will be able to enjoy a Cirque residency in the closest market yet – just off of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
ʻAuana is set to debut this December, at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, and will be the company’s first ever resident Cirque du Soleil production in the Pacific state. It’s a show that’s set to honour Hawaiian culture and history – and comes just in time for the release of Disney’s Moana 2, which may cover similar ground a week earlier on the big screen.
Today, Cirque du Soleil have given us a taste of what to expect from their new resident show, with these artist renderings you see throughout the article. The stage looks to be set up similarly to tent productions, with the crowd curving around the stage. And it looks like a beautiful set up.
So what can we expect from the performance? Here’s what they have told us about the production:
Unbound by the constraints of reality, ‘Auana both reimagines and pays homage to the magnificent Hawaiian spirit through Cirque du Soleil’s signature artistry and daring feats of athletic prowess. A riveting lineup of international and local talent delivers world-class acrobatics, outrageous comedy, mesmerizing hula, and captivating music in this lively celebration of Hawai‘i.
The compelling narrative of ‘Auana unfolds across eight chapters, each telling a distinct Hawaiian story. The opening act begins with a stunning interpretation of the Polynesian migration to the islands, as a high-flying super troupe of acrobats is propelled by voyaging swings, taking to the sky.
Scenes shift to explore the “golden age of tourism” with a duo of foot jugglers using only their bodies to perform intricate flips and twists. An homage to Hina, goddess of the moon, will be represented by a graceful Lyra (aerial hoop) act before the beloved tale of Naupaka is brought to life by a highly skilled roller-skating duo that defy gravity with incredible spins, strength and flexibility.
Paying homage to the birthplace of he‘e nalu (surfing), an acrobatic balancing Rola Bola act exemplifies the skill and agility of surfers live on stage. The next energetic chapter combines acrobatics, dance, strength, playful swimming and diving in a water bowl to showcase O‘ahu chiefess Māmala, a legendary surf rider and Mo‘o, who could alternate between the form of a beautiful woman and giant lizard. An artistic sand painter then celebrates the spirituality of the Hawaiian people and their connection to the land before ‘Auana comes to a close with the red-hot Wheel of Life act, a daring acrobatic portrayal of ‘alae ‘ula birds and their role in the mythical origins of fire.
‘Auana will take place in a brand new, custom built theatre space at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomer Hotel, seating 784 guests, with up to 10 shows a week. The show will perform from December 5th, 2024, Wednesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with no performances Monday and Tuesday. Show schedules are subject to change.
The world premiere will take place on December 17th, 2024.
Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from US$85 (including taxes and fees) at cirquedusoleil.com/hawaii. a special 30% kama‘āina (Hawai‘i resident) discount is available.
Getting There from Australia
Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas and Jetstar offer direct flights every week between the East Coast of Australia and Honolulu.
