Saudi Arabia says it has struck a deal with Cirque du Soleil that could see the struggling troupe put on a host of shows in the kingdom.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Culture says a newly signed deal will see Cirque “have the potential” to launch at least five of its touring shows, including the Blue Man Group and paw patrol, as well as a possible show designed especially for the country.
The government also specifies that the two parties will develop a plan to set up a regional circus training academy there.
Cirque last pitched its tent in the kingdom in 2018, angering some of its performers who hoped the company would cancel shows in the wake of international condemnation of the regime following the murder of the dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and a diplomatic dispute between Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago, Cirque ceased performances and laid off more than 4,500 employees, but started resuming shows again last summer.
The Montreal-based company was sold to a group of its creditors led by Catalyst Capital Group at the end of 2020 after the circus troupe was forced to file a claim for shelter from its creditors.
Cirque is not the only Canadian company to have been the subject of requests to cancel shows in Saudi Arabia. Pop star Justin Bieber received similar ones ahead of his concert in the Red Sea city of Jeddah last month during the kingdom’s Formula 1 race.
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