Cirque Du Soleil, renowned for its breathtaking performances and innovative shows, has once again captivated audiences with its latest creation, ECHO. From the performance to the costumes to the sounds and even the lighting, every little detail was meticulously crafted with cerebral precision. How does this come together? I had the pleasure of speaking with Mukhtar O.S Mukhtar, the creative mind behind this new spectacle, to delve into the inspiration, creative process, and the challenges of bringing such a mesmerizing production to life.
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Drawing inspiration
Mukhtar shared that the inspiration for Cirque Du Soleil’s latest show is deeply rooted in his extensive experience in the entertainment industry. “It comes with time and experience being in the field of entertainment, especially and specifically the world of Cirque,” he explained. The process of creating a Cirque show involves a unique approach that sets it apart from other companies. “They want you to be as imaginative as possible… to create a sensorial and invoke all the different types of emotions people can experience in one particular experience.”
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Journey into entertainment
Interestingly, Mukhtar’s path to becoming a creative force at Cirque Du Soleil was unconventional. Originally studying forensic science in university, Mukhtar discovered his passion for dance and performance almost by accident. “I needed to exercise and do something that would keep me healthy and in shape, so I decided to take some dance classes,” he recounted. This decision led him to competitions, international performances, and eventually being scouted by Cirque Du Soleil while they were developing the Beatles Love show in Las Vegas.
Creative process
The creative process behind a Cirque show is complex and collaborative. Mukhtar emphasized the importance of having no restrictions or barriers when creating. “It involves getting information from the producers, understanding what they want to say to the audience, and then brainstorming with a diverse group of creatives from different backgrounds,” he explained. For their latest show, ECHO, Mukhtar joined the project midway and had to integrate existing elements while adding his unique touch to make the show a success.
Cultural integration
One of the most profound aspects of working with Cirque Du Soleil is the cultural diversity it brings. “It’s one of the only companies in the world that brings together so many different nations and people from all over the world,” Mukhtar noted. This cultural melting pot allows for a rich exchange of ideas and styles, which is evident in the diverse performances and elements seen in their shows.
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Balancing tradition and innovation
Mukhtar highlighted the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in their productions. “Seeing how everybody has a purpose and understands what they need to do in this huge thing that I couldn’t comprehend back then,” he said, referring to the intricate and large-scale nature of Cirque productions. The creative freedom at Cirque allows for innovative storytelling without relying on dialogue, using universal languages like movement and color to convey emotions and narratives.
Message of connection
ECHO, the latest show, carries a profound message of connection and unity. “In this world that we’re living in, where we’re so disjointed and separated, we wanted to create an experience where we say it’s okay to be together on one route,” Mukhtar explained. The show emphasizes the similarities that unite us and the importance of caring for our world and its inhabitants, both human and natural.
Looking forward
As for the future, Mukhtar is focused on continually improving the show and ensuring it remains a success. “It’s never finished; we’re always improving it based on audience reactions,” he said. After taking a much-needed break to rejuvenate his creativity, Mukhtar is excited to dive back into creating new shows.
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Mukhtar O.S. Mukhtar’s journey and insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Cirque Du Soleil and the creative processes that bring its spectacular shows to life. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling ensures that each performance is not just a show, but an unforgettable experience that resonates with audiences worldwide. As ECHO continues to captivate audiences, Mukhtar’s vision and innovation stand as a testament to the enduring magic of Cirque Du Soleil.
