Circus – Conrad Askland

Cirque Performer Dies of Injuries

askland — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:34:06 +0000

A sad day today for our Cirque family. This is the first time a Cirque artist has died while rehearsing/performing their discipline. Here in Macau at the ZAIA show it’s very quiet today. Artists are thinking of the family and their pain, as I’m sure artists in other Cirque shows worldwide are also doing today.

The Canadian Press
Date: Saturday Oct. 17, 2009 8:18 PM ET

MONTREAL — A Cirque du Soleil performer, who fell off a trampoline during a training session Friday, has died of his injuries. The company said Oleksandr Zhurov (Sacha) died in a Montreal hospital Saturday.

The 24-year-old Ukrainian performer was doing general training exercises for the world-famous circus when the incident happened.

Cirque founder Guy Laliberte said he was deeply saddened by the death of the artist.

“Today, it is all of Cirque that is in mourning,” Laliberte said.

“Sacha was part of the extended Cirque family for the few months he was among us. An incident like this reminds us of the courage and determination displayed by our artists each and every day.”

An investigation on the circumstances of the accident is underway. Cirque said it will co-operate fully with the investigation.

Cirque du soleil performer suffers head trauma after fall

askland — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:19:26 +0000

Performers take part in the closing act during a Cirque du Soleil OVO pre-opening show for family, friends and members of the media Wednesday, July 29, 2009 in Quebec City. A Cirque du soleil performer was injured after a fall on Friday.

(Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS) The Canadian Press Date: Friday Oct. 16, 2009 2:34 PM ET MONTREAL — A Cirque du soleil performer was rushed to hospital with head injuries Friday morning after falling off a trampoline. The 24-year-old performer was doing exercises for the world-famous circus when the incident happened.

Emergency-services workers say the man was unconscious when they arrived on the scene, and they rushed him to hospital. The performer’s condition in hospital is not yet known. The incident happened at a Montreal facility where the international troupe rehearses for shows. Cirque du soleil spokesmen were not immediately available for comment.

Space Odyssey: Clown’s first performance

askland — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:40:46 +0000

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cdxpZHYc6I

A Soyuz spacecraft has brought Canadian circus tycoon and space tourist Guy Laliberte to the International Space Station.

The current ISS team welcomed the unusual passenger along with Russian cosmonaut Maxim Suraev and American astronaut Jeffrey Williams.
Laliberte says he is going to create a festive mood in orbit and amuse his crew mates – he even brought along red noses for them.

Guy Laliberte 2008 Artist Christmas Presents

askland — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:04:16 +0000

For Christmas 2008 Guy Laliberte had a fantastic gift for the artists of the Cirque Du Soleil ZAIA show (and other CDS artists worldwide): a handbag made from the tarp of a retired Cirque big top tent. The handbags are made of the recycled material and fit into Cirque “eco-friendly” attitude, as well as featuring the wonderful bright yellow and blue of the traveling Cirque big tops. Just like the tarp you see behind Guy in the photo above.

Thank you and Merry Christmas 2008 to Guy!

I’m too lazy to take a photo of the actual bag – but here are other Cirque type bags that use recycled big top tarp:

And a great photo of the Cirque Du Soleil bigtop:

ABOUT GUY LALIBERTE

Guy Laliberté (born September 2, 1959 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada) is the founder and chief executive officer of Cirque du Soleil. Starting out as an accordion player, stiltwalker and fire-eater; Laliberté created his circus which is a synthesis of all circus styles around the world. In 2006, this 95% share holder of the 1.2 billion dollar Cirque Du Soleil was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.