What goes on behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil?

BarcelonaThe magic of Cirque du Soleil is performing acrobatics on flying beds ten meters high, but it's also emptying 27 trucks, setting up a very long two-story stage, and washing more than 2,500 garments in less than 24 hours. The Canadian company set up shop at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on Tuesday and, in just one day, has the entire infrastructure ready to go. Corteo, which premieres this Thursday. The lives of the artists and technicians are nomadic and frenetic: four days ago they were battling the freezing German air, but today they are celebrating the Mediterranean sun that has welcomed them to the Catalan capital, where they will remain until April 6. Throughout the day, the company has been reviewing the safety of the show's mechanisms and going over the acts before the performance, where they perform the fantastic farewell of a clown watched over by friends and family.

"We have a Catalan singer," repeat the different members of Cirque du Soleil who accompany the press backstage at the show. They are referring to David Repullés, who plays one of the main clown's friends and will be performing at home with the Canadian company for the first time. While acrobats, jugglers, and trapeze artists train in the small gym behind the scenes, Repullés has decided to spend the morning of the premiere with his family. "It's his special day, like his birthday," explains the director of administration. Corteo, Francisco Nava.

Capture the attention of all viewers

Unlike other shows that have passed through Barcelona in recent years —such as the new Happiness and Luzia—, Corteo It's not a tent show, but a stadium show. "It started life in a tent and then transformed into a larger production. Normally, tent shows are more intimate, with around 2,500 spectators. Here, however, there are 3,677 seats," Nava points out. The acts and scenery are also larger and more spectacular, aiming to capture the attention of the entire audience, whether they're in the front or back row.

On stage, a huge curtain on both sides frames the somersaults and mid-air flips of a group of acrobats. They rehearse in tracksuit bottoms and with safety ropes, although at night they'll perform in period costume and without protective gear, except for a net to prevent accidents. "There's an interplay between the present and the past that's represented through old and new objects. This is very special and gives the show a unique touch." Fellinian", points out the technique of props Julia Aphalo, who adds that Corteo It's been traveling the world for many years, and this makes it easy to move from one place to another, despite the size of the show. "Everything is perfectly calculated. We move a lot of volume, but each piece is designed so that everything is accessible and easy to set up," adds Aphalo.

The Cirque du Soleil team is used to changing countries and achieving marathon goals. Every night, after the performance, the wardrobe team is in charge of washing all the clothes and drying them. They do this using the six washing machines and four dryers that always accompany them. After Barcelona, they will head to Lisbon, where the show will celebrate its 20th anniversary. And, looking ahead to the coming months, they are already preparing to land in Australia.Corteo It is a fascinating spectacle that stands the test of time," Nava concludes.