There is usually a charismatic man behind any successful entertainment company, and the Canadian circus group Cirque du Soleil has Guy Laliberte to thank for its success.
Founded in 1984 by Laliberte, the company has performed around the world, attracting more than 23 million people in total. Currently it is presenting seven shows (Dralion, Alegria, Mystere, O, Quidam, Saltimbanco and La Nouba) simultaneously on four continents. Visiting Japan for the fourth time, the troupe will tour the country until Sept. 20 next year, taking its Saltimbanco show to Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka and Yokohama after its current run in Tokyo.
Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo, Laliberte said it was still too early for the company (which now comprises 2,100 talented street entertainers from around the world) to rest on its laurels. But the troupe's spectacular performances prove he is doing something right.