Friday, November 23, 2018
Acrobats Uncomfortable with Upcoming Saudi Performance
www.cirquefascination.com: Cirque du Soleil’s decision to go ahead with more performances in Saudi Arabia next month despite international outrage over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is creating a malaise within circus ranks, The Canadian Press has learned. Following stops in Italy, Germany and Croatia, the Quebec-based troupe will pitch its tent in Riyadh from Dec. 17-29 in a visit that has been in the works for about a year.
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2 comments:
I am a bit confused about how the killing of the journalist is an issue for the cirque to present in Saudi Arabia. As a commercial company, I don’t think they would cancel shows because performers are uncomfortable. Even when performers and employees have been very vocal about the issue. Sad to say, but it’s true. However, I believe that if a company changes its mission as it grows it should change its mission statement. If they are no longer a company looking for change using circus and arts as their method, and just becoming a commercial event company, it’s ok, companies are allowed to outgrow their goals, they have innovated theatre in many ways, but they should reflect that in their mission statement. This way people who join do not feel like they are no longer serving the purpose. This way they know they are in it for the paycheck and the fame.
I remember the first time I read about this visit wondering how the performers would feel in this position., Especially after the current events in Saudi Arabia right now, I wonder why Cirque du Solei still thinks that this is a good idea. It has to be bad PR for them to be continuing with the performance, let alone demoralizing for the performers involved. I wonder how much money they must be getting out of this performance to continue in the current Saudi climate. I’m also wondering if the often tight and revealing costumes for these performances will be an issue, and what might happen to any of the performers who speak out. I do think that the Saudi people need to have more opportunity to have culture introduced into their lives, but forcing the performers to feel unsafe is not the way to do it. In the world of Me too, it could be reasoned that they are able to just say no, but for circus performers, there aren’t a whole lot of groups to perform with, and getting on Cirques bad side is a huge career blow. I just don’t see how this was a good idea for anyone involved.
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