www.cirquefascination.com: Send in the clowns.
Don’t bother. They’re here.
Cirque du Soleil is defending its decision to deepen its business ties with Saudi Arabia despite concern about that country’s human-rights record and the fate of imprisoned blogger Raif Badawi – whose family lives in Quebec.
The Montreal-based entertainment company recently signed an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Culture to bring more of its shows to the kingdom, including The Illusionist, Now You See Me, Paw Patrol Live – Race to Rescue, Trolls Live! and Blue Man Group World Tour.
1 comment:
As the infamous company that is Cirque du Soleil depends on its business ties with Saudi Arabia the ethical question of where does one draw the line when it comes to working in countries known for violations of basic rights? For more context, Cirque recently signed an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Culture to ship a few of their renowned productions, as well as create a new one. It is also important to note that since 2018 Saudi Arabia has, in fact, had six resident shows. Now, I see no issue with wanting to expand revenue, Cirque is a money-making machine after all. However, as a country pledges to act “as a responsible agent of change,” I become skeptical. I say this knowing that Saudi Arabia holds Raif Badawi in prison– Saudi Arabian writer and activist, the creator of the website Free Saudi Liberals whose family lives in Quebec. It simply seems like Cirque should have maybe canceled shows there over human-rights concerns.
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