News release
August 13, 2006
Sharing worlds of experience this summer
Heineken, the world’s number one premium lager brings a world of experience to New Zealand in January when it presents
Cirque du Soleil’s[R] new show Varekai[R] in Auckland from 5 January 2007.
Varekai will be performed at the ASB Showground, Epsom under Cirque du Soleil’s signature 2,600 seat blue-and-yellow Grand
Chapiteau (Big Top). The Australasian tour, which begins in Sydney on 10 August is the first time the show has traveled
outside North America, where it has already played to 3.5 million people.
Varekai pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition and is based on the Greek myth of
Icarus, the traditional Icarian games and the circuses of yesteryear.
No two Cirque du Soleil shows are alike, and Varekai brings to Auckland acts that have never before been seen in any other Cirque du Soleil show in the city, such as the
stunning Icarian Games and Russian Swings.
Cirque du Soleil has thrilled more than 50 million people world-wide, currently presenting 13 shows simultaneously
across the globe. More than 130 people travel with Varekai, including 56 artists representing 16 nationalities.
“Heineken is enjoyed by people throughout the world, crossing boundaries of language and culture,” says Heineken brand
manager Jacqui Clement. “That’s why we wanted to bring this event to New Zealand audiences, as Cirque du Soleil also has
this ability to link people around the world through a shared experience.”
“Heineken is renowned for bringing the best of the world to New Zealand through sport, music and culture and this summer
will be no different, with the Heineken Open and Cirque du Soleil both taking place in January,” Jacqui says.
Tickets for Varekai go on sale from Monday 14 August through Ticketek and www.cirquedusoleil.com.
ENDS