The city of Malaga is hosting the dazzling show Kurios by Cirque du Soleil from June 4 to July 5. Under the Big Top, attendees will be transported to an alternative reality where impossible acrobatics and surprising makeup come to life, all enveloped in a universe of details inspired by steampunk aesthetics.
This production, which has already surpassed 3,000 performances worldwide, brings together a cast of 50 artists from 21 countries. The international tour involves 120 people from 30 different nationalities, creating a professional team that brings to life a world where nothing seems impossible.
Behind the magic that captivates the audience lies meticulous work that begins long before each performance starts. Hours of training, complex costume designs, and the efforts of dozens of professionals are essential for each show to appear perfect.
Behind the scenes, the costume team finalizes details among wigs, hats, and fabrics, while artists prepare with strength exercises and perfect their acts. Athletic discipline and artistic creativity intertwine in this environment.
“"The clothing has a dynamic and a strength to support what the athletes and artists do on stage and, at the same time, maintain the aesthetic."
Federico Bru, assistant costume director of Kurios and with previous experience in productions like Society of the Snow, highlights the challenges of the circus. Unlike cinema, where realism is sought, circus costumes must adapt to the artists' physical demands without losing visual impact.
To construct the universe of Kurios, over a hundred costumes have been created. Some pieces, like the Accordion Man's costume, required a full week of interior sewing. Additionally, characters with large structures and technological elements demand knowledge beyond traditional tailoring.
Constant maintenance is crucial. The team dedicates a significant part of the day to repairing damage, checking footwear, and conditioning wigs, as the clothing wears out with each show. "We have repairs every day. The clothes wear out, they break in each show," notes Federico.
The artists themselves spend between 40 minutes and two hours applying makeup before going on stage, a process that varies by character. The aesthetic of Kurios fuses references from the Industrial Revolution with contemporary elements, creating a fantastical world.
The show uses 464 props, the largest number in a Cirque du Soleil production. Notable items include a 340-kilogram mechanical hand over four meters long, and the Microcosmos ball, which required 250 hours of work.
“"More than artists, we are elite athletes who must have exceptional physical preparation to endure the more than 300 shows we do throughout the year."
Physical preparation is another key to success. Darián Cobas, an aerial straps artist and former elite gymnast, states: "More than artists, we are elite athletes." His routine includes gym, Pilates, and group sessions to maintain physical fitness during the more than 300 annual shows.
Darián describes the sensation of flying as his favorite moment, aiming for the audience not to perceive the fatigue. "The key is to smile all the time and maintain very calm breathing," he explains, making the audience enjoy the apparent ease.
One of his challenges was adapting his act to the opposite side of his natural dominance, achieving greater control with his left hand. Kurios also features a welcome act performed on top of the Big Top by three artists, weather permitting.
“"It is a very magical show, unexpected, full of surprises, full of details and elements that I myself did not expect when I came to work here, and when I saw the show for the first time, I felt very proud to be part of this team."
Federico expresses his pride in being part of the team, describing Kurios as "magical, unexpected, full of surprises." Effort, overcoming challenges, and passion are, beyond the acrobatics, the true magic of the show.
