Cover Irisa Shannon Wong and Janet Ma attend Tatler's VIP night at Cirque du Soleil on May 22 (Photo: courtesy of Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Irisa Shannon Wong and Janet Ma attend Tatler's VIP night at Cirque du Soleil on May 22 (Photo: courtesy of Zed Leets/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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Tatler hosted a group of VIPs at the Hong Kong premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Kooza’, immersing guests in a breathtaking evening of acrobatics and imagination under the Big Top at Central Harbourfront
On May 22, Tatler brought together 100 guests for a night of awe and artistry at the Hong Kong premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza. Held under the Big Top, a large tent that functions as an events venue and is part of the AIA Carnival at Central Harbourfront, the dazzling opening night marked the triumphant return of the circus to the city after a seven-year hiatus. Reminiscent of its last performance in Hong Kong in 1996 with Alegría at Victoria Park, the show marked a new high for the renowned circus.
The evening began with a private reception hosted by Tatler, where VIPs mingled over champagne and canapés, anticipating the spectacle to come. Guests included VIPs from Hong Kong’s cultural, philanthropic and business circles, all eager to witness the magic of Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza, a show renowned for its jaw-dropping acrobatics and clowning.
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Elva Ni and her children (Photo: courtesy of Tatler Hong Kong)
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At the show, guests were transported into Kooza’s electrifying world—a vibrant homage to the origins of circus traditions. The show, which was in Seattle weeks prior, is directed by David Shiner and explores themes of human connection and duality, presented with striking humour and theatrical ingenuity.
Highlights of the Cirque du Soleil show included the heart-stopping Wheel of Death, where two performers leapt and counter-rotated on a 1,600-pound wheel spinning at dizzying speeds, and the High Wire, where tightrope walkers balanced with grace and precision on wires suspended 15 and 25 feet above the stage. The Balancing on Chairs act had the audience holding their breath as an artist ascended a seven-metre tower of chairs with unparalleled poise and control.
Adding to the surprises, thrills and chills were the show’s exquisite costumes, designed by Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt. Inspired by sources as diverse as graphic novels, Indian jewellery and Eastern European traditions, the costumes enhanced the surreal, otherworldly atmosphere of Kooza. The live music added another layer of sensory enchantment. The score was a mix of 1970s funk, orchestral arrangements and traditional Indian music.
With a cheeky nod to regional rivalry, Michael Denmark, the founder and chairman of Great Entertainment Group, which operates the AIA Carnival, AIA Vitality Park and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel—and whose company brought Cirque Du Soleil to Hong Kong, drew laughter from the crowd with a quip about the SAR’s entertainment offerings catching up to Singapore’s. “Singapore, you can’t win ‘em all.”
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print. She also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts — curates star-studded events, and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
