Updated on April 4 with organizers’ statement
A “dark” circus show which was supposed to open in Qatar for the first time this weekend has postponed its Doha dates “until further notice”, organizers said.
Le Noir – The dark side of Cirque was planned to open on Thursday (Apr. 7) and have a three-day run at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) until Saturday (Apr. 9).
Dubai-based organizers Tape Events told Doha News today that these Qatar shows will not go ahead as planned and that they are currently trying to secure alternative dates, although these are not yet confirmed.
The organizers initially said the change of plans was due to the success of the Dubai shows and that they are trying to extend the run in the UAE city, which was due to close last night.
A total of 15 performances took place during the eight-day run at the Dubai World Trade Center.
“We are in talks about having more shows in Dubai – it was very popular, people really loved it, so we are in discussions about holding more shows there.
We are trying to secure other dates in Qatar for the shows but right now the event in Qatar is postponed until further notice,” a spokesman for the organizers told Doha News.
However, in a statement later published on the organizers’ Facebook page, they said the change of plans was due to “unforeseen circumstances (technical)”.
“Tape Events regrets to announce that the Cirque Le Noir shows for Doha which were originally scheduled to be held between the 7th – 9th of April 2016 have been postponed until further notice.
Due to unforeseen circumstances (technical) that are beyond our control, the shows for Doha have been postponed. We are working hard to reschedule the shows and the new dates will be announced in due course”, Nabil Mhanna, media and marketing manager at Tape Events, is quoted as saying in the statement.
Anyone who has already bought tickets for the shows can either swap them for the new dates, once they are released, or get a refund.
‘Culturally appropriate’
Virgin Megastore was selling the tickets for the Qatar performances. A representative at the Villaggio Mall branch said the store had been told this morning by the organizers not to sell any more tickets “for now”.
Details of the show are still up on Virgin’s website, but the page is marked with an advisory reading, “This event has expired”, and the ticket-buying function has been disabled.
The organizers’ statement adds that ticket holders who want a refund should go to the same branch of Virgin where they bought their tickets.
Refunds will be issued for online sales within 14 days of applying.
The show was due to feature around two dozen acrobats, performers and musicians performing stunts 30 feet in the air, roller-skating tricks and other feats on a 360-degree stage, with the audience close to the action.
The “dark” take on a traditional circus has been criticized by reviews in other countries for trying too hard to be “sexy,” due to the skimpy costumes worn by performers.
However, the organizers’ spokesperson said this was not a problem with the Qatar show, stressing that it had been “localized for the region” and was culturally appropriate.
Have you been affected by the cancellation? Thoughts?
