World-famous circus company Cirque du Soleil has made San Jose its home until May as its newest show—titled ECHO— is featured at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. The show’s program promises that audiences will be able “to join in a world of color, inspired by the youth's optimism, the inventive power, and the value of empathy.”

For the uninitiated, Cirque du Soleil is a traveling circus founded in the early 1980s in a little town outside of Quebec City, Canada, according to their website. Translating to “circus of the sun” in French, Cirque Du Soleil consists of acrobats, contortionists, dancers and everything in between. The performances are historically highly stylized—showcasing unique lighting, live music, audience interaction and death-defying feats of acrobatics. Since its inception, Cirque du Soleil has created over 25 unique shows and has performed all over the world. On their website, tickets are available for shows in 17 countries including Mexico, China, Belgium and Spain.

ECHO, directed by Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, began its conception in 2022, according to the “Making of ECHO” documentary on their website. The story follows a young girl, Future, and her dog as they navigate a fantastical world. They meet many characters on their journey including wild animals, insects, robots and more. Guided by their own curiosity and the additional help of a man named The Cartographer, the protagonists encounter more and more adventure as they begin to understand the connection between both the human and animal worlds. “Under the same sky” was a common lyrical motif throughout the show highlighting the character’s journey to discovery of the natural world.

The stage was centered around a large cube that acted as a screen for projections, an object for acrobats to flip off of, a quasi-jungle gym and anything else the show called for. The production itself was split into vinyets of acrobatics, music and dance. “My favorite act was the ballerinas who swung by their hair,” said audience member Parmida Matan, “I was amazed and I loved it!”

**Photo by Jean-François Savaria.** Two performers swing by their hair in unison.

Audience participation is integral to the success of the show. The two “clowns” or jesters of the show often ran into the audience asking for applause and energy to fuel both the acrobats and atmosphere within the tent. Early on, a man was brought up on the stage to assist the jesters in throwing boxes on top of eachother, a recurring bit that split up many of the acts. After the show, the man who was pulled on stage was bombarded with fans congratulating his efforts, and complimenting his rainbow high heels.

Cirque du Soleil is for all ages. “The baby loved it,” said the Wadnwa Family, “it was a great change in our family entertainment.” The small children in the audience were given booster seats so that they could see the stage, a noticeable touch that allowed the whole audience to be as engaged as possible.

The show ended with the entire cast within the cube as Future swung over the audience. The audience roared as they watched Future and her dog fully join the natural world inside the cube. As the house lights turned back on, the energy within the big top poured out into the parking lot following the crowd home for the evening.

The show lasts a full 125 minutes with a 25-minute intermission. Cirque du Soleil is at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds until May 11, 2025.