Kooza | Cirque du Soleil
Images supplied by Cirque du Soleil
What I particularly love in a Cirque du Soleil show is the attention to detail in creating a truly time out of time experience for the audience—thanks to the combination of story, live music, beautiful vocals, great drumming, otherworldly costumes and makeup, and the skills of over 50 talented artists. KOOZA celebrates its 20th birthday with an unmissable show which closes in Brisbane in early October. Probably best to buy tickets now, as KOOZA deserves to sell-out.
Apparently, the Sanskrit word koza means box, chest, or treasure—making KOOZA a unique name for a jewel of a show that is conceived as ‘circus in a box.’ KOOZA opens with the kite-flying Innocent receiving a box. Watched by the mysterious Trickster, the box opens on the exotic, and occasionally slightly crazy kingdom of KOOZA. A kingdom that is, of course, populated by incredible people who can do amazing things…. plus a few talented clowns, a ‘dog,’ those memorable skeleton dancers and some very talented singers and musicians.
I first saw a Cirque du Soleil show over 30 years ago, and I am delighted that the team continues to create their unique, colourful circus in a way that pays homage to the circuses of old—while bringing circus straight into the 22nd Century. If you enjoy the more traditional aspects of circus—such as hula hoop dexterity, slapstick clowns, high wire walking, and unicycling—then KOOZA will introduce your children to the circus you remember from your childhood. However, in this show the Cirque du Soleil artists reinvent and push the boundaries of otherwise familiar acts. The hula hoops work is impressive. The aerial silks work is stylish, fluid and fierce. And the Duo Unicycle is an impressive upgrade to the traditional unicycle act, with a skilful demonstration of balance and strength as the cyclist carries, supports and dances with their passenger.
Images supplied by Cirque du Soleil
My five favourite KOOZA acts are literally the ‘high points’ of the show: the High Wire, Contortion, Teeterboard and ‘trampolining,’ Chair Balancing, and the Wheel of Death. High Wire work is always impressive, particularly for those of us who don’t like to even climb a ladder. In KOOZA the four artists take high wire to a new level—dancing, jumping, skipping, cycling and balancing on the two very high wires. Members of the KOOZA contortion trio are equally fast, flexible and fluid in their moves; at times appearing to be one tower of body parts in amazing poses, before switching to demonstrate their combined balance and speed. The ‘Army’ of acrobats creates impressive sequences of pyramids, tumbling, ‘trampolining,’ balancing, teeterboard and lifts that are a fun, and quite fabulous demonstration of jumping, catching, strength, balance and trust.
But it is the chair balancing and exhilarating Wheel of Death acts that may just have me going back to see this show again. Balancing on chairs, at times up to 7m high, demonstrates a level of control, confidence and chutzpah that is rarely seen. And the ‘figure of eight’ Wheel of Death is an incredible act: two performers powering a rotating machine where they run, jump, skip, and thrill in and around their sizeable ‘hamster wheels.’ From the very first moment of their menacing entry onto the stage, the performers build the tension and thrill audiences with their powerful demonstration of skill and artistry—particularly when jumping in and on the frame, and when stopping and changing the direction of the machine.
KOOZA is a box of delights that wows, thrills and amazes audiences. If the budget allows, then go. Make this your ‘early Christmas present’ request to Santa, and let everyone know that the website has some date night and family ticket options. KOOZA is a fabulous evening, and one I highly recommend. As I watched the hula hoop act, listening to lots of ‘wow’ calls from the audience, I was aware of several people around me who were distracted by taking their ‘insta-worthy’ shots. For me, KOOZA is a show that challenges audiences to be in the moment and present. There is a photo galley which gives a taster of some of the acts—so my suggestion is buy a ticket, experience the show, and only then checkout the gallery to remind yourself of what an amazing time you had.
KOOZA, plays under the Big Top, behind the Royal Queensland Golf Club, Eagle Farm, from 1 August- 4 October 2026. The reviewer attended the 6 August 2026, 7:30pm opening night.
For more credits, see the KOOZA Program.
Images supplied by Cirque du Soleil
