In Alizé, Cirque du Soleil’s first resident production in Europe, audiences suddenly see a sheer fabric sweep across the theatre overhead. Behind this surprising effect lies a ShowTex solution that combines Kabuki drop technology, HiSpeed Reveal and lightweight Voile CS fabric in a precisely timed reveal sequence.
The effect unfolds in coordinated stages.
A compact Kabuki releases the champagne-coloured voile, followed by a larger one for the full-stage drop. Before the fabric reaches the floor, HiSpeed Reveal sweeps it across the audience in one fluid motion, transforming a gentle curtain drop into a large-scale sniffer effect.
Voile CS plays a leading role in the reveal. Lightweight and translucent, it creates a soft, almost dreamlike effect as it floats through the theatre, catching the light and adding an extra layer of magic to the performance.
As an inherently flame-retardant sheer fabric, it meets the safety requirements of public performance venues without sacrificing one bit of elegance.
Beyond the reveal effect, ShowTex supplied a range of printed fabrics that help shape the world of Alizé.
A printed stage scrim interacts with lighting and projection, while prints on sound-transparent fabric frame the performance area without compromising acoustics.
The same attention to detail extends beyond the stage itself. Printed masking fabric discreetly conceals the front of house and blend seamlessly into the overall design.
Velvet house curtains complete the experience, setting a theatrical tone long before the show even begins.
Together, these reveal systems and textile solutions create a show environment where every fabric serves a purpose. From the dramatic overhead reveal to the printed backdrop and masking, each element contributes to a cohesive visual experience that strengthens the production’s storytelling.
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