Recently, Cirque Eloize took on an international circus contract, one of the few in existence during the height of a world pandemic, in order to take part in an opening ceremony in Egypt. As the pandemic lingers, more artists and companies find themselves in the impossible position of having to choose between the risk of spreading a virus and that of working (and staying in business) at all.

spreading a virus and that of working (and staying in business) at all. In the midst of COVID-19 and pandemic hardship, Cirque Éloize was able to provide a performance for the World Men’s Handball Championship in Cairo, Egypt. This ceremony was not only a respite from coronavirus, but also a product of the collaboration between Egyptian representatives and Canadian creative industry leaders. Jasmine Wahhab, Senior Trade Commissioner of Canadian Embassy in Egypt, said, “The terrific success of the 27th IHF World Men’s Handball Championship Opening Ceremony yesterday at the New Administration Capital in Cairo, gave the whole world an uplifting break from unprecedented challenges dictated by COVID19 pandemic. This is not a personal impression, but shared with friends and colleagues around corners of the world. Everyone admired how watching the opening ceremony was a gateway to contemporary circus performance and a breather in the middle o...