Varekai, the latest production by Quebec based Cirque du Soleil opens on 1 August 2002 at Ontario Place, Canada. It's the 14th live production produced by Cirque du Soleil - the latest since the launch of Dralion in 1999.

Varekai is the story of a young man who finds adventure in a magical forest, inhabited by mythical creatures. It features a cast of more than 50 artists from 12 different countries.

Highlights of the show include human juggling, sword fights, and Russian swings where acrobats hurl themselves into the air and land on their partners' wrists. The master of ceremonies is a talking firefly and the lead clown is an eccentric gadget wizard who provides the comedy as he chases and traps unpleasant noises.

Show Director, Dominic Champagne says 'Varekai is a furious, flamboyant celebration inspired by those artists who, every single day, no matter where the wind carries them, risk their life to challenge the laws of gravity.'

Cirque du Soleil has three permanent performances, including Mystere at Treasure island and 'O' at Bellagio in Las Vegas and La Nouba at Walt Disney World resort, Orlando. Productions of Dralion and Quidam are currently touring North America, while Alegria is about to complete a tour of the Asia Pacific region.

Varekai will play in Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto before launching its 2002-2005 tour of North America.