Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world—a world where something else is possible.

Premiere: April 24, 2002 Type: Touring / Bigtop Director: Dominique Champagne Composer: Violaine Corradi Location: European Tour

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The world of Varekai is a mysterious, lush realm that exists deep within a forest at the summit of a volcano. In this world an array of fantastical creatures subsist amongst an extraordinary place where anything is possible.

Varekai (pronounced var-ee-kie) is a Romanic term meaning "wherever" or "it does not matter the place" and lives as a "tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion." The term is an homage not only the acrobats that push their art to the extreme, but also a reminder to the wanderers of ancient Europe: the Gypsy - the universal wanderers.

And so far, these enigmatic performers have wandered to these far away lands:

• (2002-2006) -- North American Tour
• (2006-2007) -- Australian Tour
• (2007-2009) -- European Tour

"The sky lets go a solitary young man and the story of Varekai begins." The solitary young man is Icarus, the fabled son of the brilliant Greek artisan Daedalus. His is a story of how excitement can cloud one's better judgment. As Greek legend tells, Daedalus crafted two magnificent pairs of wings out of feathers and wax for himself and his brash young son (Icarus). Taking to the skies in a flurry of excitement, Icarus does not heed his father's warnings and strays too close to the sun, melting his wings. But, unlike the Icarus of fabled tale (in which Icarus plummets to his death) the Icarus of Cirque du Soleil falls into a fantastical world of good and evil where he must redeem himself. "On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation of life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind." Let us now share with you that which brought us to our feet, mouths agape, hands applauding loudly, and our minds exploding with emotions never before felt.