Pan Am Games Opening Ceremony Features Hundreds of Performers
TORONTO, July 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Anticipation is building for the Opening Ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games on July 10, created by Canada's globally celebrated cultural icon Cirque du Soleil, the Official Creative Partner of the Opening Ceremony. The exclusive one-night-only performance will captivate a sold-out live audience of 45,000, in addition to the live broadcast that will be watched by hundreds of millions of TV viewers around the world. The 2 ½ hour production begins at 8 p.m. EST in downtown Toronto's favourite domed stadium, known at Games time as the Pan Am Ceremonies Venue.
With an international cast of 625 performers, representing 25 nationalities, the show will feature the special blend of stagecraft, thrilling acrobatics and colourful cultural pageantry of Cirque du Soleil, as well as dance, and extreme sport. The production will celebrate the significant contributions of Canada, from its First Nations people, growth as a nation, rich diversity and contemporary culture.
The creative process began in November of 2013 with the design team collaborating on concepts and ideas that were slowly transformed into reality through the distinctive expertise of the creative and technical areas who were up for the mammoth challenge. Spectators can also expect a spectacular fireworks from CN Tower plaza.
To foster the Pan Am spirit, TORONTO 2015 is hosting a free live screening of the Opening Ceremony broadcast on giant video screens at Nathan Phillips Square starting at 20:00 EDT. Across Canada, the ceremony will be broadcast in English and French on CBC/Radio-Canada, and in Spanish on TLN Univision.
"There is no better place in the world to celebrate the values of diversity, inclusiveness and joy in sport than right here in Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region. The Opening Ceremony will be an unforgettable shared experience that reflects the very best of who we are as a diverse people, "said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer, TO2015. "I guarantee you'll feel pride and awe in the iconic moments we're about to create, together, as we welcome athletes from 41 nations to Canada's largest ever international multi-sport Games."
"We were seduced by the host region for the Games — one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The colours of the world meet, mix and join together to build a modern city. What creative territory, what an inspiration to the world," explained Jean Guibert, Creative Director for 45 DEGREES, the Cirque du Soleil Special Events Company. "Inspiration from the athletes will stand out in the content of the show and will be delivered with emotion to people around the world," added Bastien, Show Director.
For sneak peek images of the Opening Ceremony, visit the TO2015 online media room at http://toronto2015.mediaroom.com/pad
NOTE: Ticketed guests must be seated by 6:45 p.m. for the pre-show (Gates open at 5 p.m.)
SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Main Press Centre: [email protected] 416-957-3414; Media Team: [email protected] or 416-957-3409
Share this article