Cirque du Soleil intent on growth in Russia despite sanctions and weak economy

There's no doubt business in Russia over thelast two years hasbeen challenging forCirque du Soleil, but the entertainmentcompany is bent on growingits Russian business.

Operations in Moscowbegan in2008 and, according to vice-chairmanCraig Cohon, there is a lot of potential for growth in spite of economic sanctions and Russia's recession.

Cirque du Soleil Russia has just finalized a deal fora new $50-million theatre opening in 2019 in Moscow to house Cirque shows as well as other entertainment, Cohontold CBC News.

Guy Lalibert, the founder,sold majority ownership of the Montreal-based company last year to U.S. private equity group TPG Capital, butthe international headquarters remain in Canada.

CBC News went backstage for the opening week of Cirque's new show in Moscow,Varekai. Watch the video above.

• PHOTOS | Cirque du Soleil whirls in Russia

Cirque in Moscow

13 years ago

Duration 3:00

As it settles into its Moscow home, Cirque du Soleil is a rival for long-established Russian circuses in the race to get the best performers. Jean-Franois Blanger reports.

Cirque's Zarkana hits Moscow

13 years ago

Duration 2:51

After a New York premiere in 2011, the Cirque du Soleil is now unveiling its most expensive production ever, the splashy, $57 million extravaganza Zarkana, at Moscow's Kremlin Palace.