Difference between Ka and Mystere
Cirque Du Soleil has developed quite a formidable mystique over the years, with a renown that stretches across the globe. In fact, even people who had previously never seen an event in person are positively mesmerized by the spectacular displays fleetingly shown on news reports and various other video clips. The spectacle is actually comprised of several different events, with Mystere and Ka being two of the more prominent ones. This comparison article takes a look at the key points of each.
In Brief
Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere is permanently held at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It is actually only one of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows in the state, along with Ka, O, Zumanity, Love and a few others. The show made its debut on December 25, 1993 to widespread public acclaim, much of which was due to its unique take on the familiar circus theme. Like many other Cirque du Soleil productions, Mystere offers a stunning combination of circus feats, dances, lavish sets, world beat music, opera, and even street theatre comedy. Cirque Du Soleil's Ka for its part is held at the MGM Grand, also in Las Vegas. The show was created and is still directed by Robert Lepage, and cost more than $220 million to develop. Kà is actually the first Cirque du Soleil show to move away from the traditional Cirque Du Soleil format, in the sense that it follows a more straightforward storyline. This contrasts with other Cirque Du Soleil shows that rely largely on abstract visuals.
Theme
Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere was first conceptualized in 1990, when a Caesars Palace staging of a Greek and Roman mythology themed show was planned. Projected costs were deemed too prohibitive however, and the show would later take on a more European bent, following the influence of Siegfried and Roy. The show was later reinvented to follow a theme dealing with the origins of life in the universe, although it would retain a large part of the mythological theme originally planned. Cirque Du Soleil's Ka on the other hand is based on a story of "conflict and love", and it focuses on the story of twins who were separated at an early age, and who subsequently underwent a journey of self-discovery.
Acts
Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere is comprised of numerous acts featuring aerial cubes, Chinese poles and acrobatic feats. Cirque Du Soleil's Ka for its part features an off-stage band that provides accompaniment to the acting, acrobatics, and singing on stage.
Summary
Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere
- Is permanently shown at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Vegas
- One of seven Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas
- First performed on December 25, 1993
- Combines circus acts, dances, opera, world beat music, and street theatre comedy
- Was originally planned with a Greek and Roman mythology theme
- Was later modified to focus on the origins of life
- Retained mythological elements
Cirque Du Soleil's Ka
- Shown at the MGM Grand in Vegas, Nevada
- Created and directed by Robert Lepage
- Cost $220 million to develop
- Based on a story about conflict and love
- Features an off-stage band that provides musical accompaniment
- Features a combination of acting, acrobatics, and singing
