Zarkana, a visually stunning modern acrobatic spectacular, began its residency at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on November 18, 2012 following hugely successful engagements at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Arena Madrid and Moscow’s Kremlin State Palace Theatre. The name Zarkana is a fusion of the words “bizarre” and “arcane” (arcane means “mystery” or “secret”). The twisted fictional world of Zarkana is an elusive destination that is fantastic yet bizarre. One part acrobatics and one part rock opera with a penchant for the macbre, Zarkana becomes a visual vortex set in a slightly twisted musical and acrobatic fantasy universe where physical virtuosity rubs sholders with the strange, and little by little, chaos and craziness give way to a true celebration.

Zarkana is written and directed by François Girard, one of Quebec’s most highly regarded creators who is equally at ease in cinema (Silk, The Red Violin), opera, visual arts and theatre and has earned an enviable international reputation over the years. A keen music lover, he is particularly known for the hybrid worlds he creates in which music plays a predominant role. His works are recognized for their great musicality, both in terms of sound and image. "Whether it’s circus, film, theatre or opera, I assume that as soon as the curtain rises, the audience is open, available, ready for anything," says François Girard. "And this premise makes perfect sense at Cirque du Soleil."