Optus announced today it would present a live Cirque du Soleil performance at Federation Square at 1.00pm on Tuesday 1 May 2007. This exclusive performance offers a sneak preview into the world of Varekai – the latest Cirque du Soleil show - currently on tour in Melbourne under the blue-and-yellow big top at The Oval, Melbourne Park.

Jann Kohlman, Group Manager, Optus Sponsorships and Community Programs, said the event would be a fantastic opportunity for Melbournians and visitors to see an extraordinary performance by exceptional artists.

"Optus is proud to be the presenting partner of Cirque du Soleil and our sponsorship has helped bring the amazing Varekai to Australian audiences. The free event at Federation Square will enable Optus to extend Varekai to audiences who may not have seen the unique performances of Cirque du Soleil. 

"People working will be able to experience the performance during lunch or others can come and make a day of it. We will have our Optus Zoo Booth where people can interactively learn more about Optus' products and services," Ms Kohlman said.

The Cirque du Soleil acts that will be seen on stage at Federation Square include: Slippery Surface where artists fling and catch each other on a specially designed sliding surface; Handbalancing on Canes, featuring Irina Naumenko; Solo on Crutches; Georgian Dance, an act that takes its inspiration from a long tradition of resistance in the Republic of Georgia and of course the magnificent Cirque du Soleil clowns. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to see Cirque du Soleil artists performing out of the big top.

Milan Rokic, Marketing Director Cirque du Soleil – Asia Pacific said; "Cirque du Soleil is a company that was born from humble beginnings as street performers in Montreal and it is fantastic that we can take our art form back to the streets in Melbourne with the assistance of our presenting sponsor Optus. 

"Whilst we will not be looking for anyone to throw their spare change into our hat, we will be inviting people to get up close and personal with the show, and learn more about the wonderful world of Varekai.”

Nova will broadcast their afternoon show from 12noon – 4.00pm with Harlee McLeod live from Federation Square.

Notes to Editors:
Optus is the telecommunications partner for Federation Square and provides Federation Square with multiple communication and internet solutions.

Varekai means 'wherever' in the Romany language of the gypsies. Set in a mysterious forest of fantastical creatures, the show combines gravity-defying acrobatics, evocative music and otherworldly sets and costumes to tell the story of a winged youth who falls to earth and strives once again to reach new heights. The show introduces an international cast and acts never before seen in any other Cirque du Soleil show in Melbourne, including the technically stunning Icarian Games and Russian Swings.

Varekai is the 4th Cirque du Soleil production to visit Melbourne, after audiences were first introduced to Saltimbanco in 2000, Alegria in 2001 and most recently Quidam (2005), which performed to more than 190,000 spectators.

Optus staff will also buddy up with students from Newport Lakes Primary School and take them to the event through the Team Challenge volunteering program with Melbourne Cares.