Wondering what KÀ is about? You’ll be at the edge of your seat because this is the epic tale of love and conflict, a story of twins separated by war only to find one another again—is a larger-than-life production ready to entrance and inspire.
Created by Robert Lepage, KÀ began its first leg of performances on February 3rd, 2005. Now, over 20 years later, the performance is a mainstay of the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on the vibrant Las Vegas Strip. The adventure unfolds in the KÀ theater, imagined exclusively for this pioneering production.
Ancient Egyptians believed the soul had three parts, one of which being the notion of ka, “a person’s double,” or the force of life that separates from the body upon death. It’s a fitting name for a production that revolves around the tale of two Imperial Twins, named Twin Sister and Twin Brother.
This exhilarating performance brings together larger-than-life technical feats and lifelike characters. It’s a true masterpiece and menagerie of Cirque du Soleil performance, blending martial arts, archery, aerial stunts, and astonishing acrobatics—many of which are performed against a perpendicular wall. Oh, and have we mentioned that there’s pyrotechnics involved? Yup, that too.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at KÀ
With over 20 years of success under its belt, it’s safe to say that KÀ is triumphant. Its technical feats, such as its innovative mechanical engineering, all-encompassing speaker system, and pyrotechnic magic, all lead to a spell-binding performance throughout its 90 minutes.
Unlike any other Cirque du Soleil production, KÀ follows a narrative, bringing the audience along on our siblings’ journey of love, conflict, and self-discovery.
Each performance of KÀ brings together 80 artists displaying uncanny physical skills, such as martial arts, archery, aerial stunts, and astonishing acrobatics performed on a nearly perpendicular wall.
Don’t take our word for it. The founders and visionaries behind KÀ have heaped on praise for these miraculous performances.
“We wanted it to be an epic story, told not with the use of words but with the universal language of body movement and music,” said KÀ’s writer and director, Robert Lepage. Safe to say, they’ve succeeded with this production.
To this day, KÀ remains to be one of Cirque du Soleil’s most daring productions. Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, says: “With this production, Guy Caron, Robert Lepage, and the entire creation team reveal a marvelous world, a blend of theatre and cinema that is the setting for a breathtaking epic.”
Story and Characters of KÀ
In KÀ, our two lead characters, a brother and sister set of twins (which we’ll refer to as the Imperial Twins), are separated in their youth. En route to their “coming-of-age party,” the Imperial Twins become separated—the result of being the targets of a group of rebels seeking to overthrow the Kingdom our siblings hail from.
The Twins manage to escape but individually embark on a journey that seeks to unite them. The audience is left wondering: will the twins stay forever separated or will these characters find their way back to one another again?
Now that you know the story in a nutshell, we’ll tell you about the lead characters who will take you along such a remarkable journey.
- The Twins: Our main characters, our two leads, are on the cusp of adulthood. They’re inseparable, but when an enemy tribe attempts to wedge them apart, we begin to see just how ironclad their bond truly is.
- The Counselor: The “bad guy” of the show, the Counselor and his nefarious schemes threaten our heroes…
- The Counselor’s Son: Like his father, he’s the villain of this production, only at key moments of the show, he begins to reveal a softer and more tender side.
- The Court Jester: This character demonstrates his tremendous strength through Brazilian Capoeira, risking his own life to protect the Twin Brother.
- The Nursemaid: The Nursemaid joins the Twin Sister along her journey of self-discovery, bringing along a joie-de-vivre and unquenchable exuberance with her.
- The Firefly Boy: Another powerful ally of the Twin Sister’s, the Firefly Boy’s aerial acrobatics enchant and inspire—he’s the ultimate protector.
- The Chief Archer’s Daughter: As the romantic interest of the Twin Brother, she is brave and accomplished.
These are the characters whose stories come to life before your very eyes—characters you’ll grow attached to, be challenged by, and see reflections of yourself in.
💡 Did you know? The performers who make up the KÀ cast hail from nearly 27 different countries—the true definition of an international performance!
Breathtaking Acts and Technical Wonders of KÀ
Cirque du Soleil productions are like our children. While we certainly don’t love one show more than another (that would be like comparing apples and oranges!), we can say that each one is unique and special in their own way. Much like a large family.
In the case of KÀ, the use of technology is what brings an added layer of depth to the storytelling. Video projections, which add dimension to the already-astonishing set design.
But what truly sets KÀ apart is the production’s use of blazing pyrotechnics. In the pre-show, 120 30 ft. fireballs are discharged, each one a temperature of 120º F. Throughout the show, audiences can expect up to 90 pyrotechnic devices fired off during the show.
During a pivotal moment, the “storm” scene, enemy archers and spearmen bring the heat, filling the sky with fire. Our heroes Twin Sister and the Nursemaid are able to flee by boat but encounter a treacherous storm. This boat weighs almost 2,000 lbs and rocks back and forth, like waves rocking a vessel, motion created by the artists onboard.
💡Did you know? Over 110 live arrows are shot through the air at each performance. To ensure that the movements are realistic, artists train at a local archery range in the Las Vegas desert.
Key moments in KÀ
The performances are numerous and will surely captivate. They are an innovative blend of martial arts, aerial duets, and acrobatic feats all rolled into one. Here, we break down some of the key scenes in the show.
- The Pageant: In this scene, audiences will be captivated by a blend of martial arts performances that include Wushu, Chinese Opera, and Brazilian Capoeira. While the events unfolding are lively and fun, danger looms as the Archers and Spearmen ready their attacks.
- The Shipwreck: After the wreck, the Twin Sister, Nursemaid, and Valets find themselves on a golden beach, meeting oversized sea creatures—a playful crab, a mischievous starfish, a silly turtle, and more.
- Shadow Play: Guiding the Twin Brother to safety, the Court Jester soothes his fear with shadow puppets, a simple yet powerful storytelling tradition.
- Meeting the Forest People: In this aerial duet featuring the performers portraying the Forest People and Firefly Boy, aerial acrobatics take center stage and wow audiences.
- The Aftermath: At the end of the performance, a dazzling fireworks display takes place as the Counselor’s Son realizes his mistakes—it’s symbolic of harmony and renewal.
Martial Arts, Aerial Duets, and Acrobatic Feats
The story of KÀ is one steeped in danger, fire, beauty and courageousness. As we follow our Imperial Twins on their perilous journey, the story is told through various forms of movement.
For example, Wushu, a centuries-old form of Chinese martial arts, is a major element of this act. Performers move in fluid motion and total synchronicity, a choreographed battle scene that compels audiences. Other movements draw from Brazilian capoeira, a technique that features dance and acrobatics.
Stage and Set Design of KÀ
KÀ once again demonstrates Cirque du Soleil’s ingenuity in stage and set design. This is evident from the moment you set foot inside the theater, which is raised nine stories above ground.
The show’s Director of Creation, Guy Caron, spent a full year researching the interaction of circus arts and high-end tech to create an original experience that feels like a cross between theater and cinema.
For starters, the room was custom-built to accommodate the show’s technical needs, which helped revolutionize theater. All in all, it cost $165M dollars to bring this unique spectacle to life, one that introduces some of the most complex systems for a truly immersive experience like no other.
The main stage for KÀ is known as the Sand-Cliff Deck. Spanning 25 x 50 ft. and weighing an enormous 80,000 lbs., it’s controlled entirely by a vertical gantry crane, rotating it throughout the show.
Major moments in the show take place on a sandy surface, particularly in a scene when Twin Sister and her friends encounter four sea creatures. Though it looks like the real deal, this sand is 350 cubic ft. of granular cork. For every performance, this material is moved around to simulate the movement of sand. That’s over 2,000 lbs of cork!
Technology and interactivity are woven into the performance as well. For example, when the Nursemaid falls overboard, and Twin Sister dives in after her, these movements trigger interactive video projections. Audiences are treated to air bubbles that shimmer in response to their struggle. Spoiler alert: They make it out just fine!
💡 Did you know? The surface of the KÀ stage is made from the same material used to make smartphones!
Uncover All the Secrets of KÀ
Want to know more? Find out everything you need to know about KÀ and its captivating storylines!
The Artistry of KÀ: Costumes, Music, and More
So much goes into making the world of KÀ the enchanting and immersive experience it is. Here’s a peek at the work that goes on behind the scenes.
Lights, camera, costumes
The costumes of KÀ raise the bar, too. In bringing the world of KÀ to life, costume designer Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt’s creative mastery is apparent in every costume, during every scene of the production. From the tattooed warrior-like costumes to the elaborate headpieces, every garment worn throughout the production adds more context to the storytelling. Crafting each outfit was no small task. In fact, it took some 70 specialists over 35,000 hours to produce the first full set of KÀ costumes.
So that the garments bend and move with the performers, Vaillancourt and the design team had to create 10,000 costumes using 470 different types of fabric.
For the Archers and Spearmen characters, artists wear a bodysuit that matches their skin tone and complexions, and feature one of three tattoo designs for a truly lifelike appearance.
💡Did you know? Every Cirque du Soleil performer applies their own make-up, a process that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
The Sounds of KÀ
As with all Cirque du Soleil performances, sound and music plays a major role in the overall experience. Composer Réné Duperé’s score is valiant, emphasizing the danger of the Twins’ journey. It pulses through the theater’s nearly 5,000 speakers—and yes, if you feel vibrations throughout the performance, that’s because there are two speakers installed in the headrest of each of the venue’s 1,950 seats. Want to tune in? Check out the official KÀ playlist on Spotify.
💡 Did you know? The music performed at KÀ is completely live! To amplify the experience for audiences, the music for each performance is scored in real-time. The musicians follow along on a high-definition film camera and perform in sync with the artists and adventure unfolding on stage, lining up perfectly with the performance and creating a sense of realism.
Planning Your Visit to KÀ
To ensure you enjoy yourself to the max when booking your tickets to KÀ, here’s everything you need to know about seating, ticketing, and showtimes.
Seating & Best Views
KÀ’s custom-built theater, located inside the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, was made to immerse audiences fully into the show from anywhere in the room. But if you want the best views, here’s a breakdown of the seating chart:
- Front and center: Get an up-close view of the show.
- Mid-theater seating: The ideal balance of proximity and panoramic views—great for taking in the rotating stage.
- Upper levels: See the action and excitement from above without breaking the bank!
When booking your tickets, a seating map is available so you can easily choose the best spot for you and your fellow attendees.
Ticketing Options
Tickets for KÀ are easy to come by! These can be purchased via MGM Grand Box Office, through our official Cirque du Soleil website, or at the hotel’s box office.
Though prices vary depending on seat selection and demand, so booking in advance is recommended.
- Standard tickets: Our standard fare tickets range in price and are suited for every budget!
- VIP packages: For a premium experience, opt for these special packages and get exclusive, backstage access.
- Group discounts: Coming with your whole crew? Take it from us, a family trip or bachelorette party at a Cirque du Soleil show is a great way to spend your time in Vegas.
Same-day tickets may be available, but KÀ is a popular show, so securing your seats in advance is the best way to guarantee your preferred spot.
Showtimes & Venue Information
KÀ performances take place exclusively at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. You’ve got plenty of chances all week to catch the show. The shows run Saturday and Sunday at 4:30pm and 7:00pm, and Monday through Wednesday at 7:00pm and 9:30pm.
Out of respect for the performers and your fellow attendees, we recommend arriving 30 minutes before the show. This way, you won’t disrupt the performance. Late arrivals will be held in the lobby until an appropriate interval in the performance for both the guest and artist's safety.
Also note that strobe lights, theatrical fog, and pyrotechnics are used during performances. Guests who react to either of these effects should attend the show at their own risk.
Engage with KÀ Online
Because the excitement is far from over after the final bows. You can follow along the fiery journey on social media on Cirque du Soleil’s account; @cirquedusoleil and with the #KÀ — we’ll offer peeks into artist stories and exclusive behind-the-scenes.
VIP Experiences and Merchandise
Treat yourself to the ultimate KÀ experience with the Royal VIP package that gives you a backstage tour and a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the show unfolds. Plus, you can meet the artists, learn more about the production, and beyond.
Take home a piece of the magic! The KÀ Boutique at the MGM Grand has shelves of exclusive merchandise, so you can wear your love for Cirque du Soleil on your sleeve.
KÀ, a Story You Shouldn’t Miss
Don’t miss your chance to witness this spectacular show! From action to compelling storylines and characters, we assure you this is a show you won’t be ready to forget. Come join the fun in Las Vegas!