The Venetian Macao
ZAIA™ for Cirque du Soleill
Macau, S.A.R., China


Auerbach Pollock Friedlander provided theatre and audio-video consulting for ZAIA™, a cosmic experience.

The firm’s collaboration with the design teams from Cirque du Soleil, the Venetian Macau Ltd. and Aedas of Hong Kong fostered the design for the 1,800-seat theatre and the development of the integrated, modern theatrical systems.

The theatre concept is based on a proscenium form with several circular layers of “gill walls”. The ceiling is open to the fly loft with a complex system of overhead tracking acrobatic trolleys and a mechanized video sphere that travels over the audience and the stage. Scenery and performers enter from the rear of the audience and from the stage.


Architect: Aedas Ltd., HKS
Acoustics: Shen Milsom and Wilke

Photography: Aedas Ltd., 2008 Cirque du Soleil Inc., Red Dog Studio © 2008 Cirque du Soleil Inc.

ZAIA™