PORTLAND, Ore. — A performer was injured during a Cirque du Soleil show in Portland on Saturday night.
An aerial hoop artist was injured during the 7 p.m. performance of the KOOZA show under the big top at the Portland Expo Center.
Cirque du Soleil said after following emergency response procedures, the artist was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
In a statement regarding the condition of the performer, the traveling performance group said:
"The artist is conscious, stable, and being cared for by medical specialists and our team. The health and safety of our employees is always our top priority. We commend our team’s quick response to the situation, and appreciate the support and concern of the public. As always, in the case of an accident, the artist will continue to be monitored by the KOOZA medical and coaching team to determine when she can return to the show."
Cirque du Soleil's latest show, called KOOZA, opened at the Expo Center in Portland this past week.
KOOZA, which runs from Aug. 21-Oct. 6, features 54 artists from around the world, including six musicians and two singers. The show is a tribute to the origins of Cirque du Soleil, combining acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. KOOZA begins with a character called "The Trickster" who bursts onto the stage like a jack-in-the-box in front of another character, called "The Innocent," and many surprises unfold.
The last time Cirque du Soleil performed in Portland was in 2022 for its show Alegria: In a New Light, and in 2019 at Moda Center for its show called Corteo.
