Theatre director Franco Dragone's favourite show is always "the next one"
More than imagination, showmanship or technical mastery, it is Franco Dragone's innate curiosity that can be credited for some of the most spectacular shows ever staged. The Italian-born Dragone has been fascinated by culture and music since childhood, after his family moved to Belgium so his parents could work in the country's coal mines.
"I am always intrigued by people around the world - their lives, what they encounter in the outside world every day, and what they feel and think within," he says. "By digging into human nature, people's actions, reasons and emotions, and then expressing these in ways as far as creativity and imagination take me, a show with extraordinary power naturally evolves."
Dragone worked in the theatre and performing arts in Belgium and Canada before attracting the attention of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. In the ensuing 12 years, he developed and directed the group's groundbreaking blend of dance, acrobatics and circus arts in such shows as , and .
Since leaving Cirque du Soleil to set up his own company in Belgium, 12 years ago, Dragone has created at the Wynn Las Vegas, Celine Dion's tour , and and in Macau.
"With time and experience I evolve," says Dragone, whose favourite show is always "the next one". "I see things differently, so I want my next show to be impacted by these changes. I want every project to be a unique experience for the spectators, and every next project to be a new stage of my own development as an artist."
