“Corteo,” an arena production from Cirque du Soleil, is back in North America and heading to Phoenix.

This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal in April 2005. Since its creation, more than 10 million spectators in 20 countries on four continents have taken in the show

“Corteo” will take place at the Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., for seven shows Sept. 13-17.

“Corteo,” which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us.

In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience.

Tickets available at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.

(Photos by Maja Prgomet, courtesy of Cirque du Soleil)