Who was Franco Dragone?
Franco Dragone was an Italian-born Belgian theatre director who was the founder and artistic director of Dragone, a creative company specializing in the creation of large-scale theatre shows. He was also known for his work with Cirque du Soleil and Celine Dion. CNN said that Dragone was “one of the key architects of Cirque du Soleil’s theatrical style”, and that “while Cirque du Soleil’s signature was contemporary circus, Dragone’s solo work embodies more theater, dance – and, of course, water” through the use of his “trademark” aquatic stages
Dragone was born in 1952 in Cairano, a small town in southern Italy. At the age of seven, he moved to the mining region of La Louvière in Belgium with his family so his parents could work in Belgium’s coal mines. He studied theatre at the Belgian Royal Conservatory of Mons and started his career as an actor and activist theatre director. In the 1980s, he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he met Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil. From 1985 to 1998, Dragone directed nearly all of Cirque du Soleil’s most prestigious shows, such as Mystère, O, La Nouba, and Alegria
In 2000, Dragone launched his own company, Dragone, and created some of the most successful and innovative shows in the world, such as Celine Dion’s A New Day, Le Rêve – The Dream, The House of Dancing Water, and The Han Show. Dragone’s shows have been seen by more than 100 million people in over 20 countries and have won numerous awards and accolades. Dragone was also involved in various cultural and humanitarian projects, such as the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, the 2012 World Humanitarian Day concert in New York, and the 2015 Milan Expo
How did Franco Dragone die?
Franco Dragone died from a severe chest infection in Cairo, Egypt, on 30 September 2022 at the age of 69. He was on a business trip and also taking some vacation time. He had recovered from leukemia in 2021 and was in relatively good health, despite being a heavy smoker. His death was announced by his company on social media, which said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our founder and artistic director Franco Dragone. Franco was a visionary, a genius, a mentor, a friend, and a father to many of us. He leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary shows that have touched the hearts and souls of millions of people around the world. We will miss him dearly and we will honor his memory by continuing his work with passion and dedication.”
What is Franco Dragone’s legacy?
Franco Dragone’s legacy is undeniable and unparalleled in the field of theatre and entertainment. He revolutionized the art of spectacle by combining circus, dance, music, water, technology, and storytelling in a unique and captivating way. He created some of the most iconic and influential shows of all time, which have inspired countless artists and performers. He also contributed to the cultural and economic development of the cities and countries where his shows were staged, such as Las Vegas, Macao, Dubai, and China. He was a pioneer, a leader, a dreamer, and a legend.
Franco Dragone’s cause of death is a tragic loss for the world of theatre and entertainment, but his spirit and vision will live on through his shows and his company. As his colleague and friend Criss Angel said: “Franco Dragone was a genius, a visionary, and a legend. He changed the landscape of live entertainment forever. He was a mentor, a brother, and a dear friend. I will always be grateful for his guidance, his trust, and his friendship. He will be missed beyond words, but his legacy will live on forever.”
