Kiwi teenager lead in latest Cirque Du Soleil show

New Zealand teenager Letitia Forbes has won a major role with the prestigious performing arts company Cirque du Soleil.

She is performing the lead role, Zoe, in the company's latest production Quidam, touring Australia and New Zealand.

Quidam, a Latin word for an anonymous passer-by, follows Zoe's coming of age.

The 14-year-old singer from Paraparaumu Beach, was accepted to the Montreal-based group in 2002, after sending video and CD footage of her performing.

A spokeswoman for Cirque du Soleil said that because Forbes was a minor, she had a full-time guardian with her and was able to go to the on-site school.

The tour premiered in Sydney last night, and will then move to Brisbane, Auckland, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The opening night in Auckland is New Years Eve, and will show for six weeks.

Quidam is Cirque du Soleil's second show to visit New Zealand, following Alegria in 2001.

The show follows traditional Cirque du Soleil themes of acrobatics, body contortion and various forms of song and dance.

Quidam has over 50 actors, dancers and acrobats from 11 different countries, performing under a Big Top that can hold up to 2500 people.

- NZPA