Cirque du Soleil Shines in Hollywood

Spectacular entertainment company Cirque du Soleil has begun a 10-year residency in Hollywood, with a new show paying tribute to the history of film in the home of cinema.

The Canada-based acrobatic group has signed a deal with the Kodak Theatre to put on shows 10 months a year -- the other two months it's used for the Oscars, Hollywood's top annual awards -- for the next decade.

On Sunday night, the troupe took over Hollywood Boulevard, closed off exceptionally for a red carpet party on the street outside the Kodak after the world premiere of new show "Iris."

The show is the result of three years' work -- one year longer than scheduled -- after technical problems posed by the Kodak, a 3,500-seat space designed more for television than live theater.

In keeping with its reputation for lavish and eye-popping spectacle, the show ranges from death-defying trapeze artists flying high above the audience to giddy-making and intricately-choreographed acrobatics.

"It's more of a homage to classic cinema than to modern special-effects film," French director Philippe Decoufle told AFP ahead of opening night, which was preceded by a Tinsel Town-style parade of celebrities outside.

"When I was young I was fascinated by film... I haven't managed to be a filmmaker, but I have made a show about cinema in Hollywood."