Cirque du Soleil: ‘Iris’

A performer peeks through the curtain as “Iris,” a show about Hollywood by Cirque du Soleil, began a long run at the Kodak Theatre. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Nov. 30, 2012 5:54 PM PT

“Iris” was one of the most ambitious productions in Cirque’s history. Written and directed by Frenchman Philippe Decoufle with original music by the film composer Danny Elfman, the spectacle surveyed the history of movies from the silent era to the present day.

Light, shadows and acrobatics always play a strong role in Cirque du Soleil shows. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

A troupe of female dancers performs amazing acrobatic moves during a routine in the first act. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Asian acrobats perform flips and dance during the production’s first act. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Female dancers display acrobatic moves during a routine in the first act. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

A troupe of female dancers performs in the show, which was created to honor the craft of filmmaking in Hollywood. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)