Cirque du Soleil files for bankruptcy protection

Canada’s Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the famed circus operator to cancel shows and lay off its artistes. The Montreal-based entertainment company has struggled to keep its business running amid coronavirus restrictions that started in March, forcing it to lay off about 95 percent of its workforce and temporarily suspend its shows. “With zero revenue since the forced closure of all our shows due to COVID-19, the management had to act decisively to protect the company’s future,” said Daniel Lamarre, chief executive officer.