La Nouba was a Cirque du Soleil show that ran for 19 years in a custom-built, freestanding theater at Disney Springs' West Side at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It was a contemporary circus performance featuring acrobats, gymnasts, and other skilled performers. The show's creation was directed by Franco Dragone, who also directed many of Cirque du Soleil's earlier shows. Its title derives from the French phrase faire la nouba, meaning "to party" or "to live it up". The show was succeeded by Drawn to Life, which premiered on November 18, 2021. History On December 23, 1998, the entertainment company Cirque du Soleil premiered a contemporary circus production, La Nouba, in a new theater custom-designed and built for Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney (later renamed Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort. With an international cast of 67 artists, the show welcomed more than 1,650 spectators ten times a week. The show was Cirque du Soleil's third resident (non-touring) show created after Mystère and O in Las Vegas. In 2007, 12 members of the power track act performed a routine during the pre-game show of Super Bowl XLI. La Nouba reached a major milestone on July 10, 2009, during its 9pm showing—this was their 5000th performance. On August 13, 2011, during the 6pm showing, the show celebrated its 6000th performance. The show's 7000th performance was celebrated on September 12, 2013, at the 6pm showing. La Nouba celebrated its 15th anniversary on December 18, 2013, with a special appearance from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. This was the first time any Disney characters had appeared in the show. La Nouba ended its 19-year run on December 31, 2017, to be replaced by a new Cirque du Soleil show. The show, Drawn to Life, premiered on 18 November 2021. Set and technical information The theater housing La Nouba was the first freestanding permanent structure built for Cirque du Soleil. The theater was designed by Michel Crête, Michel Aubé of Scéno Plus, Walt Disney Imagineering, and the architects of the Rockwell Group of New York. It could seat a total of 1,671 people per show. The building incorporated elements of fabric and tension reminiscent of the form of a circus tent. The backdrop of the stage was a trellis measuring and made of PVC panels and scrim. The stage floor itself had five elevator lifts, each