Empire is a contemporary circus show that debuted in New York City on May 31, 2012, and was directed by Wayne Harrison, The show features a central character, the Impresario, who, following the Global Financial Crisis tried to rebuild his empire. Acts include Elena Lev, foot-juggling, roller-skaters, quick-change routine, shoulder ballet and German wheel. Following its premiere, The New York Times proclaimed that "Spiegelworld has made it the big time", and Time Out New York rated it four stars, saying of the acts "this is timeless stuff: physical feats and illusions that have been practiced for centuries".