I’ve always wanted to attend a Cirque du Soleil performance. I had heard there was nothing like it and even before being married with kids it was my aim to get to one. Life often gets in the way of actually living life to the fullest. So when the chance came to see one and it was closer to my new home and I knew we would not be fighting city traffic I agreed to cover the show with my family.
This show had already high expectations as it was going to be a prequel to Avatar! I know! What made this extra exciting is that my kids and I were going to have our “firsts” together!
I’m going to first share with you the synopsis by the peeps at Cirque du Soleil and then tell you my thoughts. I know there are a lot of pictures but seriously they speak louder than words.
TORUK – The First Flight is a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s AVATAR like you have never seen it before. Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination. This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things. Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flightis a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora. When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.
Now i get to tell you my thoughts, well after I picked my jaw off the ground. Spectacular marriage of several forms of media take place in front of you. In fact you struggle to know where to look because it is such an immersive experience. Imagine the most amazing acrobatics.
Now add to it HD visuals larger than life. No, I mean super larger than life. Visuals that cover walls so you can see mountains instead of forests or anything. Visuals that flood the ground so it seems like the ocean right in front of you.
But before you think you’re watching a movie the intricate costumes wow you and bring you wondering how much time it took to create those costumes. The makeup person had their job cut out as I think every party of the performers were covered in makeup to create the full illusion of a different species.
And honestly while at times it is a sensory overload and you worry that you cannot absorb it all in to figure what is happening, you are grateful for the story teller who guides you along.
You feel humbled in presence of such talent and fortunate to have a seat to the memorable performance. While I stared at my 8 year old who was nearing her bedtime, I could see eyes wide open like saucers and mouth open. I guess sleep can wait tonight.
Every sense you posses is on alert with the smells, sounds and visuals. The death defying stunts cause you some anxiety but all well that ends well.
Well, more than well I would say. I cannot do it justice with my pictures and words. This is an experience you will file away in you happy memory book and when you refer to it, you will smile!
Want more TORUK?
TORUK – The First Flight will have a soft opening on November 12 in Bossier City. The world premiere will be held on December 21 in Montreal, Canada. For the full list of cities and to purchase tickets visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk .Follow them on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/torukthefirstflightFind them on Twitter with #TORUK
Disclosure: Tickets were provided to me and my family!