Inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR, Cirque du Soleil will transport you to the world of Pandora in the visually stunning arena spectacular, TORUK – The First Flight, when it makes its Australian debut at Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre in October before heading to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
“Avatar is really meant to be a celebration of human motion and human emotion and Cirque is able to capture that absolutely perfectly, because it’s all about human performance and physicality. It makes you feel alive to watch these performers,” said James Cameron.
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 Flight is 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.
“TORUK – The First Flight is an integration of humanity and technology, a colorful spectacle for the entire family,” says director and writer Michel Lemieux. “We are delighted to see this epic journey take flight in Australia, a country so rich in culture and scenery as can be found on Pandora.”
TORUK – The First Flight plays the Brisbane Entertainment Centre (5 – 8 & 13 – 15 October); Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney (19 – 22 & 27 – 29 October); Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (2 – 5 & 10 – 12 November); and Adelaide Entertainment Centre (16 – 19 November). Tickets on sale 6 June from Ticketek. For more information, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com for details.
Image: Errisson Lawrence © 2015 Cirque du Soleil / Costumes: Kym Barrett