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T h e U n o f f i c i a l
C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r
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http://www.CirqueFascination.com
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VOLUME 15, NUMBER 10 October 2015 ISSUE #141
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter.
Guess what? Cirque 2016 - the new touring show set to debut next
spring - has a name! Although I do know what it is I've been sworn to
secrecy, but fear not... an official announcement is due by mid-
November. Of course we'll keep an eye out for any trademark name
registrations and will let you know then!
Meanwhile, perhaps the most interesting news is that it seems as if
Cirque du Soleil is embracing television in a mighty big way.
Paradiso, a drama from Cirque du Soleil Media and 20th Century FOX TV,
has been set up at FOX with a script commitment plus penalty. The
project, which stems from the first-look deal for scripted-series
Cirque Media inked with 20th TV in January, is said to be in inspired
by the dream-like style of Cirques shows. Paradiso explores what
would happen if a character like Amelie from Jean-Pierre Jeunets
movie went into a place like the Moulin Rouge, with exhilarating
performances every week. Additionally, Cirques casting department
posted an urgent call for a male clown for a TV Show named Circus
Kids. Whether this is the same show, or something radically
different, 2016 appears to be the year Cirque tackles television!
These two will join Cirques Luna Petunia, scheduled to appear on
NETFLIX Fall 2016.
But Television isnt the only medium the NEW Cirque du Soleil is
heading into. Also announced this month was Cirques foray into gaming
and gambling with a partnership with Scientific Games. Launched at
the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas was Cirque du Soleils first
branded gaming machine, based on their 2007 spectacular KOOZA. The
KOOZA machine is the first of what Scientific Games hopes will be many
gaming devices based on Cirques properties, especially those in Las
Vegas. It all sounds exciting but I have mixed feelings about this
development. On one hand it seems Cirque-branded slot machines is a
no-brainer the machine is entertaining and Cirque is an
entertainment company but on the other hand wonder if its a prudent
move to associate the brand with gambling in this way. Certainly
Cirque is associated with Las Vegas, and Las Vegas is known for its
gaming, but why now? It just strikes me odd although I hope it works
out.
But perhaps more eyebrow-raising was a piece out of the New York Times
reporting wedding packages would be available for couples to wed at
ZUMANITY by January 2016. The article suggested that it may be
possible for couples to actually get married during the show?
Interesting! In either case, the first episode of KURIOS ABOUT
Webseries was released this month. Youll find a description and link
to the two-minute video in our CLUB CIRQUE section, in addition to the
next C:LAB experiment (robots!), and all about TORUKs Costumes and
Characters including links to the videos recently posted about the
show).
Last month we began our exclusive interview with KURIOS drummer Kit
Chatham by discussing his youth and history with Broadway show Blast!
After being introduced to Cirque du Soleil by VAREKAI drummer Paul
Bannerman, we pick up the story with Kits first experience, Corteo.
Check it out! And we also continue with our look back at Guy
Lalibertes Poetic Social Mission. Last month we looked at the first
steps in Guys adventure in The Countdown Begins. Now we continue
our adventure as Guy gets settled in, passes a few tests, and
continues his accelerated training routine (June 2009!)
As always we also have the relevant posts made to Cirque's Facebook
pages, and updates to Cirque's touring schedule.
So, let's get started!
/----------------------------------------------------\
| |
| Join us on the web at: |
| < www.cirquefascination.com > |
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| Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): |
| < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > |
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\----------------------------------------------------/
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
===========
o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
* La Presse -- General News for the Month
* Q&A - Quick Chats & Press Interviews
* Special Engagement - More In-depth Articles
o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information
* BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau
* Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues
* Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre
o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets
* Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
* DidYaKnow? -- Facts About Cirque
* Networking -- Posts on Facebook & Other
o) Fascination! Features
*) INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with
Christopher Kit Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 2 of 3)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
*) LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission
PART 2 of 8: "Training Kicks Up a Notch"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
o) Subscription Information
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
=======================================================================
CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
=======================================================================
---------------------------------------------------
LA PRESSE General News for the Month
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JOYÀ Goes On Scheduled Vacation During September
{Sep.01.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of world-class resorts and
tourism infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, together
with Cirque du Soleil announced September 1, 2015 to October 1,
2015, as the planned yearly production break of their
collaborative theatrical and culinary experience in Riviera
Maya, JOYÀ. Since its premier in November, JOYÀ has enjoyed
international acclaim and popular success, ranking among Riviera
Maya and Mexicos most desirable travel experiences. The
intimate show, which seats only 600 guests for each performance,
has operated at or near capacity since launch.
Cirque du Soleil regularly enacts temporary off-seasons to allow
a shows cast and crew vacation time and to permit technical
maintenance and creative refreshments.
Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of JOYÀ and President of 45
DEGREES, a Cirque du Soleil company said, Our shows, including
JOYÀ, require the occasional break to allow artists to revive
themselves and enjoy a well-earned vacation.
JOYÀ is a unique entertainment and culinary experience developed
by Cirque du Soleil. Since its star-studded premier as Cirque du
Soleils first resident show in Mexico in autumn of 2014, JOYÀ
has received rave review and strong attendance. The intimate
performance is housed in the Cirque du Soleil Theater designed
by Grupo Vidanta, located in Riviera Maya.
Vidanta has a long tradition of constantly re-imagining
improvements to our guests experiences, said Michele Beuffe,
CEO for Grupo Vidanta. Our partner, Cirque du Soleil has an
equal dedication to continually surprising and delighting their
audiences. All those involved in JOYÀ have delivered that and
more since the performances launch, and we look forward to
continuing to amaze audiences after the off-season.
JOYÀ will have its debut following the off-season on Friday,
October 2.
{ SOURCE: PRNewsWire | http://goo.gl/7C5K9U }
Cirque Partners with ActiveOn
{Sep.05.2015}
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ACTIVEON is partnering with Cirque du Soleil to introduce a
lifestyle product for everyday life.
We are speaking to our younger customers, as well as their
parents and families through authentic storytelling
highlighting shared values of an organic brand partnership. This
is a conversation about connection, emotions, bonding and
recognizing the moments in the moments in the day-to-day that
create lasting memories.
The connection between ACTIVEON and Cirque du Soleil is a
natural fit-it inspires us to create incredible experiences and
capture unique and shareable moments.
For Cirque du Soleil, a moment can capture a daring feat mid-
performance or a glimpse behind the scenes.
For Activeon, every moment carries the potential to become a
highlight to reveal the extraordinary in the everyday.
Capture and share the remarkable moments in your life with an
ACTIVEON action camera. ACTIVEON provides you with the highest
quality products that allow you to Feel the Moment. Live every
day to the fullest with ACTIVEON!
Have you ever wondered what happens right before the show
begins? Have you ever wanted to see the artists point of view?
To feel the excitement of completing a new creation or clinching
a new acrobatic feat? In this series we invite you to discover
unique and exclusive angles, showcasing some of the most
exciting, jaw-dropping, and crucial moments that bring the world
of Cirque du Soleil to life.
Check out these videos at Cirques official ActiveOn Page:
LINK /// < https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/activeon >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
FOX TV Buys Cirque du Soleil Nightclub Soap
{Sep.08.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
No longer content with simply flinging heavily made-up acrobats
at tourists, Cirque Du Soleil Media entered the increasingly
crowded scripted-TV big top in January, signing a first-look
deal with 20th Century Fox Television. And just like the
enterprising Quebecers who first dared to combine the crowd-
pleasing acts of the circus with the straight-faced pretensions
of performance art, the first Cirque Du Soleil project to
materialize from a Fox Television first look is a startling
hybrid that shouldnt work at all, but could easily get butts in
the seats at $69 a pop. According to Deadline, Foxs broadcast
arm has ordered a script for Paradiso, a Cirque-produced soap
about a girl who aspires to perform at the premier nightlife
spot in the fictional city of San Lorenzo.
Paradiso, a drama from Cirque du Soleil Media and 20th Century
Fox TV, has been set up at Fox with a script commitment plus Fox
logo horizontalpenalty. The project, which stems from the first-
look deal for scripted series Cirque du Soleil Media inked with
20th TV in January, is said to be in the vein of Moulin Rouge.
Inspired by the dreamlike style of Cirque du Soleils live
shows, Paradiso explores what would happen if a character like
Amelie from Jean-Pierre Jeunets movie went into a place like
the Moulin Rouge, with exhilarating performances every week.
Written by Yaniv Raz, Paradiso is a heightened soap that follows
a girl pursuing her dream of performing at the Paradiso, the
most glamorous nightclub in San Lorenzo (a fictional but
contemporary city based on 1950s Havana). Once there, her bold
personality will win her both friends and enemies in this
politically charged world. Raz, who has extensive stage
experience, executive produces with Cirque du Soleil Medias
Jacques Méthé and Gillian Ferrabee.
Should the imprimatur of the people who brought you The Beatles
LOVE prove insufficiently precious (and if a setting thats
based on Havana in the 1950spresumably pre-revolutiondoesnt
do the trick either), theres this feat of elevator-pitch
contortion direct from the Deadline report: Paradiso explores
what would happen if a character like Amelie from Jean-Pierre
Jeunets movie went into a place like the Moulin Rouge, with
exhilarating performances every week. The Jeunet and/or Baz
Luhrman of the piece is Yaniv Roz, who previously tried his hand
at minor-league Michel Gondryisms in 2011s Son Of Morning. Fox
has made a script commitment to Paradiso with penalty, meaning
the network will have to pay a fee to the Cirque folks if the
show doesnt move forwardlikely in the form of a shoe full of
glitter or a childs smile.
{ SOURCE: Deadline, AV Club | http://goo.gl/eV435o, http://goo.gl/ChDZOk }
Today Officially KOOZA DAY in Austin, Texas!
{Sep.11.2015}
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Thank you, Mayor Steve Adler, local law enforcement, and County
Fire & Rescue Team for the visit! Today we are honored to
receive an official proclamation declaring 9-11 Remembrance Day
as KOOZA International Peace Day in Austin.
Text from the Proclamation:
Be it known that
Whereas,
As always, Austin has a welcoming spirit that celebrates
diversity, and we want to officially welcome more than 147
artists and crew of Cirque du Soleil representing 18 different
nationalities to our great city; and,
Whereas,
As thousands of visitors come to see KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil
and events at the Circuit of The Americas over the next several
weeks, let us acknowledge and remember to show our thanks for
the many service members who protect and serve the community and
allow us to come together with others from many different
cultures in a peaceful and celebratory fashion; and
Whereas,
In commemoration and support for the men and women of law
enforcement and our military who help make events for families
like this possible;
Now, Therefore,
I Steve Adler, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas,
do hereby proclaim
SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
As KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil
International Peace Day
in Austin,
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the City of Austin to be affixed this 11th Day of
September in the Year Two Thousand Fifteen
- Steve Adler, Mayor, City of Austin
JOYA Theater Named 2015 Building Project Of The Year
{Sep.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and rooted in
rich local culture and Mexico heritage, the Vidanta Theater for
Cirque du Soleil was announced as the 2015 Building Project of
the Year by leading Mexico publisher Grupo Expansion and
architecture and construction magazine Obras. Built by Grupo
Vidanta, a leading developer of resorts and tourism
infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, the Vidanta Theater
houses Mexicos first resident Cirque du Soleil performance,
JOYA.
The Building Project of the Year award recognizes the most
important construction projects and professionals for
innovation, development, engineering, technology use and
economic impact; this is the 13th year Obras magazine and Grupo
Expansion has presented the award.
A panel of expert judges selected the Vidanta Theater for Cirque
du Soleil at Riviera Maya as the most important facility
constructed in Mexico from a competitive applicant field of more
than 1,000 building projects, citing the theaters social and
economic impact, innovation in theater architecture and
engineering and consideration of Mexican art and heritage.
Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta, said,
It is an honor to receive this award for the Vidanta Theater.
This project is a clear representation of Vidantas ability to
integrate architecture, innovation and art into all tourism
experiences we build in Mexico. We are proud to help promote
greater tourism for our country by showcasing the natural and
architectural wealth available in Mexico.
The Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil at Riviera Maya is the
result of creativity and imagination from architects, designers
and engineers, who blended the natural beauty of the surrounding
jungle with the 2,500-square meters stately theater to create a
dreamlike visitor experience. The theaters shape resembles a
grand palapa, surrounded by a beautiful cenote and crowned with
palm leaves opening to the skies. Local woods were used for
pergolas and decorative elements, while furniture and textures
reflect Mexican design and help transport visitors into a
magical setting befitting of a Cirque du Soleil performance. 600
seats are available in the Vidanta Theater, with distinct dining
and champagne areas, two bars and two lounges.
Grupo Vidanta completed construction of the Vidanta Theater for
Cirque du Soleil in only 18 months, adhering to high quality
standards required for the safety of performing artists and the
public. Development of the award-winning theater generated
approximately 250 jobs during construction, and year-round
operations provide permanent employment for 284 people. Since
launching in November 2014, JOYA by Cirque du Soleil has
operated at near capacity for each performance housed in the
Vidanta Theater.
{ SOURCE: PRNewswire | http://goo.gl/p6O53q }
Get a Zumanity Wedding Starting January 2016!
{Sep.17.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Starting in January, Zumanity, the most sexually charged show
of the Cirque du Soleil portfolio, will offer wedding packages
in Las Vegas at the New York New York Hotel. People want to be
part of something unique that still has meaning, said Pierre
Parisien, the shows senior artistic director.
The shows mistress of sensuality, the drag queen Christopher
Kenney, can marry couples midday and at that evenings
performance; the wedding couple and their friends will attend
the show and be introduced to the audience as newlyweds.
Now that everyone can marry, Mr. Parisien said, we want to
offer a way for people to celebrate their love, because thats
what Zumanity is about.
{ SOURCE: New York Times | http://goo.gl/dh38CE }
---------------------------------------------------
Q&A - Quick Chats & Press Interviews
---------------------------------------------------
KURIOS Cabinet of Curiosities live in Chicago
{Sep.09.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Karl from Cirque du Soleil joined Hannah Stanley live in studio
to talk about the Cirque show currently playing in Chicago.
KURIOS, Cabinet of Curiosities is a show for all ages which
Hannah was able to attend the two talk about the mesmerizing
show and even some behind the scenes details. Listen to the
podcast below:
LINK /// < http://goo.gl/P5Mwkj >
{ SOURCE: WGN Radio }
Q&A w/Michel Laprise Writer & Director of KURIOS
{Sep.09.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Michel Laprise, the talented director and writer of the new
Cirque du Soleil show, brings something new to Chicago this
summer. Kurios-Cabinet of Curiosities has started swinging.
Laprise created his own company, Theatre Pluriel, right out of
school before becoming a talent scout for Cirque. In 2006, he
was the special events designer for the troupe. He became
involved in the opening ceremonies for the Montreal Outgames
then lived a gay mans dream of working with Madonna not only
once but twice for her half time show and MDNA concert tour.
Windy City met him while in town recently to talk about his
first time directing a Cirque touring show.
Windy City Times: Hi, Michel. What is your background? You speak
several languages?
Michel Laprise: I speak two and a half. English, French, and
Spanish. I want to learn Russian as well. We have a lot of
Russian artists and I have respect for that culture.
I was a theater director in the past but I wanted my life to be
more. I went randomly on the Cirque du Soleil website. They were
looking for someone to travel the world and audition the
artists. Prior to the interview I read books and tried to learn
everything about the circus.
I went to the interview and it was the most fantastic interview
of my life, apart from this one. Instead of lasting one hour it
lasted over two hours. I started to work there and auditioned a
lot of artists. I did have them audition as a group then as a
two audition workshop. I would give feedback to the artists and
work with them. I wanted them to get something valuable out of
the process. Even if they were not selected everyone felt happy
and respected. Told a few to come back in a few years and work
on things. They would come back and shine.
It was a human approach to auditioning and it paid off. People
asked me to direct a show and I went to the co-founder and asked
for the position. I was moved to the special projects
department, which was small at the time and I started to do
shows there.
WCT: You not only directed but wrote this show Kurios. Tell
readers what it is about.
ML: The show is about technology and optimism set in the second
half of the 19th century. There were a lot of things happening
and many discoveries like the gramophone so the music could
travel. This was the first time in human history that you could
have an orchestra in your room. It was a tremendous, joyful
revolution. The telegraph allowed people to communicate in real
time. The railway system and electricity was developed. Those
inventions brought people closer together and connected them.
This is my way to talk about that era.
I told my team I wanted people that exit the big top to think
everything is possible because we are humans and creative. We
can do more together than we can do alone. People leave the show
with a smile and its an informed smile. They see things that
they dont think humans can do and there is a very joyful feel
to it. The music is very special.
WCT: What is the exact story?
ML: It is about a seeker, a scientist that wants to create a
machine to travel in another dimension but something goes wrong
and what happens is people from the other dimension come into
his world. They transform his cabinet of curiosities. Hes a
little bit crazy. He lives in a cabinet which are the ancestors
of museums. Those people coming from the other dimension brings
life to the specimens of this cabinet. Magical things happen and
it changes his life.
I think it is a metaphor. When you really connect with circus
arts your life is transformed. When I see that humans can do
that then I can meet my challenges in everyday life. To me it is
a constant inspiration and the best thing that ever happened to
me in my life. Working with acrobats they have a generous form
of art and are not self-centered. Acrobats bring joy to the
audience. This is why I think we are popular. I come from the
theater world where the rooms are sometimes half empty. That is
because the audience does feel a reason to be there. Theater is
the best form of art.
WCT: How was it working with Madonna for her tour?
ML: The reason why she liked me, I think, when we did the Super
Bowl together is because I can tell a story and create a
phenomenon with context a ritual. Theater is fundamental but we
forgot over the years the basic roots of theater. It becomes
literature onstage and I think we go wrong when we do that. With
Cirque, the text is the body of the people so it speaks to a
very broad audience.
WCT: I read you did the Outgames in Montreal. How was the
experience?
ML: Great! It was important for me to do that not only because
Im a gay man but because I wanted to support the idea that
Montreal is a diverse city that welcomes different cultures. I
love that city. I was fortunate to work with a Quebec diva,
Diane Dufresne, who is still very big in France and foreign
countries. She is a very theatrical woman but like a very scared
animal. She was not used to be directed but I showed her the
story and was gentle with her. She swore that she would never
perform again a song about becoming crazy but we did it in a
playful way and she was phenomenal in a stadium full of 80,000
people.
WCT: Toronto has an amazing Pride. Did you attend?
ML: Yes, and by the end of the weekend I thought that I could
move there. Everything was so well done. It was raining but
attended by a lot of people.
WCT: Where does Kurios go after Chicago?
ML: We go to Orange County, Los Angeles, Atlanta and then New
York. We just heard that the show is so popular in North America
that they will extend it to three more cities, so almost a full
year. We have been breaking records and getting good reviews.
They will keep working hard. We have a traveling artistic
director to make sure everyone gets their full attention. This
show is blessed. I think it is because we built it with love.
The artist is put in the center of the artistic process. To me
that is important because people can tend to over direct an
artist. They should be given the responsibility to own the show.
What I appreciate is the number of injuries is very limited.
Almost no one gets hurt in the show because they are all very
focused. They are committed; this group is exceptional.
{ SOURCE: Windy City Times | http://goo.gl/zUKAm3 }
Meet Paola Muller KURIOS Chef and Kitchen Manager
{Sep.10.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Theres certainly a lot of magic that goes on behind the scenes
of any Cirque du Soleil performance. But Paola Muller, head chef
and kitchen manager for the acclaimed theatrical production,
sees another side of the mesmerizing extravaganza of a show.
Muller and her staff of cooks are responsible for keeping the
international cast of Cirque performers fed and energized with a
variety of meals that feature ingredients, flavors and spices
from around the globe.
By traveling to (and working) in so many different places we
get to work with so many international cuisines, said Muller,
whos been with Cirque for nearly six years.
Muller is currently presiding over the kitchen as Cirques
KURIOS- Cabinet of Curiosities enjoys its residency in Chicago
through Sept. 20. The Cirque tent and its makeshift village are
housed in the parking lot of Chicagos United Center.
The chefs kitchen is featured in four connected trailers on the
grounds.
A native of Brazil, Muller said shes long been interested in
food and coming up with delicious recipes. I grew up in the
kitchen. My father was a chef and he owned a restaurant during
my entire childhood, she said.
Muller works with two other full-time cooks, including her
husband, as well as local volunteers from whatever city the
troupe happens to be performing in. We hire about eight locals
from every city were in, she said. They could be prep cooks
to dishwashers.
Muller is extremely conscious of making sure her menu reflects
the multicultural backgrounds of the performers who come from
all over including Japan, Australia, South America, Russia and
many other locales. We want our cuisine to be diverse, she
said.
The kitchen staff feed about 110 full-time employees every day.
When you add front-of-the-house personnel and occasional family
members, that can go up to about 150 to 200 people daily. At a
recent dinner during the Chicago stint, a Filipino dinner was
served with a full ethnic menu of Filipino favorites including
Filipino chicken, a fried pork recipe and fried fish dish.
Two of my cooks are from the Philippines so they wanted to
prepare a big meal, Muller said. We do all kinds of meals,
the chef said. We make a lot of Asian food, South American
comfort food, traditional American meals and other recipes.
Every so often, Muller will set up a salad bar for lunch so
performers can make their own meal creation. That day a sign
hanging above the lunch line states, You are the chef today.
We try to keep lunch a little more light, she said. Dinner is
usually a little more adventurous of a meal.
Muller said there are some challenges when preparing meals for a
number of performers but the challenges are not ones most people
would think of. Its not really the cooking aspect, she said.
Whats challenging is to train a new local staff, Muller said,
adding that the locals have to be trained about two months
before Cirque sets up shop in any given city. After that, we
move on and have to do it again, she said.
The chef said the cooking staff gets to know the performers
likes and dislikes when it comes to food and they always keep
that in mind when preparing meals.
I also have to keep in mind that we have two different types of
customers. We have the lean, athletic, performers (who want the
healthier foods) and then we also have the big (muscle-bound)
guys who work outside all day and want steak and mashed
potatoes. So we try to have a balance, Muller said.
Among cuisines popular with the Cirque crowd, Muller said, are
Mexican themes, Japanese and Chinese meals, South American fare
and Moroccan and Indian dishes.
The most popular is Mexican, Muller said.
For daily lunch and dinner, theres always soup and a cold
sandwich meat bar. And on Sundays, performers will find a big
brunch spread.
The following is a recipe from Muller and Cirque du Soleil:
KURIOS Tortilla soup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, medium dice
1/2 small carrot, peeled and medium dice
1/2 medium celery stalk, medium dice
1 red apple, medium dice
1/2 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 cup peanuts
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 chili ancho (I also use poblanos or guajilla)
1 tablespoon cane sugar or brown sugar
4 cups vegetable stock
1/4 cup of brewed coffee (for smokiness)
1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
2 corn tortillas (whole to be added to the soup for texture)
Topping:
4 to 5 (6-inch) corn tortillas,
cut into 1/2-inch pieces and deep fried
Sour cream
Queso fresco
Lime wedges
Diced avocados
Fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS: Cook the first 15 ingredients together in a large
pot until golden color. Add the coffee and sugar, let it cook
down for about 5 minutes and add remaining ingredients. I
normally simmer the soup for about 3 hours. Blend until smooth
and serve with the toppings on the side.
{ SOURCE: NWITimes | http://goo.gl/RKOaHn }
Talking with
Jaron Aviv Hollander
{Sep.19.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Name: Jaron Aviv Hollander
Age: 41
City: Oakland
Position: Artistic director, teacher and performer
Q: If you meet someone and they ask what you do, what do you
tell them?
Jaron Aviv Hollander: I tell them that I run a circus school,
the Kinetic Arts Center in Oakland. Im a teacher, I do rope and
acrobatics and hand balancing. But at 41, Im backing off from
acrobatics. What I dont say, for a while at least, is mime or
clown. People have issues with mimes and clowns. Ive seen
people recoil.
Q: How did you get started?
When I was a toddler, my mom had gone back to school and was
getting a degree in set design. So I spent a bunch of time
backstage when I was little, as she would be designing sets and
costumes for productions. After U.C. Santa Cruz, I went to the
DellArte School of Physical Theater. I also spent some time at
a circus school in New Zealand, where I studied acrobatics and
rope.
Q: You were with Cirque du Soleil at one point. What show?
I was with an installation on a cruise ship, The Bar at the
Edge of the Earth it was a wild, incredible project, and its
very sad that few people saw it. It was this insane circus,
character, bar, immersive environment with 26 projectors and
screens with 3D images, and we would come out of bizarre places
and interact. The average age of the cruisers was 65, so it
wasnt the most popular attraction, but I really wish more
people could have seen it. Right now the big rage is immersive
theater, but this was 2005, years before that kind of thing hit.
My costumes price tag was more than my entire contract. I was
basically wearing a Porsche.
Q: Does your Jewish background contribute to your work at all?
The history of American-style comedy traces its roots back to
Yiddish theater, which was a major influence on vaudeville and
clowning and thus, all physical comedy in the U.S. I have this
character Murray, inspired by my Uncle Louie, who died just shy
of his 100th birthday. I only met him once. He came out of the
bathroom with a walker and looked around at all of us, me and my
mother and the nurse, and he said, I had a good bowel
movement. I was maybe 9 or 10 years old and it stuck with me.
So one of my clown characters is Murray. Hes the same kind of
character as Mel Brooks 2,000-year-old man, but with Murray
its more about his physicality.
Q: Where did you grow up? Whats your family like?
I grew up in Berkeley, and my extended family was all nearby. I
would classify us as very much cultural Jews. I believe it was
my great-great-grandfather who was a cantor who would not stay
kosher. An interesting shift is that my brother and I didnt end
up married to Jews. Now we do all the Jewish holidays with my
family and then we go do the non-Jewish stuff with our spouses.
Its interesting because as weve gotten less traditional, weve
actually gotten more Jewish. Theres a strong identity. Also, a
huge part of my Jewish identity came from being a camper and a
counselor for years at Camp Kee Tov in Berkeley. Had it not been
for that, I would not have been involved with a Jewish community
outside of my family.
Q: You just returned from performing your show, The Submarine
Show, at FringeNYC. How did that go?
This piece is absolutely my favorite thing Ive ever worked on,
the most fulfilling piece of theater, far beyond anything I did
for Cirque or anywhere else. If I have a legacy, this is the
thing I would like to be known for. Its a live-action cartoon
adventure with no sets, no props and no spoken language. We
transport from the bottom of the ocean, crash our sub, lose the
key, everything goes wrong, were on a tropical island, we
traverse a huge amount of terrain and its all done using
vocal and physical mime. We do sound effects to create the
environment and accentuate our movement. Were flying back to
New York soon to do another seven shows in an off-Broadway
theater.
Q: And youre bringing it to Berkeley?
Yes, then we come back and were doing it at the Aurora Theatre
in Berkeley starting Oct. 14 for a few weeks. And at the same
time I go into a circus production that Im directing.
{ SOURCE: JWeekly | http://goo.gl/tq65XE }
Meet: Selloane Nkhela La Nouba Chanteuse
{Sep.30.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Attending the circus is a familiar part of American culture and
arguably a childhood must. But a new trend under the big top
exists with the innovation of Cirque Du Soleils La Nouba at
Walt Disney World Resort.
The extraordinary, Quebec-based experience defies tradition and
will mesmerize every generation with sunbursts of colorful
imagination and a multicultural cast including its star vocalist
who hails from Welkom, South Africa. Namely, she is, Selloane
Nkhela, known internationally simply as Selloane.
For 10 shows per week exclusively at the Downtown Disney
theater, Selloane can be heard as a lyrical offering of
breathtaking arias whose voice literally bridges anticipation
with applause for La Noubas high wire and flying trapeze
performances during the one and a half-hour show comprised of 65
international artists.
DANGEROUS ACTS
The latter may sound unorthodox for a circus, but integrating
vocals and live acoustic music as a complementary layer to
dangerous acts that usually encourage audience silence is all a
part of what makes La Nouba memorable, individual and
universal.
It used to be very difficult for me because I come from a very
different world, the theater world where everything is almost
the same every day, Selloane told the Florida Courier during a
pre-show interview on Sept. 18.
Its very rare when someone would fall and actually hurt
themselves, but here it happens a lot.
Someone misses a cue or net or they fly all the way over there.
If youre singing and someone misses a net, your voice takes you
there with them. I used to just shut down. Now I am able to
incorporate riff, but its really a scream, she quipped.
SINGING SINCE AGE 3
Selloanes ability to improvise and adapt is embedded in
artistic experience that emerged at the age of three when she
began singing in church.
The soulful songstress was gifted with gospel chops that almost
immediately led to accolades and acclaim and while she is petite
in stature, her artistic reputation on African soil is anything,
but small.
She was previously awarded the best soloist of the year at South
Africas Shell Road to Fame, which catapulted her to recording
artist success through a contract with Gallo Music Group South
Africa.
On the Gallo label, she released Thelu Moya, a gospel CD that
remains one of the countrys most popular and lauded recordings.
Industry giant Sony Music also recognized the vocal greatness of
Selloane and invited her to record as a guest artist on the CDs
Joyous Celebration Volumes 2 and 8.
THE LION KING
The breadth of Selloanes burgeoning achievements have advanced
her performing arts life to reach over 15 countries, but the
hallmark of her American presence began with the magic of Disney
when she was cast in the Los Angeles production of The Lion
King.
She later joined the national tour and performed in Toronto,
London, as well as U.S. tours where she played the roles of
Cheetah and Gazelle. All of the aforementioned culminated into
the Broadway leading role of Rafiki.
DEMANDING SHOW
In 2013, Selloane was cast as the sole, female vocalist
outfitted in white who is perched high above the rafters most of
the show where she enjoys an aerial view.
The fairy tale focused shows title originates from the French
phrase faire la Nouba, which means to party, to live it up,
but for most cast members that partying is dedicated to their
stage life with a few exceptions.
The show is demanding, but I dont have to be here as much as
the others, said Selloane, whose 19-year-old daughter is also a
part of the La Nouba Family. I do yoga for fun, but come in,
put on make up, warm up and do the show. My daughter was married
in May so some of us went down for her wedding and that was
awesome, she added.
SOUTH AFRICAS PRIDE
La Nouba is further described as an encounter born in fear and
ecstasy where two types of families or groups take a theatrical
ride amidst magic and fantasy where the colorful Cirques (circus
people) clash with the monochromatic world of the Urbains
(urbanites).
For Selloane, it is a befitting pinnacle for a stateside
performing arts career that may have begun in South Africa but
has since afforded her opportunities to appear on The Tonight
Show with Jay Leno, the Today show, The View and the
2008 Tony Awards along with serving as a featured artist at the
2008 Lunas Awards in Mexico City.
Her angelic voice and presence have given color to the White
House for President and Mrs. Bush along with honoring Ghanas
President John Kufuor and Mrs. Theresa Kufuor. All of her
achievements are befitting a woman whose roots are South African
strong and vocal talent that personifies what happens when
dreams come true.
{ SOURCE: PENNY DICKERSON/Florida Courier | http://goo.gl/wUGURd }
---------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT - More In-depth Articles
---------------------------------------------------
Singapore Prepares for TOTEM
{Sep.18.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
They work in a tent on a compound in a foreign land, only to
pack all their things up in 85 sea containers to rebuild
elsewhere every couple of months. They work out, warm up and
hone their skills with the help of state-of-the art equipment
and a top-notch support crew, every day of the week. Most have
trained their entire lives to be the best of the best.
For the professionals at Cirque du Soleil, high degrees of
discipline and dedication are required even during mere practice
sessions. If something goes wrong, lives could be at stake.
Directors, coaches, performers and other staff carry out their
tasks with military precision to ensure everything goes well
during seven to ten shows each week.
AT HOME ON THE ROAD
Nikita Moiseev, who was born on tour in New York City in 1995
during Cirque du Soleils Allegria production, is currently one
of the stars performing the Russian bars act in the Totem show,
which will be in Singapore soon.
During a recent visit by reporters for a look behind the scenes
in the Cirque du Soleil big top in Perth, Australia, Moiseev
said it can be challenging to develop sustainable relations with
people when you grow up in the circus and have to pack your bags
and move on just when youve started to settle down.
Since 7 years old Ive been performing on stage, as a character
[in the Allegria show]
and since 2010 Ive been touring with
Totem, he says. You meet lots of people but you cant really
develop a long relationship with anyone because you may meet
someone but we move every two or three months.
Dating is definitely something that is not easy to do, the 20-
year-old says, adding that fortunately being with the circus
feels like having a big family. We try to help each other out
and support each other.
Despite his already impressive career, the award-winning artist
is now thinking about trying something else, maybe going back to
school after the Totem tour ends.
But that may be easier said than done. I feel like Im going to
leaving home when I leave the tour, Moiseev says.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Performers like Moiseev stick to rigorous training regimes in
order to safely perform their death-defying acts, often twice a
day. This schedule also poses a challenge for the support crew.
Performance medicine specialists follow the Totem tour around
the world to keep a close eye on the artists, monitor their
physical condition and limit the risk of injury. Additional
experts are hired locally.
Also, a team of over twenty technicians work on the show every
day and have to perform daily maintenance on all props used.
Everything has to do exactly what it need to do at exactly the
right time and the elaborate costumes worn by the performers
also have to be painstakingly examined before every show to rule
out accidents.
Jean-Sebastien Gagnon, the technical show manager at Totem, says
the action-packed program poses quite a technical challenge as
the stage changes constantly as the show progresses and there is
only very little room for maneuver backstage.
In addition to the projection and all the lighting
we have
our moving elements like the bridge that you can see curling
up, says Gagnon, describing a key, custom-built element of the
show that allows for smooth transitions between various scenes.
Our stage is physically different from one world to the other.
All this high-tech comes at a price, though, as building up the
compound with the 19-meter high circus tent, which weighs 5,000
kilograms and is 51 meters in diameter, takes no less than eight
days. The site comes with training areas, administrative offices
as well as kitchen and dining area for staff. The big top, as
the tent is called, seats over 2,600 people.
We call it luxury camping, says Gagnon.
GENERATIONS IN THE CIRCUS
Massimo Medini and Denise Garcia-Sorta both come from
traditional Southern European circus families. They now perform
a high-stakes rollerskating act as part of the Totem show while
also bringing up their 9-year-old daughter Gypsy, who travels
with them.
The first time we met each other I was 7 and she was 9 it
was love on first sight, Medini says about Garcia-Sorta. I
knew she was to be my wife.
The circus has been part of the Italians family for three
generations, but the fourth generation is getting ready for a
life in the spotlights as well.
Traditional circus people, when they are at the age of 7, they
start to build their muscle, he explained, only to be
interrupted by the love of his life, who said this is actually
supposed to start at the age of 5.
For me it was 7, Medini insists, only for Garcia-Sorta to
retort, with a smile, Yes, we can see that.
But jokes aside, the circus life is serious business, especially
for kids growing up, like Gypsy and Moiseev before her.
When they get stronger, when theyre like 12 or 13, they get to
decide which discipline they want to take, Medini says,
stressing however that nowadays school comes first and that at
Totem teachers follow the circus to make sure the Cirque kids
receive a proper real-world education besides their physical and
mental preparation for the circus life.
When you are young it is important to give to your body more
strength, flexibility after youve grown up it is very
difficult to push your body, be flexible and everything,
Garcia-Sorta explains.
NOTHING IN THE AIR FOR ME
Medini has been doing rollerskating acts since he was 12 years
old, while Garcia-Sortas family traditionally has focused on
trapeze.
When asked whether there would be anything in the circus they
considered too dangerous for their child to get involved in,
both parents said they would prefer for Gypsy to remain on solid
ground.
No trapeze nothing in the air for me, Medini says. I told
her you can do anything, but not that.
In my family there was an accident my father when he was
young, Garcia-Sorta adds. So for me, I dont want anything
aerial.
Yet in the end it is all about trust, as despite all the
elaborate safety precautions, the performers at Totem are
required to put their lives in the hands of their colleagues on
a daily basis.
Medini and Garcia-Sorta trust each other blindly, but this is
something that took a lifetime to build up.
I trust myself and she trusts me, Medini says about the
breathtaking rollerskating act during which he rapidly swings
Garcia-Sorta around head-first while spinning on a tiny podium.
But I wouldnt trust somebody to take my daughter.
{ SOURCE: The Jakarta Globe | http://goo.gl/GudJR3 }
Criss Angel Isnt Done Making Magic at BELIEVE?
{Sep.24.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
There was a time when professional magicians donned the tux and
tails, tapped a top hat with a wand and professed to make a
rabbit appear from its empty interior. Voila! But tonight is not
such a time. And Criss Angel is not such a magician. No, Believe
is an all-encompassing exercise in intensity. And so is its
star.
Criss Angels production at Luxor, famously the first Cirque du
Soleil collaboration with a living superstar, celebrates its
seventh year there on Halloween. Through a headlining residency
that has often seemed as harrowing as his sky-high straitjacket
escape, Angel has achieved some genuine show-business magic on
the Strip simply by keeping a show afloat for this long. Some
very good ones on the Boulevard, even another Cirque production
(Viva Elvis at Aria), have fallen far short of that mark.
Angels magic empire continues to expand, too, with a series of
live productions outside the Luxor. He has developed touring
show The Supernaturalists, a project a decade in the making that
features nine magicians of varying styles, all handpicked by
Angel.Expecting that Angels work and attention on The
Supernaturalists has come at the expense of Believe would be far
off-target. Angel never halts the development and evolution of
the show at the center of his professional existence, which is
due for a major overhauland soon.
Believe survived a staggering start, and Angel himself weathered
some early reviewsfrom audience members and the mediathat
would have crippled lesser individuals. The show began as a
fascinating merger of Cirques acrobatic wizardry and the
spellbinding magic of Angel, who by the opening was the
universally recognized star of A&Es Mindfreak. But the attempt
to create a plot featuring ill-fated bunnies, including an
oversized rabbit named Lucky, amid familiar Cirque acrobatics
and elements (a version of the vertical wall from KÀ, for
example) was roundly derided.
We obviously had some big challenges, and I could have either
walked away or rolled up my sleeves, Angel says. I said to
Cirque, Okay, now Im going to try to do what I asked to do in
the beginning. [They] said, If you want to do five-minute tests
for us to see what you would do with the show as a writer and as
a director, well look at it now.
The moment was pivotal for Angel, who took control of Believe in
a sink-or-swim period lasting several months. Gone were the
bunnies and many of the Cirque elements, excised for Angels own
magic creations. The show has become tighter, moves more fluidly
and is doubtlessly among the more ambitious productions on the
Strip today. And that solid footing has enabled Angel and Cirque
to consider what the next three years of Angels contract with
the entertainment company and the hotel will entail. Even with
the constant movement in Believe, an overhaul is overdue.
Were in the process of working through that with Criss right
now, says Jerry Nadal, vice president of Cirque du Soleils
resident shows. If we were to change Believe, what is that
going to look like or be called? The dynamics of the market, the
demographics, have changed immensely since we opened. Were
always looking at how we can branch out and change things up, to
give us a new audience, and to keep those who see the show
coming back.
That helps dispel rumors that Cirque and Angel have been working
on a deal that would release him from his contract earlier than
the 10-year mark. Such talk surfaced when Angel began making
trips to Foxwoods (and regularly selling out the theater). But
hes determined to log at least a decade on the Strip, which
would place him in a rarefied class of magicians who have
prospered in this city.
{ SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly (Edited) | http://goo.gl/bmlaoe }
Cirque du Soleil
Slot Machines?
{Sep.28.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Scientific Games today announced a new partnership with Cirque
du Soleil at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) with the first
featured production: KOOZA. The experience is an eye-catching,
bonus-rich slot game that combines Scientific Games Pro Wave
360O slot configuration with the acrobatic adrenaline rush of
KOOZA.
The slot game transports players into the extraordinary world of
KOOZA, an electrifying and exotic visual world full of
surprises, thrills, chills, courage, and total sensory
immersion.
Featuring a four-level jackpot along with engaging bonus events,
a U-Spin wheel bonus feature, two free games features, a mystery
stack feature and an instant win, the Cirque du Soleil gaming
experience featuring KOOZA delivers unparalleled entertainment
experience that thrills players like they are part of the shows
live audience. The main attraction on the 360-degree wheel is a
shared player experience wheel bonus that awards credits,
jackpots, the Trickster free games, and the exciting Wheel of
Death free games.
Cirque du Soleil featuring KOOZA is rich in surprises, with
bonus events, beautiful graphics, high-definition show video,
breathtaking music, and a special in-game appearance by The
Trickster, a very popular Cirque du Soleil character.
Featuring a potentially life-altering Très Magnifique top
progressive award that starts at $400,000 and increases with
play across the linked games, the new Cirque du Soleil-inspired
title joins the library of Bally brand premium games on the Cash
Connection wide-area progressive link. The game is also
available as a near-area progressive.
We are honored to partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring our
customers and their players such an entertaining and high-
quality gaming experience, said Derik Mooberry, Scientific
Games Group Chief Executive, Gaming. The artistic and
imaginative entertainment of Cirque du Soleil combined with our
engaging gameplay in our beautifully rendered Pro Wave 360O
package truly delivers an experience unlike any other. More than
160 million people have seen a Cirque du Soleil show either on
the Las Vegas Strip or closer to home through one of many
traveling Cirque du Soleil performances across the globe.
Marie-Josée Couture, Director Partnership Development,
Licensing for Cirque du Soleil, said, As we do with all our
projects, we approached the partnership as a unique creative
challenge. Our initial objective was to imagine a new type of
gaming experience. A great collaboration was born between
Scientific Games and Cirque du Soleil, each expert in their
field, and the result is the creation of a transformed gaming
experience filled with interactions between the Cirque du Soleil
characters and the players.
Eventually, Scientific Games hopes to create Cirque du Soleil
slot machines based on other shows, including the eight shows
currently appearing on the Strip.
At the center of the Scientific Games 26,000-square-foot exhibit
space at G2E will be a 360-degree slot machine carousel with
five Cirque du Soleil slots. Characters from the acrobatic show
will be on hand to unveil the game.
Check out a few pictures from the event including the slot
Machine! LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6538 >
{ SOURCE: SYS-CON Media | http://goo.gl/5zXvnk }
{ PICTURES: Las Vegas Sun }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, Totem & KURIOS}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{Quidam, Varekai, TORUK & OVO}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE,
Believe, Zarkana, MJ ONE & JOYÀ}
NOTE:
.) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate
touring dates and locations available, the information in
this section is subject to change without notice. As such,
the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility
for the accuracy of these listings.
For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts,
please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Amaluna:
Brussels, BE -- Sep 10, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Paris, FR -- Nov 5, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
London, UK -- Jan 16, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 17, 2016 to May 1, 2016
Frankfurt, DE -- May 11, 2016 to May 29, 2016
Corteo:
Mexico City, MX -- Sep 3, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015
Quito, EC -- Nov 19, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
** FINAL SHOW: December 13, 2015 **
Koozå:
Austin, TX -- Sep 2, 2015 to Oct 8, 2015
Vancouver, BC -- Oct 29, 2015 to Dec 27, 2015
Kurios:
Costa Mesa, CA -- Oct 15, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Los Angeles, CA -- Dec 10, 2015 to Feb 7, 2016
Atlanta, GA -- Mar 3, 2016 to May 8, 2016
Totem:
Singapore, SG -- Oct 28, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
Tokyo, JP -- Feb 03, 2016 to Apr 10, 2016
Osaka, JP -- TBA
Nagoya, JP -- TBA
Fukuoka, JP -- TBA
Sendai, JP -- TBA
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
Quidam:
Seoul, SK -- Sep 10, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015
Canberra, AU -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 20, 2015
Wollongong, AU -- Dec 23, 2015 to Jan 2, 2016
Hobart, AU -- Jan 6, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Newcastle, AU -- Jan 15, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Aucland, NZ -- Feb 5, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Christchurch, NZ -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 25, 2016
** FINAL SHOW: February25, 2016 **
Varekai:
Berlin, DE -- Oct 8, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015
Leipzig, DE -- Oct 14, 2015 to Oct 18, 2015
Stuttgart, DE -- Oct 21, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015
Mannheim, DE -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015
Vienna, AT -- Nov 4, 2015 to Nov 8, 2015
Dortmund, DE -- Nov 11, 2015 to Nov 15, 2015
Cologne, DE -- Nov 18, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
A Coruña, ES -- Dec 22, 2015 to Dec 28, 2015
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 1, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Valencia, ES -- Jan 14, 2016 to Jan 17, 2016
Malaga, ES -- Jan 21, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES -- Jan 27, 2016 to Jan 31, 2016
Lyon, FR -- Feb 3, 2016 to Feb 7, 2016
Hamburg, DE -- Feb 10, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
Luxembourg, LU -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
Hanover, DE -- Feb 24, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
Antwerp, BE -- Mar 2, 2016 to Mar 6, 2016
Bordeaux, FR -- Mar 10, 2016 to Mar 13, 2016
Montpellier, FR -- Mar 17, 2016 to Mar 20, 2016
Nice, FR -- Mar 23, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016
Nantes, FR -- Nov 16, 2016 to Nov 20, 2016
Toulouse, FR -- Nov 23, 2016 to Nov 27, 2016
Strasbourg, FR -- Nov 30, 2016 to Dec 4, 2016
TORUK - The First Flight:
Bossier City, LA -- Nov 12, 2015 to Nov 14, 2015
Lafayette, LA -- Nov 20, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015
Richmond, VA -- Nov 27, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015
Allentown, PA -- Dec 4, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015
Worcester, MA -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015
Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2015 to Jan 3, 2016
Toronto, ON -- Jan 7, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016
Auburn Hills, MI -- Jan 22, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016
Houston, TX -- Feb 11, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016
North Little Rock, AR -- Feb 19, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016
North Charleston, SC -- Feb 26, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016
Sunrise, FL -- Mar 2, 2016 to Mar 6, 2016
Miami, FL -- Mar 9, 2016 to Mar 16, 2016
Tampa, FL -- Mar 16, 2016 to Mar 20, 2016
Tulsa, OK -- Mar 24, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016
Kansas City, MO -- Mar 30, 2016 to Apr 3, 2016
Oklahoma City, OK -- Apr 6, 2016 to Apr 10, 2016
Louisville, KY -- Apr 28, 2016 to May 1, 2016
Cincinnati, OH -- May 4, 2016 to May 8, 2016
Hamilton, ON -- May 20, 2016 to May 22, 2016
London, ON -- May 27, 2016 to May 29, 2016
Providence, RI -- Jun 3, 2016 to Jun 5, 2016
Raleigh, NC -- Jun 22, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
OVO:
Rumored to begin touring in Arenas in April 2016!
---------------------------------
RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre
---------------------------------
Mystère:
Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday
Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o November 11
Added performances in 2015:
o December 31 (only 7 pm performance)
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o October 11
o November 30 - December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o December 29
La Nouba:
Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm
2014 Dark Dates:
o November 2 - 5
o December 7 - 9
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00pm on the following days in 2015: January 20,
May 8, May 15, May 19, May 20, and December 31)
2015 Dark Dates:
o October 31
o December 6 - 14
Added performance in 2015:
o December 27
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7 pm performances on May 9, 16 and June 21)
2015 Dark Dates:
o November 18
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
(Only 7:00p.m. performances on May 15-16, June 19-21, December 31)
(Only 4:30p.m. & 7:00p.m. performances on July 4)
2015 Dark Dates:
o October 20 22
o December 1 16
Added performances in 2014:
o December 30
CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE:
Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Show Schedule:
o Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 7,
February 4 - 25, September 30)
o Thursday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 8-29,
December 31)
o Friday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 930,
February 6, February 20 27, March 6 13,
May 1 22, June 5, June 19, September 1125,
October 29, October 2330, December 4 11,
December 25)
o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on May 216,
June 20, July 4, October 31)
o Sunday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on February 822,
March 115, April 26, May 24, June 7, June 21,
September 1327, October 425, November 18,
November 2229, December 613)
2015 Dark Dates:
o November 9 17
o December 14 22
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 29
ZARKANA:
Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
2015 Dark Dates:
o November 10
Added Performances in 2015:
o December 28
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Two Shows Nightly - Dark: Wednesday/Thursday
Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday
4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday
2015 Dark Dates:
o October 14 22
o December 15
Added performances in 2015:
o November 25
o December 30
JOYÀ:
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
One/Two Shows Nightly:
9:00pm (Weekdays)
7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays)
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub
o) DidYaKnow? -- Facts About Cirque
o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube
---------------------------------------------------
CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub
---------------------------------------------------
VIDEO /// Auditions for Broadway (PARAMOUR)
{Sep.10.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Prepare to get swept off your feet by PARAMOUR, a rapturous and
passionate new experience that unites the signature spectacle of
Cirque du Soleil with the storytelling magic and music that
define Broadway. Set in the glamorous world of Golden Age
Hollywood, this groundbreaking event spins the tale of a
beautiful young actress forced to choose between love and fame.
VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/FO7dETLc9oI >
Mike & the Robots | C:LAB
{Sep.15.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil and Fanuc Robotics explored the idea of
designing a comic number with industrial robots. Michel
Courtemanche, the actor and famous comedian, lent himself
readily to the game and developed a skit where he plays the
technician. A technician who thinks is in control of the two
robots, but to his ignorance is being played. This exercise
demonstrates the possible interactions between a human and
robots, for entertainment purposes. All the movements
particularly comic timing had to be programmed in advance, to
give the illusion of improvised gestures. By combining live
programming and remote control, we can imagine what will be
possible with robots on stage, able to respond directly to the
crowd, to our delight.
VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/3hfv4LOvAQo >
KURIOS About
Episode 1: Tour Life
{Sep.22.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
KURIOS About: TOUR LIFE. Find out what makes KURIOS tick and
what it is like for our multinational cast and crew to live on
the road 365 days of the year.
VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/FMGmmCDg06k >
New episode every 2 weeks.
Follow the cast and crew of KURIOS on tour, and find out what
hides in their Cabinet of Curiosities. From the Big Top to
Costumes, Make-up, Food and much more, the 12 episodes KURIOS
About The Webseries gives fans a behind-the-scenes peek at the
Cirque du Soleils 35th creation. Explore our universe and
reality from the eyes of an insider, see the artists and the
staff work with devotion to make the show happen day after day
and discover how unique our on tour lifestyle is.
Meet a Few of the Key Characters of TORUK!
{Sep.29.2015}
-----------------------------------------------------
The creation process is currently underway for the new Cirque du
Soleil touring show, TORUK The First Flight, inspired by James
Camerons record-breaking movie AVATAR, which will begin touring
in November 2015. TORUK takes place thousands of years before
the movie AVATAR and before any humans visited Pandora. Lead by
an actual Storyteller character, the show will follow three
young adults Ralu, Entu, and Tsyal and the first flight of
the Toruk.
Let us explore this new world of TORUK by first getting aquainted
with its four main characters - Ralu, Entu, Tsyal, and the
Storyteller - then check out a few pictures of these characters'
awesome costumes, watch a couple of behind-the-scenes videos
featuring the artists behind these characters ("Characers -
Behind the Scenes" and "Interview with The Storyteller"), and
finally links to five more revealing videos about the show!
THE CHARACTERS
--------------
RALU -- Ralu, Member of the Omaticaya Clan, is the son of a
formidable hunter who taught him exceptional focus and
discipline. Ralu is a sensitive and compassionate boy on the
brink of adulthood. Although he is only 14 years old (in Earth
years), there is a calm and quiet force about him that
underscores his carefree attitude. Always on the lookout for his
childhood friend and protégé Entu, Ralu is a natural born
leader. Whenever the going gets tough, he channels all his
energy and skills into the challenge at hand and invariably gets
the job done. Just ask Entu, whom Ralu once saved from certain
death by luring away a thanator during archery practice deep in
the rainforest. No wonder everybody rallies behind Ralu his is
a doer and a thinker with a heart of gold!
ENTU -- Entu, Member of the Omaticaya Clan, lost both of his
parents early in life in a freak attack by a thanator. He is the
same age (14 years old in Earth years) as his lifelong friend
Ralu his mentor with whom he has always engaged in a healthy
competition that has definitely kept him on his toes. Spunky and
intense, Entu is fully in touch with his emotions and knows to
follow and trust his instincts. One day, when a member of his
clan ventured too far out on a cliff edge and was left dangling
on a limb, Entu instantly concocted an ingenious counterweight
device using his pack, a sturdy branch and some vines to lower
himself down the mountain face and save the boy, showing total
disregard for his own safety. With his quick wit and dauntless
spirit, Entu is eager and ready to dive headlong into the
adventures that lie ahead.
TSYAL -- Tsyal, Member of the Tawkami Clan, is the only child of
a village chief who lost her mother at a tender age. She was
raised by her grandmother with the help of other members of her
clan, as is the custom among the Navi. Highly proficient in
herbal lore, her grandmother was a chemist widely revered among
the Tawkami for her unique remedies and concoctions. Tsyals
clan is renowned throughout the land for their knowledge of
chemistry and alchemy, and the abilities she inherited from her
grandmother are transmitted every two generations through a
special bond among clan members. Spurred by her grandmothers
legacy and wanting to live up to the expectations bestowed upon
her, Tsyal has taken great pride in creating innovative mixtures
and recipes of her own. True to her clan nestled deep inside the
primeval forests of Pandora, this easygoing, sprightly girl with
an indomitable spirit has a cheerful nature and loves to play
tricks. With a mere seed, she can put the fiercest beast to
sleep; with the frailest-looking flower, she can induce the most
beautiful dreams or provoke the most terrifying nightmares. Such
is the tremendous power of the natural elements that Tsyal and
her clan have learned to understand and harness.
STORYTELLER -- The Storyteller, an Anurai, is one of the last
surviving members of this clan. He has been around humans aka
the Sky People ever since he met a feisty xenobotanist with
whom he forged a powerful friendship back in the 2140s. Several
years later, the Storyteller witnessed firsthand the last time
of Great Sorrow during which the Omaticaya Hometee was
destroyed. Distressed by the discord among the clans on his home
world, and learning how humans were tearing each other apart in
the wake of the great climatic upheavals on Earth, the resilient
Storyteller decided to reach out once more to the Sky People who
saw him as a kind of translator and a wise go-between. By making
humans aware of the bravery, valor and ingenuity of the Navi,
he seeks above all to avoid history from repeating itself. He
also aims to impress upon the Sky People the urgency of
preserving their bonds with nature, and the necessity of pulling
together to live in unity and peace.
o) Check out images of these characters here:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6555 >
o) Check out some great Costume pictures here:
LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6543 >
CHARACTERS: BEHIND THE SCENES
-----------------------------
During the creation of TORUK The First Flight by Cirque du
Soleil, artists work in pairs to create the characters of Ralu,
Entu and Tsyal. Watch while these duos explain how two heads are
better than one as their characters come to life during
rehearsals. When two artists share a character, they get to
watch their second self at work, feed off each other, and
stretch their own limits. Its an opportunity to see both the
forest AND the trees.
VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/4gucR_Hw09Y >
Transcript:
"Whenever theres an element of danger we have Viperwolves, we
have lava; any sort of danger happens in a scene - Ralu is the
first character to put himself between the danger and his
younger brother, or Tsyal. He's the protector." - Jeremiah
Hughes & Gabriel Christo / Ralu - Omaticaya Clan Member.
"We play the female character in the show named Tsyal. Shes a
15-year-old teenager, super-powerful and energetic. What I love
about the character is shes a strong, young woman." - Giuilia
Piolanti & Zoe Sabattie / Tsyal - Tawkami Clan Member
"Were playing Entu. A little boy, hes 15 years old. Hes
smallest in stature of the whole tribe, but hes got the biggest
personality." - Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp / Entu
Omaticaya Clan Member.
* * *
Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp: "Normally youre in a scene,
youre in the moment, you can only see the tree and you cant
see the forest. Then ok, team switchI step out, I get to see
him do the scene. (Yes, from outside.) And I go, Thats a nice
moment Im overlooking. I didnt even notice theres a Viperwolf
behind me the entire time. I should have done something about
that!"
Giuilia Piolanti & Zoe Sabattie: "Two minds, I would say, are
better than one.
Jeremiah Hughes & Gabriel Christo: "And you learn so much when
you watch the other one, too."
Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp: "Were using two brains with
very diverse training to make one great character."
Giuilia Piolanti & Zoe Sabattie: "When I see her perform Tsyal,
I know what Im missing about my character.
Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp: "I can see myself in the scene,
I can see what hes doing, and my scenes benefit and become
stronger by watching him."
INTERVIEW WITH THE STORYTELLER
------------------------------
Raymond ONeill has a story to tell! As he prepares for his
upcoming role as The Storyteller in the Cirque du Soleil
spectacle TORUK The First Flight, the actor discovers what it
takes to bring this unique character to life with compelling and
captivating flair. Underneath the layers of makeup, complex
costume components and stage directions lives a man who candidly
shares his own thoughts and emotions about the incredible, one-
of-a-kind opportunity hes earned.
VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/PB93qrnVbOg >
Transcript:
I'm playing a character who is called the storyteller.
"They took them to their world and killed the Anurai clan!"
There's a lot of things that I know are coming that are going to
be challenging, and and you just go into them with confidence.
You just keep building up your relationships in the company. It's
like a family - you get supported through it. As artists sometimes
we get too much comfort... oh this is the show, this is what the
lines says, and I enter here and pour a cup of tea, and I - you
know - slap the dog and that's what the script is. But this is
like what's going to happen next? It keeps me awake, it keeps me
alive, it keeps me young!
I think everybody feels good when they give something, you know?
You give something you get so much for. I've never given to 15,000
people before - that's a bit house - but I got a lot of love in
my heart, so we will spread it around.
I looked in the mirror and I thought... where am I? Who am I? Back
into makeup we made some adjustments and I looked in the mirror and
I thought: oh wow I can see, I can see this character.
# # #
Also, check out these other great videos:
o) Revealing the different layers of complexity:
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/vPTV9A >
o) TORUK attitude: speed, momentum & agility:
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/5Q3Kne >
o) Getting into the swing of things:
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/tv1Lz7 >
o) TORUK choreographers: Tuan Le and Tan Loc:
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/luxQhl >
o) Meet Kym Barrett Costume & Makeup Designer
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/JEoZHb >
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | https://goo.gl/GQFRUZ }
---------------------------------------
DIDYAKNOW?: Facts About Cirque
---------------------------------------
o) Did you know: BELIEVE's Costume pieces are treated with flame
retardant product? We do so to protect the costume and artist
from any stray pyrotechnic sparks.
o) Did you know: There is over 12,000 sq. ft. of 3/16 plate steel
supporting the show deck in BELIEVE?
o) Did you know: KA's musicians perform live musical scoring for
every show. They play the cello, electric guitar, keyboard,
vocals, and you guessed it! The accordion.
o) Did you know that there are over 1150 pieces of accessories in
the Michael Jackson ONE show?
o) Did you know: The capes of the Tabloid Junkies characters in
MJ ONE are lined with tabloid headlines about Michael Jackson
in several languages?
o) Did you know: The O-daiko drum in Mystere is so big (6 feet in
diameter and 15 feet in length, weighing half a ton) it had to
be loaded in before construction of the theatre?
o) Did you know: Unlike the traditional rope-hung trapeze, the
Washington Trapeze in "O" is built on a fixed metal frame and
swings in a long pendulum motion? It is also attached to a
revolving carousel which descends from the grid at four feet
per second.
---------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter
---------------------------------------------------
{Compiled by Keith Johnson}
---[ AMALUNA ]---
{Sep.08}
While we are getting ready for our Premiere in Brussels on
Thursday, the Teeterboard boys and some Amazons are currently
in Paris for Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. We will share
more details with you soon...
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/sfBTgi >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/PBGZtS >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/q2u19r >
{Sep.19}
Hello Brussels! Did you get the premiere missed last
Thursday? Relive the happiest moments here.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/L2fKc2 >
{Sep.21}
Antwerpen & Waasland were took by surprise by our enchanted
mirror. How could their day be any better?
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/SbY46X >
{Sep.28}
Look for our appearance on RTL Late Night.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/etsISr >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/2qbzCY >
---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]---
{Sep.04}
Stay cool MTL. It's going to be a hot one!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/jbbkzd >
{Sep.14}
Performers & employees train alike.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/4hkR5s >
{Sep.17}
We hand make our masks, hats & wigs. To ensure a custom
fit, we make a mold of our artists heads. This is how
its done!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/LuiR1F >
{Sep.24}
Congratulations to our colleagues at 45 Degrees for having
created a mesmerizing Opening Ceremony at the TORONTO 2015
Pan Am Games. Check it out!
VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2qAc1mfsL8 >
---[ CORTEO ]---
{Sep.01}
Finally we had our rehearsal in the city of Mexico, now
we're ready for our big premier!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Y8NqJz >
{Sep.05}
An improvement of the Corteo juggling act.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/Rd19J2 >
{Sep.11}
This is training for the chaotic and funny Klezmer Act.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Z3YjGt >
{Sep.20}
Jay de la Cueva knows Corteo and has many surprises with
the artists and musicians!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/SxH0pU >
{Sep.23}
The reflection of our artists in the training of the number
of beds, inside the tent artistic. Last few weeks in the
city of Mexico.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/gNsPjt >
---[ KOOZA ]---
{Sep.02}
Tomorrow night... ATX Premiere! We can't wait to celebrate
the independent spirit of Texans in the Lone Star State!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/UyJUYy >
{Sep.03}
? Austin?, y'all have been amazing! Standing ovation! WOW!
Thanks for the love! You know we love you too? ?
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/4Mau5S >
{Sep.11}
Thank you, Mayor Steve Adler, local law enforcement, and
County Fire & Rescue Team for the visit! Today we are honored
to receive an official proclamation declaring 9-11 Remembrance
Day as KOOZA International Peace Day in Austin.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/vDBMBW >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/EUSpBt >
{Sep.19}
Check it out! KOOZA has just performed its jaw-dropping body
balancing act, on a tower of chairs in front of hundreds
of Longhorns fans!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/DKiHk4 >
{Sep.19}
The KOOZA troupe has delivered an exciting performance right
on the race track during the LSLM ceremonies! So proud to
have kicked off the race today!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/VEmo6k >
{Sep.24}
KOOZA SingerSelfie! We are lucky to have such talented
musicians perform every night on stage...especially in the
Live Music Capital of the World...?
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/0iukCU >
{Sep.27}
Sunday Funday y'all! Backstage in ATX! We are counting
down to our final performances in the Lone Star State!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/ymVAA3 >
{Sep.30}
It's almost showtime here in ??Austin???!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/iD3E20 >
---[ KURIOS ]---
{Sep.01}
At the Chicago Cubs game our beautiful singer Eirini Tornesaki
sang the National Anthem in front of thousands of fans!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/8B4Dnv >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/T7gjka >
{Sep.03}
Did you see our characters today wandering around the city,
being tourists in Chicago.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/AOrXzF >
{Sep.05}
Our characters were at The Magnificent Mile Pop-Up Marketplace
today to make 5 lucky winners who will be seeing the show under
the Big Top next to the United Center.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/ezh1Dw >
{Sep.09}
Only 12 days before our last show under the Big Top at the
United Center parking lot in Chicago . The characters are
visiting the city before packing up and heading to South
California!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/hxXKri >
{Sep.11}
Only 9 days before KURIOS has to leave Chicago.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Ejr6oG >
{Sep.12}
In only 8 days, we will be tearing down our Big Top at the
United Center and make our way to the OC Fair for our
Costa Mesa opening on October 15th. Stay tuned for a few
more of our touristic photos!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/O9Pjvq >
{Sep.18}
It is our last Friday in this beautiful city! KURIOS has
to hit the road after this Sunday's 5pm show.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/xena11 >
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/rcmFtI >
{Sep.21}
We have to admit the KURIOS troupe had a blast in Chicago.
Thanks for all the great memories! Until next time!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/vUf8mg >
{Sep.25}
The Box of KURIOS won this week the PROTO Awards in the
Best Live Action category. Michel Laprise, director,
Sebastian Sylwan, from Félix & Paul Studios and André
Lauzon, Producer and Head of CDS Media Digital Studio went
to Hollywood for the ceremony. Are they happy about this
award? Hmmm, hard to see on this photo
Hats off to the
whole team!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/T1LVSj >
---[ PARAMOUR ]---
{Sep.16}
In this exclusive first look, our creators prepare to blend
the signature spectacle of Cirque du Soleil with the story-
telling of Broadway for PARAMOUR.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/MKxKOT >
---[ QUIDAM ]---
{Sep.02}
Only 2 days until the cast arrives on the Quidam Seoul site!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/RnIsmM >
{Sep.10}
What a week! After getting the site and the show ready for a
successful transition back under the Chapiteau!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/FUxiuy >
{Sep.11}
? Seoul? Premiere night final bow. We think they liked it!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/OIeZ6T >
{Sep.27}
Playing ?Backstage with our new Activeon Action Cameras.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/jiwdrZ >
---[ TORUK ]---
{Sep.03}
A Toruks-eye view.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/8iw0YQ >
{Sep.04}
I see you.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/kNRuFI >
{Sep.09}
A team, a wooden board and some acrobatics. ?
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/WiO2ZG >
{Sep.11}
Testing new ways to fly.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/nIIiAA >
{Sep.13}
Backstage at CenturyLink Center, these signs help the cast
and crew find their way around the arena.
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/XbyQAr >
{Sep.15}
A sneak peek at what's to come, with a look back at TORUK's
initial load in to CenturyLink Center!
FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/TiKLjv >
---[ TOTEM ]---
{Sep.02}
Standby for Crystal Ladies! Olli and Gael are on the grid,
waiting to bring the chairs of the ladies to the stage.
FOTO < https://goo.gl/BfgFCW >
{Sep.04}
Another Friday night under the Big Top in Perth, the cast is
cooling down after the show with yoga and training for
personal projects!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/0Tg5Ev >
{Sep.05}
Another step closer to Japan! We filmed many live performances,
acts without audience and behind-the-scene content this week
for our Japanese promotional tools! Gambate!! Tokyo, are you
ready?
FOTO < https://goo.gl/fyRQFm >
{Sep.08}
Ready for a laugh or at least a smile this morning? Heres
The 1 Year Jacket, a funny video made by TOTEM Hoop Dancer
Eric Hernandez (cirqueLIFE) while on tour.
VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-xUAW7i8fM >
{Sep.09}
The West Australian - thewest.com.au got to spend one full
performance backstage with our cast in Perth as artists get
ready to step on stage! "It is where years of effort and
dedicated, repetitive attention to detail undergo one last c
hemical reaction to transform individuals from humans into
super-humans."
LINK /// < https://goo.gl/QJaxQV >
{Sep.13}
INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY | Clown + Chocolate = FUNNY
Enjoying this tasty CirqueLife
VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRhSLN0b6KA >
{Sep.14}
Do you enjoy working out with Swiss Balls? Caoliang Wang
(High Bars/Crystal Man) does too.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/72aJqe >
{Sep.15}
Hey Singapore! Jamie Yeo from MediaCorp Channel 5 takes you
backstage under the Big Top in Perth and even tries some
aerial acrobatics! Only a few weeksl left before our first
Asian Premiere on Bayfront Avenue, beside Marina Bay Sands!
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/fPLzsH >
{Sep.21}
Yesterday was our amazing Love Birds Sarah and Guilhem'
1000th performance on TOTEM!! Congrats!!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/n9w791 >
{Sep.23}
One year of Aussie adventures is coming to an end for our
cast and crew members! Only a few performances left in Perth
through Sunday before leaving Australia for Singapore!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/kxD6ED >
FOTO < https://goo.gl/Y1RiJK >
FOTO < https://goo.gl/4ITPy5 >
{Sep.24}
Strike a pose! Congratulations to Marie-Christine and
Louis-David, our new back-up Love Birds (Trapeze) who did
their first show this week in Perth and will join us back
in Tokyo next Winter!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/9BcW4f >
{Sep.27}
THANK YOU AUSTRALIA!! We had a blast performing for you
and will keep amazing memories of our time in Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth! A thrilling year
down under to say the least! Singapore, watch out, we are
on our way filled with energy for our first Asian Premiere!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/57TGoK >
FOTO < https://goo.gl/BiupB3 >
---[ VAREKAI ]---
{Sep.01}
We had so much fun this afternoon visiting the Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum and the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/jko1Fb >
{Sep.03}
Less than 2-hours until the premiere of Varekai at the Air
Canada Centre! We are ready to rock the house!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/zvHgxi >
{Sep.06}
Oh Toronto! Fun times at the Air Canada Centre with great
audiences. What a nice way to finish our North American
tour. Cirque du Soleil will be back soon and hello Europe!
FOTO < https://goo.gl/vGc7g2 >
{Sep.08}
Check out the perspective of our duo straps act, flying
high above the crowd every night on Varekai- produced in
partnership with Activeon Action Cameras.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/3Vc99V >
{Sep.15}
This is how it feels to do flips on the russian swing.
Tip: Make sure to keep your eyes open! Video produced
in partnership with Activeon Action Cameras.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/wDRkjX >
{Sep.17}
In the last 2 years, Varekai has performed more than 500
shows in 75 cities across North America. Did you know it
takes approx. 1-hour for each performer to apply their
make-up? Take a look at our clown female make-up application.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/eHyJjX >
{Sep.30}
This is how the Varekai baton twirlers put their game face
on. Produced in partnership with Activeon Action Cameras.
VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/e5I2Is >
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with
Christopher Kit Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 2 of 3)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
o) LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission
PART 2 of 8: "Training Kicks Up A Notch"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with
Christopher Kit Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 2 of 3)
By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
Last month we began our exclusive interview with Kurios drummer Kit
Chatham by discussing his youth and history with Broadway show Blast!.
After being introduced to Cirque du Soleil by Varekai drummer Paul
Bannerman, we pick up the story with Kids first experience, Corteo.
THE CORTEGE ARRIVES
-------------------
It was his audition 10+ years ago that made Cirque take notice.
Though there was a misunderstanding. In 2005 Welby Altidor, who was
in Casting (later Director of Creation on MJ One and now Cirques
Executive Creative Director) called looking for somebody for Corteo
creation. And he got me confused with another person. Did I know
somebody who could help them out? And I was like me! But you're
already working for Cirque. No, I'm not! But it worked out, so I
didn't have to audition for that one. They had my audition from
before. I had also sent them a couple of audio files because they
wanted to make sure I could play electronic stuff. And I had just come
off Cyberjam, and I was playing a lot of electronic stuff with
Cyberjam.
We were then surprised by this nugget of info. Originally René Dupéré
(Cirques first full-time composer) was supposed to write the music
for Corteo. We had not heard this before, but it makes sense time-
wise. Corteo, whose romantic style would have been complemented by
Dupérés lyrical composing style, would have been in creation during
the latter half of 2004. Readers will remember how KÀ was delayed to
November of that year, making it difficult for Dupéré, who was already
stepping into KÀ after Benoit Jutras has been removed from the show,
to do both. This is corroborated by the bio on Corteo composer
Philippe Leducs website which states, Four months before the
premiere of its show Corteo (that would have been January 2005) Cirque
du Soleil asked Philippe to compose the music for many numbers in this
touring show
For Corteo there were five different composers (if you include
director Daniele Finzi Pasca, who wrote lyrics for most of the shows
songs). Philippe Leduc (.com) wrote a lot of the big scores for the
show. Maria Bonzanigo was part of the troupe (from Cirque Élioze,
cirque-eloize.com), she was working on the transitions and part of the
clown acts. We also had (Kooza composer) Jean-François Côté
(jfcote.com) and we had one song by Michael Smith at one point which
got taken out. That was crazy. (Michael A. Smith does have one song
in the production, for the second act finale Tournik act, Che
Finalone.)
Corteo took some time, it was a crazy creation. It was a little bit
tough at first, but it gelled over time. There was a slow crawl, then
walking then running. The fixation for Corteo was long weeks and
even [after that] it was another year and things still weren't
settled. But it's still a lovely show and it's one of my favorites
because it's my first Cirque show. Daniele is the nicest guy.
Despite being involved in Corteo creation, like other members of the
Corteo creation band Kit did not appear on the soundtrack CD released
18 months later. That was when Cirque was still outsourcing CD
production. It was very sad. Because only one person from the
[creation] band appeared on the CD and that was Paul (Bisson, lead
singer and current lead in Zarkana). It was a very, very sad.
THE KING TAKES UP RESIDENCE
---------------------------
When the opportunity came to perform in a residence show in Las Vegas,
and move home to be with his wife, Kit didnt hesitate. The
inspiration for the Vincent Paterson (.com)-directed show was to be
the life and music of Las Vegas icon Elvis Presley. My wife and I had
the opportunity to view both versions of Viva Elvis, and we both
felt Kit was the best part of the show, when we saw him come out
onstage we instantly knew who it was and couldn't watch anything but
him. The re-interpretation of the music was incredibly creative; the
opening number, Blue Suede Shoes, was overwhelming in the way it
mixed things in and moved things around and backed things up and used
samples and quotes.
Elvis died when I was six months old, but growing up in the South I
knew all about him. It was a fun show to play. I miss that show. It
was such a musically-driven show, and it had a nice strong dynamic. Of
course being a musician I was really spoiled because we were onstage a
lot, and the energy that we got from the artists was really strong.
The arrangers re-arranging the music did an amazing job. Because they
had to take material that was not theirs, material that was recorded
with one microphone back in the day where what you heard was what you
got. So they had to deal with Elvis's voice and the band behind him
and try to tweak it so that you couldn't hear the band. So they did a
lot of genius things.
Perhaps the most impressive achievement of the show for me was the
sound of the theater, it sounded like I had headphones on, it was just
so crisp and clear. Kit agrees. The sound designer, Jonathan Deans
(designingsound.com), is ridiculous. And it's a very simple [design].
Some of the other shows Jonathan Deans has done you have internal
speakers in the seats (KA and Love and MJ One). But for Elvis there
were no speakers in the seats. There are 12 subwoofers in the concrete
underneath you and just the traditional speakers. Being a proscenium
[theater] I guess it's a little easier to control.
Despite the technical or artistic accomplishments, the show never
really found its audience. Not that there werent attempts to revise
the show. Towards the end they brought in the Banquine act and
elevated the show to a whole new level. There were a lot of [other]
things that were planned to revamp the show, but they decided to bring
in Zarkana.
Honestly, everyone had great spirits about it. [But] a lot of us saw
the writing on the wall. They had great expectations for it but it
turned out not to work financially. I know how it feels when a show
closes, like with Cyberjam. What am I going to do next? Of course
the first reaction is like getting hit in the gut. But backstage, even
knowing that we were closing, for what it was it was a very positive
atmosphere.
A lot of those technicians are still there working with Zarkana. And
a lot of the artists have moved around and most of them are back with
Cirque. For instance, Jason the trumpet player is in Kooza. Casey
joined Kooza right after I left (January, 2014). Mikey the bass player
is now on Varekai. A couple of the other guys tour with a big-name
artist from Québec, Garou (http://www.garouofficiel.com/?lang=en ),
who was the original lead in Zarkana. So a lot of the band is touring
with him and actually this week they're on tour, I think they're going
overseas. A few of them are now doing a special event in Milan. And
Bruno (Dumont) the saxophone player is on Quidam. So a lot of us found
other places in the universe to go. And surprisingly a lot of the
artists, the acrobats, found places quicker and a lot of them are in
Vegas doing other shows.
It's crazy going to Facebook and looking at what all the dancers are
doing. Like Eliana (Girard, dancer <
https://www.facebook.com/Dance9Eliana >) won So You Think You Can
Dance (Female winner of Season 9, summer 2012). You're watching her
on TV going, I know her, she's amazing!
WHEN FOUR EQUALS ZERO
---------------------
When we talked with Erich Van Tourneau, Producer and Arranger for Viva
Elvis (which can be found at http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=2414)
he had kind words for Kit, but also spoke as to why for the second
time Kit does not appear on the CD soundtrack to a Cirque du Soleil
show:
Kit is so cool and has a strong presence in the show. I clearly
remember when I saw his audition tape. [I got] a really strong
impression of Kit and he was the first musician that I chose.
I
think the main difference between the album and the live performance
is really an aesthetic one. [With the CD] I tried to bring Elvis
samples into the picture as much as possible. So when I had a choice
between using a musician from the show or using samples coming from
Elvis work or world, I would use Elvis samples. I tried to use the
musicians every time it was possible, but if I had access to nice
percussion coming from [the world] of Elvis I would use those.
(Indeed, there is no one listed as performing Percussion on the
CD.)
They were originally talking about a two-CD set, because there were
so many songs in the show, Kit revealed. So we all went into the
studio. And the horn players did some horn tracks. I recorded four
songs for the CD. I did the Cajon part for Its Now or Never, the
one with the classical guitar on the stage. Return to Sender was the
big marching band one.
Of the four songs I did, none of them ended up being on the album.
Only Toscha (Comeaux, singer) and I are not on the CD. And Stéphane
Mongeau, the Executive Producer, brought me in and talked to me one-
on-one. It just happened, man, that your stuff isn't on the album. I
had already had the experience of not being on the Corteo CD, and that
crushed me. And then it happened again! Yeah, I got paid for it but
that doesn't matter. It was one of those things. [Later] they were
thinking they were going to do a revamp and would put out another
album that had all the other songs on it.
We ourselves pondered why some of the songs that would be considered
standouts for their stagecraft alone, such as Jailhouse Rock with
its huge jail-like apparatus, werent included. Kit noted that the
artists also had the same question. A lot of the songs that ended up
on the album we were wondering, Why is this one not on there? And
it's true; I wasn't doing drums, I was doing percussion and the whole
vibe was wanting to be more, not house music, but with a different
flare. I wouldn't want to go into a studio and just play tambourine on
two and four. And I love Erich. Hugo (Bombardier, Assistant Producer
and Arranger), who was a part of that, actually texted me yesterday
about the University of Georgia versus Kentucky basketball game. And
Georgia was winning! So I still keep in touch with those guys. But it
was heartbreaking, I won't lie to you.
FROM SHOW TO SHOW TO SHOW
-------------------------
Even with the closure of Viva Elvis, Kit wasnt without a job for
long. In fact, Cirques desire to continue utilizing him meant they
changed their policies. By the time Viva Elvis closed I'd already
been contacted by Zumanity and KÀ about being on call, doing the shows
in rotation. They still had their main guy at both, but they needed
someone to be in rotation. And I had to go in and audition, which was
kind of funny. Because the bandleader was like, Why did you have to
audition? And I said, It's fine, I like to audition. I like being
fair. Because I did [only] percussion on Viva Elvis, the drummer
didn't know I played drum set. But I said, Yeah, I've been doing that
since I was a kid.
I always tell people I'm more of a percussionist then a drum set
player. It just so happened that the handful of jobs I've had with
Cirque I've done drum set or both. [Kurios] is the first full-time
show that I played just drums, because I wasnt full-time on Mystère
or Zumanity. [And on] Kooza and Viva Elvis I was just percussion. And
Corteo I played percussion and drum set.
So I auditioned for both Zumanity and KÀ. And they would only allow
me to work on one show, so I had to decide which one I wanted. Well,
Zumanity asked me first and it's a fun show, I love it. [In fact] as
soon as I go home on the 23rd, I'm going to go see it since it's just
been refreshed so I'm going to go catch it again.
So I was at Zumanity (from August 2012 to July 2013). And what
happened was [Senior Artistic Director at Mystère James Hadley] said,
We want Kit to come in and do this. So they contacted me and said,
We've already talked to the Artistic Manager and were going to make
it okay for you to do two shows at once and rotate. Which was great!
So I went into Zumanity and learned the show in a week. And then a few
days later I was on the rotation. Same thing with Mystère (where he
was in rotation from January to July 2013).
So for the next year,
I was pretty busy. I was doing a lot of
teaching. And then I started getting into the school system teaching
marching band, and several schools would have me write shows for them.
And I was also gigging with some side projects; in Vegas there is so
much music. Doing Cirque for so long, a clock-in clock-out show where
I have to show up at the theater at 5:30, the show starts at this time
and I leave [hours later]; it was nice to go back to the old school of
gigs at night, hustling my own gear, setting up, which took me back.
So I played a lot of casinos. I did a lot of jazz stuff that I hadn't
done in 15 years. I couldn't remember the names of the songs but the
singer would sing a couple of lines of lyrics and Id go, Oh yeah I
know that song. But I was pretty busy.
So I did that for a little bit, until I jumped on with Kooza. That
was nice; I was more of a family man, spending time with my wife and
my two kids, my dogs.
THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES STEALS FROM THE PUZZLE BOX
-----------------------------------------------------
Kit eventually moved away from the comforts of home (and multiple, if
temporary, jobs) in favor of a full-time touring gig, this time with
Kooza. In July 2013 I signed on for Kooza and went to Montréal for
two weeks to do training. I was only with Kooza for a very short
period of time July 2013 and ending in January 2014.
I had just signed my signing papers for Kooza. (Usually you sign a
piece of paper that says youre going to do a show, then sign the
official [detailed] documents later.) And not even a month later I get
a call from Casting - I look at my phone and see it's a call from
Cirque du Soleil and I'm thinking, That's weird. [The voice said]
Hey Kit, this is Claude Vendette. He's music casting (a talent scout
specializing in finding musicians). And I was like, Hey man what's
going on, why are you calling me? They want you for Kurios (which
was then called Cirque 2014). And I had just signed for Kooza and
hadn't even left yet. Do I have to audition? No, you've got the
gig.
It took more than one phone call though. What definitely made me take
the gig was when Michel (Laprise, Kurios Director) called and we
[spent] an hour and a half just talking about the show. He was at home
chilling, showing me all this stuff, and I was getting excited. And so
I signed my contract for Kurios the same day I signed my contract for
Kooza.
Kurios brought me in in November 2013 for a couple of weeks of
creation, and then later for another week. We had workshops that I
would come in on. We were just brainstorming with the composer and
Michel. It was kind of tough because I did 10 weeks in Russia (with
Kooza till early November 2013), then I was in Montréal (for Kurios
creation), then I was in Paris (back with Kooza around November 20,
2013). Trying to squeeze time in with my wife as well, that was kind
of tough.
The music for the show, with its quirky steampunk esthetic, was mostly
composed by French composer Raphaël Beau (www.raphaelbeau-
compositeur.com). However, a third of the compositions to make it to
the CD were written by frequent Cirque collaborators Bob & Bill (Guy
Dubuc and Marc Lessard, bobandbill.net). And, as it often is, it was a
matter of time. [For Kurios] Bob and Bill were brought in, there were
a lot of changes and they needed music pronto and they're really good
at doing quick. We needed stuff quickly, [we only had] a month-and-a-
half before the show was supposed to open. That's a lot to ask of one
person when you're trying to change and adapt things. If it was me I
would be stressed out, I would be crazy. It actually worked really
well.
Most of it is still Raphaël Beau, who is an amazing person; he has a
huge heart, super great, super nice. And the two components worked
really well together. It's always strange being a musician working
with multiple people in control, you don't know how that chemistrys
going to be, but it was super smooth, super cool.
This being his third creation process, how did it go? Time-wise we
had the same amount of time. I was brought in in December 2013 because
of the Juggling Chaos act, the first number (Steampunk Telegram on
the CD). And the musicians came almost a month later, in January 2014.
I came to Montréal from Paris something like January 4 and they were
there on the 24th.
[But] I would say the amount we worked in this show is more than we
did in Corteo. And I think a lot of it had to do with the
circumstances of the music already written or things that we needed to
change. We came in January and by the first week of March we were in
the tent. That's when we started to have longer days.
When we were working in the studio we could just walk across the
street and we'd be home. And our hours were pretty flexible when we
were working on music, so we had a lot of freedom with that. The
composers were off writing so they werent around that much. Corteo
was the same way. With Viva Elvis they were with us a lot because a
lot of it had already been pre-done. A lot of [a composers degree of
interaction] has to do with the situation, the time frame, and what is
going on.
The amount of work for [Kurios] involved long hours but it was very
well thought out. The thing with Michel was he knew what he wanted and
what he expected and so he put a lot of time into that. This is a
crucial reason why we didn't have [much of] a fixation; ours was four
days. The show was already set up ahead of any other show, so there
were not many changes at all. And even during the four days of
fixation it was very minor things. So the show you're seeing tonight
is not very much different from what it was in Montréal, which is
very, very rare. Out of the three creations I've done this is the one
that has been the furthest ahead at this point in time compared to all
the others. I'm happy to be part of a show that was off to a good
start from the beginning.
* * *
Next time, in Part Three, Kit discusses creating his role in Kurios,
the challenges of being a full-time musician and his words of
encouragement for young musicians. And that inspirational Fred Astaire
clip.
------------------------------------------------------------
LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission
PART 2 of 8: "Training Kicks Up a Notch"
By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
------------------------------------------------------------
Six years ago, on September 30, 2009, a civilian became a spaceflight
participant aboard Soyuz TMA-16, a manned flight from the Baikonur
Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to and from the International Space Station
(ISS). Joining two members of the Expedition 21 crew - Russian
cosmonaut Maksim Surayev (Commander, from the Russian Federal Space
Agency, FSA) and NASA Astronaut Jeffery Williams (Flight Engineer)
was Guy Laliberté, who paid approximately $35 million USD for his seat
through the American firm Space Adventures, becoming the first
Canadian space tourist in the process. Besides fulfilling a life-long
dream, Lalibertés spaceflight was dedicated to raising awareness on
water issues facing humankind on planet Earth, making his spaceflight
the first in his words poetic social mission in space. And much
of this experience was captured on film and recently spun into a
feature-length documentary entitled TOUCH THE SKY. While the
documentary is a compelling visual look into the experience, the
adventure was also captured by Laliberté himself in the form of an
online journal.
At the time these events were originally taking place, we here at
Fascination were more concerned with the happenings here on Earth
with BELIEVE, ZAIA, ZED, OVO, VIVA ELVIS, and BANANA SHPEEL so we
didnt give much thought to this endeavor. However, thanks to the
recently discovered documentary (the aforementioned TOUCH THE SKY), we
recently re-discovered a text-copy of this journal in our archives,
which allows us to explore this extraordinary time in Cirque du
Soleils history in more detail. Thus in this series well be taking a
look back at Guys Poetic Social Mission through his eyes, from the
journal, in monthly installments, taking you through the initial steps
Guy undertook all the way through to the launch and landing. Last
month we looked at the first steps in Guys adventure in The
Countdown Begins. Now we continue our adventure as Guy gets settled
in, passes a few tests, and continues his accelerated training
routine
* * *
POST 9 | DAY 47 - June 04, 2009
PRESS CONFERENCE REVEALS GUY LALIBERTÉS POETIC SOCIAL MISSION
The Canadian and Russian space agencies hosted a simulcast press
conference from Saint-Hubert, in Canada and Star City, in Russia to
announce that Guy LalibertéFounder of Cirque du Soleil and the ONE
DROP Foundation had begun training for a groundbreaking visit to the
International Space Station (ISS): a Poetic Social Mission in Space on
behalf of the ONE DROP Foundation and its dream of "Water for all, all
for water."
Speaking from the Yuri Gagarin Russian State Science Research
Cosmonauts Training Centre located in Star City, Laliberté explained
his mission to media in both countries. His mission in space will
include the sharing of information about water-related issues with the
world. Messages transmitted from the ISS will also raise awareness of
the goals pursued by ONE DROP.
While Lalibertés 12-day stay aboard the ISS will mark the first
social/humanitarian mission in space, he will become Canadas first
private explorer to visit the Station. The Soyuz TMA-16 rocket that
will carry Laliberté and Expedition 21 crew members to the ISS is
scheduled for launch September 30, 2009.
* * *
POST 10 | DAY 51 - June 08, 2009
PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT MY POETIC SOCIAL MISSION
Today Im announcing my Poetic Social Mission, and everyones really
excited! Despite the intense Moscow traffic thats slowing us down,
preparations are moving along nicely. This supposedly short trip of
just a few kilometres seems to take an eternity and my adrenalin is
starting to pump.
I have to stay back in another room before the conference starts, so
Im pleasantly surprised to see that the press hall is pretty full
when I come in. Cameras, correspondents from major news organizations,
hardly an empty seat in sightits more than I was expecting! Once
seated, I realize that I can see the live press conference feed in St.
Hubert and it seems like a full house over there. I have a brief
moment of anxiety, but it passes. I just want to make sure I get my
message across and dont forget anythingtheres so much to say! But
everything goes fine and, by the end, I feel the mission has been
accomplished.
After the conference, I have some one-on-one interviews, photo
sessions and a satellite conference with St. Hubertten whirlwind
hours, but absolutely gratifying! Later, Renée-Claude Ménard (my
Senior Public Relations Director) and I eagerly hook up to the
Internet on my computer to find out how the news is going down.
Overall, the comments seem to be going the way we had hoped, and were
proud that we managed to get our message across.
After talking it over, my team and I come to the conclusion that its
the best press coverage Cirque du Soleil has had in its 25 years! In
terms of publicity, has this set the bar for the launch of our next
show?
Of course, after a day like today, forget about sleeping! It isnt
until after 5:00 a.m. that my eyes finally close for a few hours of
rest and some bizarre dreams about rocket ships. :-P
The nextday (Friday, June 5th) is another big day, and I continue to
receive lots of positive feedback. When we got to Moscow on Wednesday
(June 3rd), I promised that wed all go to a traditional Russian sauna
if everything went well at the press conference. So, a few members of
the Space Adventures-Russia team, my commander Maxim, my astronaut
friend Scott and I head out to the banya.
The banya is a wet sauna in which you smack yourself (not too hard!)
with a venik (a bouquet of birch branches and leaves) to improve
your blood circulation. When the heat gets too intense, you get under
a cold shower for a little thermal shock. Its quite a jolt, but the
alternation of hot and cold is highly beneficialit rids the body of
toxins.
After about two hours in the banya, we hang around for a very nice
supper washed down with just a smidgen of vodkaas Russian tradition
dictates! Its a well-deserved celebration in the company of veteran
space adventurers spinning their far-out tales.
I spend Saturday and Sunday in my hotel room coming back down to
earthwatching movies, getting on top of some business, catching up on
my email and listening to music. Ahh. . . so relaxing!
As I write this, it is Sunday evening and Im back in Star City, ready
for four days of training before I return to see my family on Thursday
and join the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Cirque du
Soleil. I cant wait!
* * *
POST 11 | DAY 54 - June 11, 2009
CANT WAIT TO BE ON MY WAY BACK TO QUEBEC!
After meeting my commander, Maxim, I had the pleasure of getting to
know my engineer, American astronaut Jeffrey Williams. In fact, the
day before I left Russia (on June 10), Jeffrey was having a little
dinner party at his Star City cottage, so I went over to say hello. We
had time to chat for about 15 minutes before a thunderstorm came
crashing downthere must have been something in the air! So we each
went back to our own affairs: Jeffrey to his guests, and I to my
conference calls with Montreal.
On June 11, in addition to my training, I had an exam on the Soyuz TMA
communication system. To be sure to ace the exam, Barbara and I
studied under the shade of a tree before heading off to class. When I
got the results, I felt as proud as when I passed a math test in high
school!
And then we were off! We took all of our bags and jumped into the car,
en route to the airport. As usual, the traffic was heavy, so our
driver drove on the shoulder to make sure we got there in time for
take-off. Wow, what a rush!
* * *
POST 12 | DAY 64 - June 21, 2009
REUNIONS, CELEBRATIONS AND EXCITEMENT: WHAT A CIRCUS!
Back to the office. Talking about the direction for the poem with my
old pal Claude Péloquin. He shares a few awe-inspiring lines with me.
Claude has been inundated by media requests since June 4th, and he
tells me that some of his old girlfriends have got in touch to tell
him hes still pretty cool!
On June 11, we landed late in Montreal, but my fatigue was soon
replaced by joy when I saw my children and my love. . . and then got
to sleep in my own bed! I dozed off while mentally preparing for the
crazy week ahead.
The next morning was a whirlwind of meetings: a presentation on
production concepts; a meeting with Claude Péloquin, the poet who is
helping me write the poem for my mission; a project follow-up with my
whole team; and so on. It was like an obstacle course where I had to
run from one meeting to another, not to mention personal appointments
(dentist, osteopath, etc.)!
The highlight of my day was the surprise the staff at CDS (Cirque du
Soleil) headquarters had prepared for me to mark our 25th anniversary.
Forming a guard of honour, they escorted me as I revisited my cirque
and its history. I was deeply moved and so happy to see everyones
support. This was followed by a party, where everyone celebrated
heartily (like true Cirquesters)!
On the weekend, it was a whole other kind of celebration with some
adorable little monsters: my children! My family and I went to see OVO
and then on to the fireworks; I dropped my oldest daughter off at her
prom and went to see my other daughters dance showthings that feel
good and leave me filled with love and pride.
Another highlight this week was my trip to Gaspé. The Quebec spirit
was instantly palpable: I felt right at home. Ive always said that
there should be more clown noses in life. . . and now, some 1,500 of
them were all around me! It was heart-warming. I got goose bumps. They
were really great.
That same day (June 16, the official birthday of Cirque du Soleil), I
hopped onto a plane to get back to CDS headquarters, strap on my
stilts and join my group for the Guinness World Record attempt at the
most people walking 100 metres on stilts. As the old saying goes, the
more the merrier!
On Wednesday, it was my loves birthday. We took the kids downtown to
watch her model at the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival. Man, she
is so beautiful (and so many other things, too). I love her so much!
Then we went to the No Doubt concert and took full advantage of our
night out together. I was so happy to be there on this special day.
On Thursday, it was my night out with the boys for a poker game! I
dont know if this will be the last one before my blast-off, but
either way, I enjoyed every minute of it! Its not just about the game
itself; its the whole feeling of camaraderie that I like.
On Friday, I watched old Super 8 movies with my parents and my oldest
daughter. Its so special to see yourself as a little boy and hear
your parents stories about your childhood. It was a magical moment
that made me realize just how lucky I am to have them. During the
week, I spoke to my friend Julie Payette just one hour after her take-
off was cancelled. Shes such a great gal. She is so generous with her
time and advice. I really value her support. She told me about her
feelings and how happy she was to be able to see and kiss her children
again. I invited her over for a family dinner.
On Saturday, I was sad to have to leave my cocoon, but happy to be
getting back to work on my mission. Claudia and I had some friends
over for a formal birthday celebration for her and our baby as well as
for Fathers Day. The kids loved it, and it gave me the opportunity to
see my friends again before taking off.
Before leaving, I wanted to send a message to my peoplethe people of
Quebecto tell them how much I love them and thank them for all the
support and encouragement they have given me in my life and especially
this week. So I wrote them a little letter.
Sniff, sniff. . . A few hours later, it was time to head back to
Moscow: time flies when youre having fun!
Now Im back in my little room in Star City with framed pictures,
carefully wrapped and packed in my luggage, of my sweetheart and my
children.
* * *
POST 13 | DAY 87 - June 23, 2009
A GUIDED TOUR OF MY 3 1/2
I realize that I never did give you the grand tour of my humble abode
in Star City (the equivalent of a large 3 1/2 i.e. about 600 square
feet)! Come on in! This is my living room / office, where I set up my
work station. The computer on the right is for my musicI organize my
songs on iTunes to relax. I also use it to keep in touch with the
media back home in Montreal (newspapers, newscasts, etc.). I use the
one in the middle to catalogue my photos and my Dictaphone recordings.
And finally, I use the computer on the left to stay in touch with my
loved ones and people from work through Skype... and for playing poker
and watching DVDs whenever I get the chance!
* * *
POST 14 | DAY 88 - June 24, 2009
TMA-16 LOGO UNVEILED
I really like this logo, especially the fact that it was designed by a
child. Im also very appreciative that it incorporates the water drop
symbol for my ONE DROP Foundation.
The FSA, Russias Federal Space Agency, has confirmed the logo of the
TMA-16 mission that will be flying me into space! The tradition is for
children to submit their designs for selection. For the TMA-16, the
winning entry was from Nastya Mestyashova, a 14-year-old girl from the
Orenburg region of Russia.
The central motif of the emblem is a cosmonaut with three big stars (a
dark blue one for Jeffrey Williams of NASA, a light blue one for me
and a red one for Maxim Surayev). The flags of our three countries are
also represented.
The designs at the top right of the logo represent the Universe and
life on Earth. The cradle of mankind, the missions origin, is
represented by a plant that gradually transforms into the rocket
contrail and then into the spaceship itself as it heads off to the
International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is evoked in the logo by a
nine-pointed golden star, which references the nine crew members who
will be on board the station once TMA-16 docks with it.
The plant and the rocket contrail combine to form the number 16, which
is the number of our mission. In the background, the Earth is shown
with the typical grid lines used in previous Soviet and Russian logos,
to commemorate erstwhile heroes on Vostok, Voshkod and Soyuz flights.
There is a Roscosmos symbol at the top of the globe, amid the
organizations responsible for the flight and as a nod to Commander
Surayev. The names Williams and Laliberté are accompanied by the logos
of NASA and the ONE DROP Foundation. There is also a little red star
and a little blue one for the safe return of Maxim and Jeffrey, who
will be coming back to Earth aboard Soyuz TMA-16, but only in March
2010.
Maxim Surayev, it should be noted, also had a hand in designing this
logo.
* * *
POST 15 | DAY 89 - June 25, 2009
TRAINING AT STAR CITY KICKS UP A NOTCH
On my return to Star City on Sunday, June 21, I received a somewhat
unexpected 'welcome back' gift... Looking at my schedule for the
week, I noticed that I would be doing nine to twelve hours of studying
and training each day! Was this payback for the week off Id spent in
Montreal? :-P
Early the next morning, I unpacked and prepared myself mentally for
the week ahead. My day started with the EGN, where I learned about the
basics of personal hygiene in space (toiletries, clothing, etc.) and
chose my wardrobe for my stay in the Station.
In space, I will have:
o) My flight suit
o) Three pairs of socks
o) Three pairs of underwear
o) One polo shirt
o) One pair of short pants
Looking at this array of very trendy clothes, I was no closer to
finding an answer to my question of whether it would be cold as a
Montreal winter or hot as a Hawaiian beach up there.
Next came my Russian class, where I felt my good humour wane a little
was this my week in Montreal catching up with me or fatigue with the
upcoming trip? I dont know, but the fact is that I lost patience with
learning yet more Russian verbs and conjugations rather than words
that might actually be useful to me in space! The program seems to be
designed for learning Russian over a longer period than the five short
months I have. I would have preferred to simply be able to read what
it says on my food containers (so I dont have to ask my commander
every time) and know some basic words that I could use to make myself
understood if necessary. Oh well, its the only thing on my schedule
that I find hard and a little frustrating.
After my long day at school, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a
first draft of the poem by Claude Péloquin. Water seems to inspire him
as much as it does meits such a powerful symbol! Without water,
there is no life. No birth; only death. Water is to life what blood is
to human beings. Thinking it over, I realized that without water,
there wouldnt be blood either. My creative cells were still firing on
all cylinders when it was time for bed!
* * *
POST 16 | DAY 90 - June 26, 2009
FROM THE CANDY STORE TO THE CARROT PILL!
I spent the morning of June 23 reading and learning all about docking
systems; it was great, I felt like a little kid in a candy store!
This part of the course explained the docking of the Soyuz at the
International Space Station (ISS). Everything is done automatically
and I wont have to lift a finger, but I attended for my own personal
understanding. The backup system is manual and will be handled by
Maxim and Jeffrey.
Then it was time for my class on the life support system, which is one
of the most important things I have to learn. We studied the
oxygenation system, then how to take care of personal hygiene
requirements in space, how to use the space suit, etc.
It was pretty riveting, important stuff, and the teaching manual for
this part has the most pages. Its far from being relaxing bedtime
reading, but Im covering a lot of fascinating material.
At the end of my study day, I had a Skype meeting with Claude Péloquin
and Fernand Rainville. Fernand is the co-director of the poetic event
for my Social Mission in space. Hes a good guy who worked on our
Wintuk show in New York. He also co-directed Saka, my friend Gilles
Ste-Croixs equestrian show. Furthermore, he directed AQUA, a sensory
experience created by the ONE DROP Foundation to raise public
awareness regarding water-related issues and inspire people to commit
to the cause. He is therefore a well-integrated member of the Cirque
du Soleil creative family and of the Foundation. It was an excellent
brainstorming session, and we set up another meeting for next week.
The next morning (June 24), I woke up feeling a little nostalgic. It
was Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, the national holiday of Quebecers, and
here I was in Russia. I would have liked to be in Quebec, especially
since I read in the media that it was pretty fun.
My day was mainly spent finalizing the meals I would be taking in
space, based on tastings that were done before I left for Montreal.
* * *
POST 17 | DAY 91 - June 27, 2009
HERE COMES THE WEEKEND!
We are starting to learn really important stuff, like the theory of
how the space suit works and how to use it, for instance how to secure
it in an emergency, depending on whether were landing in water or on
terra firma. Im paying very close attention not only because this is
essential knowledge, but also because I find it absolutely
fascinating.
In the early evening of June 25, I had a phone conference with
everyone on the Mission team. We hold a meeting once a week to make
sure everything is going as planned. For instance, we discuss the
payload, the launch, preparations, our (very tight) deadlines, and so
on.
The following day would be the last day of the school week! Hooray! I
couldnt wait to get to Ibiza, where I was going to spend the weekend
with my love and our kids. I was also taking along the members of my
crew for a change of scenery, and we were all ecstatic in anticipation
of seeing the sun again!
After my turn on the flight simulator, we set off in a hurry so wed
get to Ibiza as soon as possible!
* * *
POST 18 | DAY 94 - June 30, 2009
AFTER THE RAIN COMES SUN
Friday, we arrived in Ibiza in late evening, in time for supper. This
made me really happy, because I was able to see my kids, who were
still up (as was my love!). I was finally taking my first real days
off since arriving in Russia on May 10, and I planned to enjoy them to
the hilt!
Saturday morning, I was still in my routine of 45 hours of sleep a
night, so I got up before everyone else and swam a few laps in the
pool to stay in shape. I find that my program doesnt include enough
time for working out. All the astronauts and cosmonauts Ive spoken to
have emphasized the importance of being in shape to facilitate the
bodys adaptation to weightlessness. I therefore decided to work at it
myselfand in a place like Ibiza, it hardly feels like work at all!
During the day, we went to the hippie market, which has been around
for some 30 years and is full of artists and craftspeople. I felt like
I was reliving my travel adventures of the 1970s.
We ate very well the entire weekend, thanks to my two excellent chefs
(hard on the waistline, though)! The weekend wrapped up with a great
Argentinean barbecue and a few bottles of good wine. I left my family
with a heavy heart, but nevertheless stimulated by the thought of
continuing my adventure.
# # #
TO BE CONTINUED...
Next month well continue with Getting My Hands Dirty (July 2009),
From Training to Reality (August 2009), T-30 Days and Counting!
(September 2009, Pt 1), Departure for Baikonur (September 2009, Pt
2), Moving Stars and Earth for Water (On Orbit), and finishing up
with Back on Earth Mission Success!
Stay tuned!
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 15, Number 10 (Issue #141) - October 2015
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c)
2001-2015 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a
subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter
can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or
translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By
sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise
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submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter."
"Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du
Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and
are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and
Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright
infringement intended.
{ Oct.06.2015 }
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