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Fascination Issue 180
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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 19, NUMBER 1 January 2019 ISSUE #180
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Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque
du Soleil Newsletter. Let's jump right in...
* * * SOME CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER * * *
On December 25th, Mystère celebrated its 25th anniversary. And in
celebration of reaching this fantastic milestone, Cirque is launching
a new VIP experience called "In the Wings", a rather exciting exper-
ience you can read a more about a little further down!
On December 28th, Kooza announced they were the best-selling show in
Korea for the year! "Cheers to all 190,000 ecstatic spectators and
thank you for being so amazing!" This is fantastic news! And...
On January 1st, Kurios celebrated a milestone: "After just eleven
months and three cities weve welcomed one million guests in Japan!
We are speechless so well just say thank you with big smiles and
an even BIGGER sign! Arigatou gozaimasu!" - WOW!
* * * ALEGRIA: THE RETURN OF AN ICON - MAKES A SPLASH * * *
In the week leading up to press time Alegría's social media pages
have been abuzz with activity. First, with a brand new video (a TV
commercial) for the new tour launching in April, which you can see
here: https://www.facebook.com/Alegria/videos/274839910051973/. But
also a surprise release of the re-imagined "Vai Vedrai" song from
the show, which you can find in a variety of places:
o) YouTube: https://youtu.be/kOHKVTUmups
o) iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/vai-vedrai/1448428052
o) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4swKt6MfKPuI4TOPesIAgJ
New costumes, new music, new tour. Alegría: The Return of an icon
makes its debut under the big top in the Old Port of Montreal on
April 18, 2019!
* * * "DIVA" MAKES WAY FOR "REBEL" IN ANDORRA * * *
In July, Andorra will live to the beat of the thrilling new show from
Cirque du Soleil. REBEL, the new Cirque du Soleil show in Andorra, pays
tribute to icons of song through a soundtrack inspired by love, one of
the most often explored themes of music. Love, whether it be crazy,
frenetic, ephemeral, platonic, passionate, etc., is an indescribable
feeling but, one that has given shape to rhythms, melodies and lyrics
and created the most beautiful songs of all times. Watch the new
astonishing acrobatics and get carried away by the dramatic rhythms of
the songs that have been the soundtrack to our love stories. You will
understand that the world really does need love. REBEL will be per-
formed every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from
the 29th of June of the 27th of July 2019, with a final show on Sunday
the 28th. The 60-minute show will start at 22:00 and there will be a
pre-event activity. The covered venue will be located at the Parc
Central in the Andorra la Vella city centre, with capacity for 5,000
people. For more information visit: https://rebel.visitandorra.com/en/
* * * "IN THE WINGS" - MYSTERE'S NEW VIP EXPERIENCE * * *
"In the Wings" at Mystère joins the "KA VIP Imperial Experience",
"Toast to LOVE", and "Le Grande VIP Expérience" at «O» for premium,
up-scale experiences at your favorite Cirque du Soleil shows in Las
Vegas. Each show offers something a little different, and "In the
Wings" is no exception. The "In the Wings" VIP experience offers
guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of Mystère. Here's
what you get...
o) Pre-Show Cocktail - Enjoy an exciting pre-show experience with
cocktails and good company.
o) Exclusive access - get early theater access to enjoy exclusive
time with the artists from Mystère. You will also participate
to the finale high-five moment with the cast.
o) Exclusive Meet-and-Greet - Meet with the cast of Mystère during
an exclusive meet-and-greet!
o) Premium Seats - Enjoy a VIP seating and get the exclusive "in
the Wings" view from the stage.
o) Champagne - Sip on a glass of champagne while enjoying the
performance.
o) Gifts - Receive a commemorative photograph
How much? Right now the Mystère VIP Experience is priced at $271.41
base ticket with a $17.95 convenience fee and a $5.00 electronic ticket
fee. And it's only available at the 7:00pm show. Seating appears to be
Section 103, Row H, which is not what I would consider a VIP location,
however, your mileage may vary. Check out the experience here:
https://www.facebook.com/Mystere/videos/1705508439555548/. Either way,
this is an exciting opportunity for any fan. I wish I could go take
advantage of this now!
* * * LEAD ROLES IN "PARAMOUR: DAS MUSICAL" REVEALED * * *
On April 5, 2019, Cirque du Soleil's PARAMOUR will grace the stage of
Hamburg's Stage Theater New Flora. In addition to the Atherton Twins
(who on January 3rd posted a clip of their final performance in VOLTA,
which you can see here: https://www.facebook.com/AthertonTwinsArtists/
videos/2264055990280560/), you'll find the following three talents
taking the lead roles in the musical:
Anton Zetterholm (Joey) - Anton Zetterholm is one of the best-known
musical actors in the German-speaking world. In 2008 ,he was personally
selected by Phil Collins for the lead role of Tarzan in the SAT1 talent
show "Me Tarzan, Du Jane". He then appeared as Fiyero (Wicked), as
Alfred (Dance of the Vampires) and as Crown Prince Rudolf (Elisabeth)
on stage. In 2013, he made his West End debut in Les Misérables in
London. In 2015, he was juror in the Pro7 / Sat1 show Got To Dance.
Most recently, he returned to his homeland in the Swedish revival of
The Phantom of the Opera as Raoul de Chagny, where he had once started
his ballet training.
Vajèn van den Bosch (Indigo) - Vajèn van den Bosch played smaller
supporting roles in musicals as a child. Her first major role was at
the age of 16 in The Sound of Music. It was followed by roles such as
Sandy (Grease), Princess Tessa in the musical De Gelaarsde Kat or the
lead role of Gloria Estefan in the STAGE ENTERTAINMENT production
Musical on your Feet. In addition, the Dutch and The Voice Kids
finalist (2012) is successful as a singer and in TV and film.
Pasquale Aleardi (AJ) - Pasquale Aleardiis one of Germany's most sought
after actors. So you know him as Commissioner Dupin from the eponymous
crime series in the ARD, from major productions such as "Gotthard", or
as a father in "The Puberty" and from movies such as "Men's Heart",
"What a man" or "honey in the head ". International attention he found,
among others, the side of Milla Jovovich in the movie "Resident Evil".
Besides the drama, music is his passion. He regularly thrills the
audience with his band "Aleardi and the Phonauts". In 2015, he took on
the Broadway in New York and then in Stuttgart as a guest star the main
role of the lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago.
Tickets are on sale now. Get them here! (Warning, page in German only...)
https://www.stage-entertainment.de/musicals-shows/hamburg/paramour/
preise-infos/preise-infos.html
Okay, so let's go!
/----------------------------------------------------\
| |
| Join us on the web at: |
| < www.cirquefascination.com > |
| |
| Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): |
| < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > |
| |
\----------------------------------------------------/
- Ricky "Richasi" Russo
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CONTENTS
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o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings
* La Presse -- General News & Highlights
* Q&A -- Quick Chats & Press Interviews
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
* Webseries -- Official Online Featurettes
* Videos -- Official Peeks & Noted Fan Finds
o) Fascination! Features
* "The Eclectic Lab Makes it's Debut in India"
Special: BAZZAR in the Presse
* Jean David's Quel Cirque, Part 1/12: "The Early Years"
A Special Series Celebrating Cirque's 35th Anniversary
o) Copyright & Disclaimer
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CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS
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***************************************************************
LA PRESSE -- General News & Highlights
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MSC Reveals New Cirque at Sea Shows for MSC Bellissima
{Dec.05.2018}
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MSC Cruises has revealed today details of the two new Cirque du Soleil
at Sea shows that are being created specifically for MSC Bellissima.
The breath-taking shows will be called SYMA Sail beyond Imagination
and VARÉLIA Love in Full Color and will be available exclusively to
MSC Bellissima guests, following her launch in March 2019.
The long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and Cirque du Soleil
first began in 2013 and has since set new standards in live
entertainment at sea. The partnership, in total, will result in eight
original shows that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world,
exclusively on MSC Cruises' Meraviglia generation ships coming into
service between 2017 and 2020. MSC Meraviglia was the first ship to
debut the new Cirque du Soleil at Sea concept with the launch of the
two shows VIAGGIO and SONOR last June. Work is already underway for
MSC Grandiosa, launching in November 2019, and MSC Virtuosa, launching
October 2020.
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises' Executive Chairman commented, "The
partnership with Cirque du Soleil is truly special. With the creation
of Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring our guests the very best
in onboard live entertainment and more importantly something that they
would not be able to see anywhere else in the world. As a family
company, all of our strategic partnerships are built on shared values
and a shared vision a true collaboration from beginning to end. With
Cirque du Soleil at Sea we wanted to bring yet more innovation to our
entertainment offering, and this began with the bespoke design and
construction of the state-of-the-art entertainment lounge the only
such venue at sea through to the creative development of the shows,
where we are involved every step of the way from early conception
right through to final delivery of the shows."
Yasmine Khalil, Chief Executive Producer, Cirque du Soleil &
President, 45 DEGREES stated, "We are thrilled to embark on our second
MSC Cruises ship as we pursue Cirque du Soleil's journey at sea. We
could not have wished for a better partnership where thanks to the
purposely built theater, the Carousel Lounge, our teams can unleash
their creativity and continue to push the boundaries of entertainment
at sea. Joining VIAGGIO and SONOR, our first two shows on MSC
Meraviglia, Cirque du Soleil continues to reinvent itself through an
intimate theater experience, where two new shows are created
exclusively for MSC Bellissima which promise to take MSC Cruises'
guests on an entirely new journey. We look forward to revealing some
of the details of these 2 new shows."
TWO ORIGINAL SHOWS TO SURPRISE AND DELIGHT MSC BELLISSIMA GUESTS
Mr Vago continued, "It is really quite incredible that we will develop
together eight original shows, two for each of the initial four
Meraviglia class ships. Every element of each show is unique from the
concept and storyline, the characters, the costumes and make-up
through to the music, staging and sound effects. This is unparalleled
within the cruise industry and means that guests are able to
experience original, truly distinct and spectacular Cirque du Soleil
at Sea shows only on board our Meraviglia generation ships."
SYMA Sail Beyond Imagination takes viewers on the epic journey of a
young sailor, brimming with imagination. On this bold expedition, he
braves the elements, plunges into troubled waters and discovers the
mysterious island of his dreams, populated by surreal, and colorful
creatures. We all carry our own imaginary island inside of us, so what
are you waiting for? SYMA awaits. Immersive video images, an original
set design, bioluminescent lighting and acrobatic feats make SYMA an
unforgettable show.
VARÉLIA Love in Full Color puts a futuristic twist on a traditional
medieval tale. It traces the arduous course of an unconventional
courtship between a princess with distinctive violet skin and a
charming hero who is blind. Their budding romance is thwarted by a
villain who, in a fit of madness, kidnaps the royal. With the help of
his friends, the brave young hero formulates a plan to rescue his
beloved. Delight in the acrobatic feats, the laser show and the unique
set design of this futuristic medieval tale.
STATE-OF-THE-ART ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Carousel Lounge is a purpose-built entertainment venue hosting
just over 400 guests each night and specially designed for the needs
of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea artists. Creating an immersive and
intimate spectacle for MSC Cruises guests, the space allows viewers to
fully connect with the artists. With an investment of 20 million each
(approx. $22.7MM USD), the lounge features state-of-the-art technology
and high specification technical features to deliver an exceptional
and memorable entertainment experience for guests. The 360° rotating
stage is set in the middle of the lounge with seating all around to
maximize the viewing experience.
The central stage also rotates, meaning guests can see the action from
different angles during every performance. Another important element
to the impressive stage layout is a 131-ft.-long LED screen, which is
integral to each show and creates an immersive performance. Cirque du
Soleil performances are renowned for their aerial acts, and special
rigging has been developed on board to enable the artists to perform
their impressive aerial acrobatics. The shows on board MSC Bellissima
will feature additional new and exciting special effects and features.
Positioned at the aft of the ship on deck 7, the Carousel Lounge
offers stunning views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy the beautiful
views and pre-show entertainment while having dinner or sipping a
cocktail before the performance starts.
FINAL PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
The artists for the new shows have now been cast and, after training
at Cirque du Soleil Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, the team will
soon embark on board MSC Bellissima where final preparations will be
underway. All of the artists have been carefully selected for their
special performance skills and the specific needs of the two shows.
The performers have also been trained to the high standards required
of Cirque du Soleil performers.
BOOKING INFORMATION
Cirque du Soleil at Sea is a pre-booked experience for guests with
competitive rates and can be booked in advance, or on board during the
cruise, if availability allows. Guests can either book to enjoy a
three-course menu of palate-pleasing dishes served before the show
($39). Or sip on a specialty cocktail ($17) and enjoy the pre-show
that begins 30 minutes before the start of the Cirque du Soleil at Sea
performance.
{ SOURCE: MSC Cruises }
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Famed Moscow Circus Cracks The Whip at The Cirque
{Dec.21.2018}
-------------------------------------------------------
Money, sanctions, and the Kremlin are getting mixed up with tigers,
acrobats, and monkeys to create a new circus in Russia, but its not
getting many laughs, oohs, or aahs. The Moscow State Circus a
beloved Russian institution whose decades of performances have
included bicycling bears, lion tamers, clowns, and trapeze artists
is worried. More specifically, its Edgard Zapashny, the circuss
general director, who is fretting.
His concern? Competition from the West.
At a Kremlin meeting on December 15, Zapashny alleged that the famed
Canadian troupe, Cirque du Soleil, was seeking to undermine the Moscow
circus by angling to build a facility in Moscow for performances and
training. At the meeting which was chaired by President Vladimir
Putin and included prominent figures from Russias cultural and
artistic community Zapashny complained to Putin about rising costs
for his legendary circus, which had been slated for partial
privatization until 2007 when Putin signed a decree maintaining the
organization as a state-owned entity.
Zapashny, who is an animal trainer by profession, said he had no
problems with the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleils
traveling performances visiting Russia regularly. But the groups
proposal to build a dedicated facility on Moscows outskirts was too
much, particularly since his circus troupes havent been allowed to
make extended trips to Canada, he suggested, because of Western
economic sanctions imposed on Russia in recent years.
They dont let us come [and stay there]. Theyll say: Come on over,
do your work, thank you, then go home. And here we are, at a time
when Canada actively introduces sanctions against us, and we for some
reason remain hospitable, he said. No one stops them from coming
here with temporary shows. Theyve been coming here for more than 10
years now, Zapashny said. But the proposed permanent home in Moscow
will definitely have an adverse effect on Russian sports as well as
the Russian circus.
Zapashnys complaint elicited mild acceptance from Putin, who said he
was on Zapashnys side. Basically, this is a struggle for the market
and throwing the gates wide open [to other circuses] well, I dont
know, Putin said. Watching Cirque du Soleil perform in Russia, he
said, thats one thing, but giving them the opportunity to flourish
on our soil, on our territory, thats a completely different story.
My position is close to yours, Putin told Zapashny.
Zapashnys comments sparked an angry response from the developer of
the proposed facility, which is to be located at Skolkovo, a high-tech
business park just outside Moscows city limits. The Safmar Group,
which is owned by the billionaire developer Mikhail Gutseriyev, said
the new facility is not intended solely for Cirque du Soleil, but for
any performance or theatrical groups.
We did not invest and are not going to invest in the development of
the Canadian circus. Our relations with Cirque du Soleil are strictly
within the framework of a lease agreement and we intend to build
neither a dedicated site nor a circus school for Cirque du Soleil,
the company said in statement published on December 17. These
statements [by Zapashny] are nonsense that is, a complete fantasy by
the animal trainer Zapashny. Therefore, we consider Zapashnys
hallucinations to be brazen slander and an outright lie, it said.
Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal-based troupe whose death-defying
performances have turned it into a worldwide multimillion-dollar
entertainment giant, also issued a statement, denying it was seeking a
permanent home in Moscow and saying its only relationship with the
Safmar Group was as a tenant at the proposed facility. Dmitry Peskov,
the Kremlin spokesman, walked back Putins tepid support for the
Moscow State Circuss position on December 17. Saying that [the]
state should support our national circus would be absolutely
right
[but] to say that the state should create absolutely comfortable
conditions for our circus while somehow restricting the work of the
foreign ones that tour here would be wrong, he said.
The Moscow State Circuss woes are similar to what other circuses have
faced, namely growing competition from other forms of entertainment,
including Internet and video games. But big circuses have also come
under fire for the continued use of animals in their shows. One of the
oldest and most famous circuses in the world, the U.S.-based Ringling
Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, ended its operations last year,
citing a huge drop in ticket sales. But the circus which famously
billed itself as The greatest show on Earth had earlier phased out
the use of elephants in its acts after years of pressure and lawsuits
from animal rights groups who claimed the pachyderms were mistreated
or abused.
The Moscow circus has similar problems.
In 2013, a Russian rights group published a secret video on YouTube
that showed workers at the Moscow State Circus and two other famous
Russian circuses whipping and beating a kangaroo, several poodles, and
two monkeys. At the time, there was little reaction outside of the
small community of animal rights activists and no circus employees
were punished because of the incidents. But the growing number of
countries around the world that are restricting the use of animals in
circus performances is putting increased pressure on the Russian
circuses.
On December 19, the Russian lower house of parliament gave final
backing to legislation that forbids animal abuse. Its unclear how the
legislation will affect circus performances. In an interview on
December 18 with Current Time TV, a project of RFE/RL in cooperation
with VOA, Zapashny lashed out at animal rights activists. We are
being guided by pseudo-animal rights defenders and by animal nutjobs,
people who are, at best, mentally deficient, fanatics, extremists, he
said.
Cirque du Soleil, by contrast, uses no performing animals in its
shows.
{ SOURCE: Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty }
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Blue Man Group sells building at first Opportunity
{Dec.21.2018}
-------------------------------------------------------
Opportunity has knocked on the Blue Man Groups door.
The performance art companys property at 48 Clinton St. will be the
first in Manhattan to be sold to a Qualified Opportunity Fund in an
Opportunity Zone.
The small mixed-use building, with 5,467 square feet, sits on the
Lower East Side between Stanton and Rivington streets on the east side
of the block.
The buyer, Dr. Arani Bose, is the co-founder of the medical device
company Penumbra. Under Opportunity Zone rules, he will be investing a
gain from another investment vehicle and intends to redevelop the
building for his private foundation, the brokers said.
Michael F. DeCheser, Patrick Dugan, Mei Ling Wong, Andrew T. Berry and
Bryan Hurley of Cushman & Wakefield marketed the building for the
performance group, which was itself bought by Cirque du Soleil last
year.
The pricing was $988 per square foot, but its 4,653 square feet of
development rights can bump a new project to 10,120 square feet, so
the raw pricing drops to $534 per buildable square foot.
The four-story building has been owned by entities of the Blue Man
Group for a decade. There is a residential duplex upstairs with
terraces, while the lower two stories have served as a production and
recording studio.
The recording facility, LoHo Studios, has been used by Phish, Willie
Nelson, John Mayer, Joey Ramone, Phish, Patti Smith, Lindsay Lohan,
OAR, Art Garfunkel and Joan Jett.
Hurley said the property is located in one of just three small
Opportunity Zones on the Lower East Side. Since the new US law
designated such zones across the country, the pool of buyers for these
properties has widened to more than just real estate investors seeking
1031 tax-free exchange purchases.
We put up a sign in September and the buyer was walking by and called
off [of] the sign, said DeCheser.
According to Anchin CPAs Marc Wieder and Jeffrey Bowden, any seller
of a home, apartment, stock, collectible, art or business is able to
roll their gains into an Opportunity Zone project.
Over time, such an investment allows investors to both step up the tax
basis on the gain and defer the taxes.
Thats why investors are now pumped up about rolling gains into real
estate that can be redeveloped. DeCheser and Hurley are marketing
another Lower East Side Opportunity Zone property at 347 E. 4th St.
for $3.5 million. This is a commercial building thats a candidate for
a residential conversion and is now getting more investor interest,
DeCheser said.
{ SOURCE: New York Post }
-------------------------------------------------------
Daniel Lamarre & André Simard Appointed Order of Canada
{Dec.27.2018}
-------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is extremely proud of the
appointment of Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil
Entertainment Group, as Officer of the Order of Canada, and the
appointment of André Simard, retired Acrobatic Designer of Cirque du
Soleil, as Member of the Order of Canada.
For over 15 years now, Mr. Lamarre has been devoting his energy and
expertise to expand the visibility of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment
Group and its talents internationally by building one of the most
recognized Canadian brands in the world. He is also the mastermind
behind the rapid transformation that the company is currently
experiencing, as it evolves from a circus-based company to a true
leader in the entertainment industry. In his personal life, Daniel
Lamarre has been consistently involved in various charities that
benefit the arts and education, with a devotion that extends beyond
philanthropy. To this day, he contributes his heart and his expertise
in sundry capacities on various boards of directors. He has also used
his skills as a creator to found C2 Montreal, a one-of-a-kind
international business conference. For these reasons, and many more,
he fully deserves this prestigious honour which acknowledges his
remarkable achievements and his contribution to the country. The 4,000
employees of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group consider themselves
fortunate to be able to count on his continuous leadership.
The international entertainment company would also like to
congratulate André Simard for his distinguished appointment. Mr.
Simard completely revolutionized the world of aerial acrobatics, both
within Cirque du Soleil and throughout the world, thanks to his
technical contribution to a secure safety-line system and to the
development and promotion of the acrobatic silk. He also played an
important role in the success of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
as he was the Acrobatic Designer for over 15 of its hit shows.
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group would like to join the Governor
General in recognizing André Simards achievements and remarkable
devotion to the circus community.
{ SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil }
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Q&A -- Quick Chats & Press Interviews
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The Cirque star who found rejuvenation on Lamma Island
{Dec.15.2018}
-------------------------------------------------------
The atmosphere electric, the music soaring, each night Rose
Winebrenner took to the stage in front of a rapt audience. After 20
years hard work, the mezzo soprano had the lead role in Zaia, a
theatrical extravaganza by Cirque du Soleil in Macau.
Beginning in 2008, it was intended to run for a decade.
But after just four years the show was cancelled. Winebrenners dreams
were dashed; her life turned upside down.
In the depths of despondency, she retreated to Lamma Island in Hong
Kong, hoping for a new beginning. There, she found an artistic
environment that enabled her to reset, and a combination of
experiences that led her back to the stage.
Lamma has been integral in reinventing and rediscovering myself,
Winebrenner, who is in her late 40s, says. If Zaia hadnt taken its
last bow, I probably wouldnt have ever come here. It has affected me
profoundly, to the depths of my being.
Lying just 3km to the southwest of Hong Kong Island, Lamma is known
locally as one of the territorys most laid-back places to live.
Comprised largely of countryside and possessing no high-rise
buildings, the population stands at 5,900. No vehicles are allowed on
the island except for miniaturised emergency vans and a handful of
small trucks for construction materials: for this reason it is
considered safer and quieter than many parts of Hong Kong.
And, as life in urban Hong Kong grows ever more frenetic, the
attraction of Lamma has grown both for families, and those wanting to
prioritise peace over pace.
The curtain fell on Zaia for the last time on February 19, 2012,
Winebrenner remembered how someone had told her that if she ever
wanted to relax in Hong Kong, Lamma was the place.
She packed a suitcase and took a ferry to the city.
On Lamma, everything fell into place. I met musicians and artists who
immediately befriended me, asking me which village I lived in and how
long I had lived here, she recalls. They obviously thought I fit
in.
She found an affordable flat and settled into enjoying her
surroundings, from the sounds of nature, to Cantonese opera
performances, to the recordings of Indian musician Ravi Shankar. She
went back to creating music.
Fellow musician Michael Pantekoek, 45, a classical guitarist, producer
and music teacher from Canada, says the artistic environment is part
of the islands fabric.
Lammas definitely got more than its fair share of creative people.
The community is a large part of what has kept me here, says
Pantekoek, who has lived on the island for 11 years. The proximity to
nature, the hiking trails and beaches, the somewhat serene lifestyle
are a large part of it.
Ocean Lam, a Hong Kong DJ and a well-known fixture in Hong Kongs
electronic music scene, recognises this description.
I agree theres nowhere else in Hong Kong like Lamma, she says.
Theres no traffic, no car noise; its very natural. I think thats
why youll see musicians finding inspiration there.
Lam lives in the far busier Chai Wan district on Hong Kong Island, but
visits Lamma several times a year to enjoy the surroundings. Living in
urban Hong Kong, she says, reminds her of another of Lammas
qualities: the cost of rent, which she says will never reach Hong
Kong Island levels.
In 2017, the average cost of renting a 450 sq ft flat in Hong Kong
reached a record HK$15,900 (US$2,036) per month. According to James
Fisher of property agent Spacious, flats on Lamma cost considerably
less to rent, at between HK$8,000 and HK$10,000 for the same 450 sq
ft.
Thats materially lower than many places with similar commute times
to Central, Fisher says. The reason is commuters have only one option
when it comes to transport, the ferry.
But, to the island residents, that lack of choice is a price worth
paying. Its always been off the beaten path, Pantekoek says. That
makes it more reasonable in terms of living expenses.
More than that, he believes it is Lammas eclectic community that
makes it stand out and he is upbeat about the future.
If anything, the artistic community has grown since Ive been here,
he says. We have more people who are calling Lamma home who are
professional, full-time artists.
As well as a thriving music scene, the island has its own visual arts
organisations, such as the Lamma Art Collective, an art space in the
islands largest village, Yung Shue Wan. Lamma is also home to many of
Hong Kongs gallerists, who in recent years have seen a burgeoning of
the citys art trade.
Winebrenner suggests island life is not for everyone: drawbacks range
from incessantly barking dogs and jackhammers to stinging
centipedes in my bed, poisonous snakes, giant spiders and wild boars
on the trail, and feral packs of dogs with their poop.
But counterbalancing these, she says, are haunting birdsong, the
distant blare of foghorns, spontaneous jam sessions, breathtaking
sunsets, dragon dancers, cymbals and incense.
After five years, Winebrenner is now back on the road this time in
Italy, with Italian circus troop Le Cirque, performing in Alis, an
original show for which she has composed three new songs.
Im somehow magically back on stage, she says. Except that this
time, I am performing my own compositions for thousands of people and
learning Italian culture, music and language.
Id say my coming to Lamma Island to reinvent myself as a composer
and producer is working out.
{ SOURCE: South China Morning Post }
-------------------------------------------------------
What its really like to be part of the Cirque?
{Dec.20.2018}
-------------------------------------------------------
As [TOTEM] arrives in London, [Harpers Bazaar] spoke to three women
who work there and asked: What its really like to be part of the
Cirque du Soleil?
There arent many shows that keep you on the edge of your seat, make
you laugh and boast beautiful costumes, but Cirque du Soleils TOTEM
does just that. It tells the story of the human species, from our
original amphibian state up to modern man. The characters evolve on a
stage, telling the story through performance, costume and an
incredible stage set.
To celebrate the show coming to the Royal Albert Hall in London in
January, we went backstage at the current show in Paris, to speak to
the women who really know what life in the circus is like.
Cirque is a very multi-cultural workplace
Learning to work with so many different people is a good challenge.
We all come from different backgrounds and cultures but, even within
cultures, there are so many different stories. You learn how to
address people and how you want to be addressed; sometimes you have to
tell people thats not OK and that has been a good challenge. We have
to learn to do those things. Esi Acquaah-Harrison, singer
Diets arent restrictive, but protein is key
My dance partner would never complain about what I eat or what I
weigh, so Im never going to have restrictions. Instead I eat what I
want, but I do remember to eat a lot of protein because of the intense
routines and exercise required. One thing I will never do is deprive
myself with what I eat, whether thats french fries or chocolate. I
listen to my body. Melanie Dupuis, trapeze performer
Theres more to the costumes than their appearance
Its our job to make sure that the artist feels safe and comfortable,
so that theyre ready to go on stage. They need to be fully focused on
their performance it must be the only thing thats inside their
head. We might do little things to help them, like fitting padded
protection on a hip or an arm inside their costumes, so they arent
worrying about whether their costume is right. Deborah Linden, Head
of wardrobe
Hair and make-up is more complicated than it seems
We have a lot of headpieces, so we use a lot of hair pins and grips.
Sometimes we braid the hair around the headpiece and then add grips.
With a wig, we use a wig cap with latex elastic that hugs the head.
Deborah Linden, Head of wardrobe
Stretching is a crucial part of exercise
Doing the show keeps me in shape, but I also need to stretch a lot so
I dont suffer an injury. In this company we do a lot of shows, so
its good to do training that pushes the body to work differently and
that helps maintain stamina. Otherwise, the exercise you do gets
repetitive. Melanie Dupuis, Trapeze performer
The performers still get scared
The trapeze is really high and its not always secure, but we always
have a mat underneath. I always have fear in mind, but it pushes me to
do the movement. Breathing helps me to to get over the scary part. I
trust my body because I know I train a lot for this so I know that my
body knows what to do. I try not to think about it too much and tell
myself, Ok Mel you know how to do it so go for it! I also trust my
my partner, which is crucial. Melanie Dupuis, Trapeze performer
Cirque performers sacrifice their personal life
We are a touring show, so your life is where the work is. Unless
youre on sabbatical, on leave for medical or youre off for a long
time you dont get to go home often. There is no work-life balance
because Im just not in London, which is where my family and friends
are. -Esi Acquaah-Harrison, Singer
Being upside down a lot has its perks
Training at Cirque has helped my spatial orientation because Im
often upside down and I need to know where to go and where to look.
Its hard to understand your body at that point because you need to
feel a movement rather than think it too much. I was surprised about
how fast you can adapt and how you can understand further the space
around you. Melanie Dupuis, Trapeze performer
Cirque careers have a shelf life
It depends for each artist some stop when they want to have a
family, but theres one artist here who has had a child and continued
training afterwards to stay on the show. The type of job you do within
Cirque also comes into it; a juggler or a clown could do their job for
longer because its less physical than what Im doing. For me, it
depends on my partner and for how long his body can cope with the
stretch and pressure. Melanie Dupuis, Trapeze performer
{ SOURCE: Harpers Bazaar UK }
=======================================================================
ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION
=======================================================================
o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
{Amaluna, Koozå, Kurios, Luzia, Totem & Volta}
o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues
{TORUK, OVO, Séptimo Día, Crystal & Corteo}
o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre
{Mystère, "O", Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, MJ ONE & JOYA}
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/ >,
or for a more comprehensive tour listing, visit our Itinéraire
section online at: < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?page_id=6898 >.
------------------------------------
BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau
------------------------------------
Alegria-25th Anniversary:
Montreal, QC -- Apr 18, 2019 to Jul 21, 2019
Gatineau, QC -- Jul 31, 2019 to Sep 1, 2019
Toronto, ON -- Sep 12, 2019 to Dec 1, 2019
Amaluna:
Dallas, TX -- Jan 23, 2019 to Feb 17, 2019
Phoenix, AZ -- Mar 15, 2019 to Apr 14, 2019
Los Angeles, CA -- Apr 25, 2019 to May 26, 2019
Bazzar:
New Dehli, IN -- Dec 25, 2018 to Jan 20, 2019
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Mar 6, 2019 to Mar 16, 2019
Koozå:
Auckland, NZ -- Feb 15, 2019 to Mar 3, 2019
Valencia, ES -- May 30, 2019 to Jun 16, 2019
Gijon, ES -- Jul 31, 2019 to Aug 18, 2019
Malaga, ES -- Sep 13, 2019 to Sep 29, 2019
Kurios:
Nagoya, JP -- Nov 22, 2018 to Jan 27, 2019
Fukuoka, JP -- Feb 15, 2019 to Mar 31, 2019
Sendai, JP -- Apr 19, 2019 to May 29, 2019
Singapore, SG -- TBD
Luzia:
Houston, TX -- Jan 11, 2019 to Feb 24, 2019
Orlando, FL -- Mar 8, 2019 to Apr 21, 2019
New York City, NY -- May 3, 2019 to Jun 9, 2019
Hartford, CT -- Jun 19, 2019 to Jul 7, 2019
Totem:
London, UK -- Jan 12, 2019 to Feb 26, 2019
Vienna, AT -- Mar 9, 2019 to Apr 22, 2019
Geneva, CH -- May 9, 2019 to Jun 2, 2019
Gran Canaria, ES -- Jul 5, 2019 to Aug 4, 2019
Düsseldorf, DE -- Dec 19, 2019 to Jan 19, 2020
VOLTA:
San Francisco, CA -- Nov 15, 2018 to Feb 3, 2019
San Jose, CA -- Feb 13, 2019 to Mar 24, 2019
San Diego, CA -- Apr 3, 2019 to May 5, 2019
Chicago, IL -- May 18, 2019 to Jul 6, 2019
Denver, CO -- Jul 19, 2019 to Aug 25, 2019
Atlanta, GA -- Sep 13, 2019 to Nov 30, 2019
------------------------------------
ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues
------------------------------------
TORUK - The First Flight:
Barcelona, ES -- Jan 18, 2018 to Jan 27, 2018
Madrid, ES -- Jan 30, 2018 to Feb 3, 2018
Pamplona, ES -- Feb 6, 2019 to Feb 10, 2019
Milan, IT -- Feb 14, 2019 to Feb 19, 2019
Lyon, FR -- Feb 20, 2019 to Feb 24 2019
Bratislava, SK -- Feb 28, 2019 to Mar 3, 2019
Krakow, PL -- Mar 6, 2019 to Mar 10, 2019
Antwerp, BE -- Mar 14, 2019 to Mar 17, 2019
Paris, FR -- Apr 4, 2019 to Apr 14, 2019
Moscow, RU -- Apr 19, 2019 to May 5, 2019
St. Petersburg, RU -- May 8, 2019 to May 12, 2019
Helsinki, FI -- May 15, 2019 to May 19, 2019
Vilnius, LT -- May 22, 2019 to May 26, 2019
Prague, CZ -- May 31, 2018 to Jun 2, 2019
Munich, DE -- Jun 5, 2019 to Jun 9, 2019
Zurich, CH -- Jun 12, 2019 to Jun 16, 2019
Manchester, UK -- Jun 20, 2019 to Jun 23, 2019
London, UK -- Jun 26, 2019 to Jun 30, 2019
OVO:
Lisbon, PT -- Jan 3, 2019 to Jan 13, 2019
Murica, ES -- Jan 16, 2019 to Jan 20, 2019
Belo Horizonte, BR -- Mar 7, 2019 to Mar 17, 2019
Rio de Janeiro, BR -- Mar 21, 2019 to Mar 31, 2019
Brasília, BR -- Apr 5, 2019 to Apr 13, 2019
São Paulo, BR -- Apr 19, 2019 to May 12, 2019
CRYSTAL - A BREAKTHROUGH ICE EXPERIENCE:
Baton Rouge, LA -- Jan 3, 2019 to Jan 6, 2019
Tupelo, MS -- Jan 10, 2019 to Jan 13, 2019
Kansas City, MO -- Jan 16, 2019 to Jan 19, 2019
Columbus, OH -- Jan 23, 2019 to Jan 27, 2019
Milwaukee, WI -- Jan 30, 2019 to Feb 3, 2019
Regina, SK -- Feb 7, 2019 to Feb 10, 2019
Edmonton, AB -- Feb 13, 2019 to Feb 17, 2019
West Valley City, UT -- Mar 7, 2019 to Mar 10, 2019
Ontario, CA -- Mar 13, 2019 to Mar 17, 2019
Bakersfield, CA -- Mar 20, 2019 to Mar 24, 2019
Sacramento, CA -- Mar 27, 2019 to Mar 31, 2019
Stockton, CA -- Apr 3, 2019 to Apr 7, 2019
Everett, WA -- Apr 10, 2019 to Apr 14, 2019
Duluth, MN -- Apr 19, 2019 to Apr 21, 2019
Omaha, NE -- Apr 24, 2019 to Apr 28, 2019
Madison, WI -- May 1, 2019 to May 5, 2019
Peoria, IL -- May 8, 2019 to May 12, 2019
Grand Rapids, MI -- May 15, 2019 to May 19, 2019
Saginaw, MI -- May 22, 2019 to May 26, 2019
Frisco, TX -- Jun 13, 2019 to Jun 16, 2019
Philadelphia, PA -- Jun 20, 2019 to Jun 23, 2019
Kingston, ON -- Jul 3, 2019 to Jul 7, 2019
Erie, PA -- Jul 10, 2019 to Jul 14, 2019
Charlotte, NC -- Jul 17, 2019 to Jul 21, 2019
Manchester, NH -- Aug 1, 2019 to Aug 4, 2019
Portland, ME -- Aug 7, 2019 to Aug 11, 2019
Moncton, NB -- Aug 14, 2019 to Aug 18, 2019
Saint John, NB -- Aug 21, 2019 to Aug 25, 2019
Halifax, NS -- Aug 28, 2019 to Sep 1, 2019
CORTEO:
Worchester, MA -- Jan 3, 2019 to Jan 6, 2019
Detroit, MI -- Jan 10, 2019 to Jan 13, 2019
Pittsburgh, PA -- Jan 16, 2019 to Jan 19, 2019
Evansville, IN -- Jan 23, 2019 to Jan 27, 2019
Memphis, TN -- Jan 31, 2019 to Feb 3, 2019
Raleigh, NC -- Feb 7, 2019 to Feb 10, 2019
Bossier City, LA -- Feb 14, 2019 to Feb 17, 2019
Cedar Park, TX -- Feb 20, 2019 to Feb 24, 2019
Portland, OR -- Mar 14, 2019 to Mar 17, 2019
Reno, NV -- Mar 21, 2019 to Mar 24, 2019
Inglewood, CA -- Mar 27, 2019 to Mar 31, 2019
Tucson, AZ -- Apr 3, 2019 to Apr 7, 2019
Rio Rancho, NM -- Apr 11, 2019 to Apr 14, 2019
Topeka, KS -- Apr 18, 2019 to Apr 21, 2019
St. Louis, MO -- Apr 24, 2019 to Apr 28, 2019
Cedar Rapids, IA -- May 1, 2019 to May 5, 2019
Dayton, OH -- May 8, 2019 to May 12, 2019
Windsor, ON -- May 15, 2019 to May 19, 2019
Hamilton, ON -- May 22, 2019 to May 26, 2019
London, ON -- Jun 13, 2019 to Jun 16, 2019
Boston, MA -- Jun 19, 2019 to Jun 30, 2019
Baltimore, MD -- Jul 3, 2019 to Jul 7, 2019
Turin, IT -- Sep 26, 2019 to Sep 29, 2019
Bologna, IT -- Oct 10, 2019 to Oct 13, 2019
Pesario, IT -- Oct 17, 2019 to Oct 20, 2019
Leipzig, DE -- Oct 23, 2019 to Oct 27, 2019
Frankfurt, DE -- Oct 30, 2019 to Nov 3, 2019
Nuremberg, DE -- Nov 6, 2019 to Nov 10, 2019
Graz, AT -- Nov 13, 2019 to Nov 17, 2019
Stuttgart, DE -- Dec 18, 2019 to Dec 22, 2019
Mannheim, DE -- Dec 25, 2019 to Dec 29, 2019
Granada, ES -- Jan 15, 2020 to Jan 19, 2020
Zargoza, ES -- Jan 22, 2020 to Jan 26, 2020
Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES -- Jan 29, 2020 to Feb 2, 2020
Santiago de Compostela, ES -- Feb 5, 2020 to Feb 9, 2020
Seville, ES -- Feb 12, 2020 to Feb 16, 2020
---------------------------------
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
*) Single Show Dates | 7:00 p.m. Only
o) Friday, Feb. 15, 2019
o) Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019
o) Friday, May 31, 2019
o) Sunday, June 9, 2019
o) Friday, June 14, 2019
o) Sunday, June 23, 2019
*) 2019 Dark Dates:
o) January 5 thru 16, 2019
o) February 3, 2019
o) March 13, 2019
o) May 18 thru 22, 2019
o) August 20 thru 21, 2019
o) September 21 thru 25, 2019
"O":
Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday
Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 9:30pm
*) Single Show Dates | 7:00 pm Only
o) Tuesday, Jan 8, 2019
o) Monday, Apr 22, 2019
o) Tuesday, May 21, 2019
o) Tuesday, Jun 25, 2019
o) Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019
*) 2019 Dark Dates:
o) 9:30 PM Performance of January 9
o) 9:30 PM Performance of April 18
o) 9:30 PM Performance of May 22
o) 9:30 PM Performance of June 26
o) 9:30 PM Performance of November 7
Zumanity:
Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark Wednesday/Thursday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
KÀ:
Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
LOVE:
Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
MICHAEL JACKSON ONE:
Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA)
Performs: Thursday through Monday - Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday
Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm
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)
PARAMOUR:
Stage Theater New Flora
Hamburg, Germany
Begins April 5th, 2019!
One/Two Shows Nightly:
o) Monday: Dark
o) Tuesday: 6:30pm
o) Wednesday: 6:30pm
o) Thursday: 8:00pm
o) Friday: 8:00pm
o) Saturday: 3:30pm & 8:00pm
o) Sunday: 2:30pm & 7:00pm
=======================================================================
OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS
=======================================================================
o) WEBSERIES -- Official Online Featurettes
o) VIDEOS -- Official Peeks & Noted Fan Finds
---------------------------------------------------
WEBSERIES: Official Online Featurettes
---------------------------------------------------
*) GOING FULL CIRQUE
A Broadway dancer leaves fame, friends and family behind for the
dream of flying as an aerialist with Cirque du Soleil.
o) EPISODE 5: Starting to Fly {Dec.05}
One week less to train and a surprise visit? Don't miss this
emotional episode where Reed Kelly puts his newfound skills
to the test.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/GoingFullCirque/videos/640912276310874/
o) EPISODE 6: Add a Pinch of Emotion {Dec.13}
Fly well, have fun! Reed Kelly tries to keep this in mind as
he heads into his toughest training week yet on this week's
Going Full Cirque.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/GoingFullCirque/videos/523002191516355/
*) THE POWER WITHIN
In this exclusive YouTube series in which we partnered up with
Panasonic Batteries, each episode conceptually makes parallels with
Cirque du Soleil shows, acts and artists from Corteo and LUZIA and
to the attributes of Panasonic Batteries: Power and Reliability,
Endurance, Sustainable Lifestyle, Longevity, and Energy.
o) EPISODE 2: "Sustainable Lifestyle with LUZIA" {Dec.07}
How does Cirque du Soleil maximize the longevity of each
artist's careers?
LINK /// https://youtu.be/8uC_G7SZXos
o) EPISODE 3: "Longevity with Corteo" {Dec.14}
How does Cirque du Soleil maximize the longevity of each
artists careers? Discover more through Corteos Teeter
board and Rou Cyr artist in this episode of Power Within.
LINK /// https://youtu.be/8JnkRbk_k-Q
o) EPISODE 4: "Endurance with Luzia" {Dec.21}
Artists need endurance to ensure they can perform to the
best of their ability to maintain their energy throughout
their act. How do they do it? LUZIAs Solo Contortionist,
Aleksei Goloborodko, explains his routine in this episode.
LINK /// https://youtu.be/IAQUOPsL1qE
o) EPISODE 5: "Energy with Corteo" {Dec.28}
Acrobats of #Corteo describe the transfer of energy between
themselves, the audience, and their act. Discover more in
episode 5 of Power Within with Panasonic.
LINK /// https://youtu.be/KOSFmglU2do
*) IMMERCIRQUE
Welcome to IMMERCIRQUE, our VR180 YouTube series where we take
you on an immersive journey with our Cirque du Soleil artists
as they prepare to perform for their act
o) EPISODE 2: "VOLTA Hair Suspension in VR180" {Dec.03}
Follow VOLTA Hair Hanging Artist, Danila Bim, backstage in
training, makeup, costume, and then in a final exclusive
performance just for you!
LINK /// https://youtu.be/Jjsd-6O9GD0
o) EPISODE 3: "Zumanity Hoops Contortion Act" {Dec.20}
In this VR180 video, follow Zumanity Hoops Artist, Elena
Lev, backstage in training, makeup, costume, and then in a
final exclusive performance just for you!
LINK /// https://youtu.be/9t2SCT68NJ8
*) WE ARE VOLTA
o) EPISODE 3: "Joining Cirque" {Dec.03}
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/VOLTA/videos/355252758370843/
o) EPISODE 4: "Food and Fitness" {Dec.17}
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/VOLTA/videos/1012141895638148/
*) MUSIC VIDEO w/LYRICS
o) VOLTA - "Dancing Ants" {Dec.11}
Hakystubi eyena mexmico
Hakystubi eyena mexmeday
Isayni meh eyena mexmikay
Suromose inema mex me say
Habst to be a home
Habst to be kiya hey
Habst to bap may
Habst to be ya go
Cus to Riya home
Cus to riya baski may
Ah...
I feel I feel I'm livin a navosome
Ah...
I fell I feel I'm livin on
Hakystubi on a hanesnay
Chuko sto me yamily
Fakestumi rahani ganesne
Wo-oh-ho
Habst To be yan hamilay
Habst To be a home
Chiusto mia bay
Habst To be a ho-o-ome
Sum sum chukay
Habst To be a high
Habst To be a hop chukay
Habst To be a hop chukay
Ah...
I feel I feel I'm livin a navosome
Ah...
I fell I feel I'm livin on
Ah...
I feel I feel I'm livin a navosome
Ah...
I fell I feel I'm livin on
Hey...
Hama chuload
Hama chuload
Hama chuload
LINK /// https://youtu.be/XppnWMQrA4M
o) CORTEO - "Volo Volando" {Dec.18}
Forse allora mi ricorderai
Un sorriso sulla faccia mia
Ubriaco di nostalgia
S'alzerà nel vento polvere
Poi sarò
Vicino a te
Poi sarò
Un ricordo per te
Hanno detto che ricorderai
Ogni gesto la bella follia
Impazzito di nostalgia
Saprò come farti ridere
Poi sarò
Un ricordo per te
Dimmi allora ti ricorderai
Quella gioia e quella pazzia
Canteremo con nostalgia
Tutto il nostro resistere
Poi sarò
Un ricordo per te
Volo, volovolando
Volo e volerò
Volo, volovolando
Volo e volerò
Forse allora mi ricorderai
Ogni vacio le carezze mie
Scoprirai la nostalgia
Poi sarò
Un ricordo per te
Forse allora mi ricorderai
Un sorriso sulla faccia mia
S'alzerà nel vento polvere
Poi sarò, vicino a te
Poi sarò
Un ricordo per te
LINK /// https://youtu.be/ds7ETyJqFzE
---------------------------------------------------
VIDEOS: Official Peeks & Noted Fan Finds
---------------------------------------------------
o) World Premiere of BAZZAR, Mumbai Red Carpet
LINK /// https://youtu.be/u1sW5NZURDY
o) Celebrate Mystère's 25th Anniversary, which NEW Changes
LINK /// https://youtu.be/2JXjyVZjZg8
o) Jump Into Circus Challenges with YouTuber Jaclyn Forbes
LINK /// https://youtu.be/4x0Jgcjv--k
o) Happy New Year Countown with Cirque du Soleil
LINK /// https://youtu.be/w9LtOtghXYs
o) This is How You CirqueWay
LINK /// https://youtu.be/e2cEhjs5yJo
o) Teaser for CIRQUE IT OUT Season 2
LINK /// https://youtu.be/1m9tLq58iV4
o) Official Trailer TAKE YOUR PLACE, Cirque Casting
LINK /// https://youtu.be/qkLkZwlb0uw
o) Get to Know the Mystère Duo Strap Artists
LINK /// https://youtu.be/iL9nhtFE5a0
o) Mysère Music: Rondo
LINK /// https://youtu.be/1u6WGkdSCrY
o) CRYSTAL: Meet Cornelius, an artist in the Hand-to-Trapeze act
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/CrystalbyCirqueduSoleil/videos/1945114965566547/
o) TORUK: 5@% w/Markus Schabbing (Puppeteer)
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/torukthefirstflight/videos/497506737412869/
o) JOYA: See what happens in our wardrobe department everyday!
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/JOYA/videos/2229240707404833/
o) KÀ: Guitarist | A masterpiece that doesn't miss a beat.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/KA/videos/512524465819847/
o) KÀ: General of the Court | A costume that leads with imperial inspired pieces.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/KA/videos/453489848508189/
o) KÀ: Leather Welder | A subtle character that rocks a bold statement.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/KA/videos/566529707119666/
o) KÀ: Spearmen | The parts that make up the greater whole.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/KA/videos/196948331202907/
o) MYSTERE: Celebrating some NEW changes in the show
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/Mystere/videos/376842886209971/
o) AMALUNA: Meet the two women who do the "Water Bowl" act
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/Amaluna/videos/267716493913599/
o) KOOZA: Kooza in Korea
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/wkorea/videos/2209585292398253/
o) LUZIA: Travel with Abou; what a view of Mexico City!
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/LUZIAbyCirqueduSoleil/videos/498671553954616/
o) TOTEM: An amazing behind the scenes from Getty Images.
LINK /// https://www.facebook.com/Totem/videos/1939217076192560/
=======================================================================
FASCINATION! FEATURES
=======================================================================
o) "The Eclectic Lab Makes its Debut in India"
Special: BAZZAR in the Presse
o) Jean David's Quel Cirque, Part 1 of 12: "The Early Years"
A Special Series Celebrating Cirque's 35th Anniversary
------------------------------------------------------------
"The Eclectic Lab Makes its Debut in India"
Special: BAZZAR in the Presse
------------------------------------------------------------
Cirque du Soleil's BAZZAR made it's debut in November to
great success. Within are a number of articles from the
English-language Indian press regarding the show's run.
Check them out!
"It's Showtime for BAZZAR"
Daily News & Analysis India | November 16, 2018
The trapeze bars swing crazily. There is a moment of nervous
anticipation just before Shannon Gelinas takes a leap of faith
literally and Evelyne Paquin-Lanthier, perched on the lower bar,
catches her arms in the nick of time. I hear a collective sigh of
relief from the audience, only to realise I was one of them.
The Canadian performers are part of Cirque du Soleils Bazzar. It is
the 43rd original production of the liveentertainment company, a
truly magnificent show that brings together music, dance and
acrobatics in a one-of-its-kind spectacle. The two-hour immersive
experience under the Big Top a tent that provides a panoramic view
of the show unfolding on stage is nothing short of magical. After
performing in over 60 countries in 34 years, Cirque du Soleil made
their debut in Mumbai with Bazzar, after which it will head to Delhi
and then to the Middle East.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Watching the roller skating duo, Mathieu Philippe-Lanthier and Myriam
Lessard, perform some amazing stunts on stage or Jean-Francois
Robitaille playing with fire which has us on the edge on our seats,
makes us realise the possibilities that the human body is capable of.
And at the end of the day, it is the element of danger that makes each
act go up a notch higher. When we question the trapeze artistes about
the last drop at the end of their act, Shannon laughs and says, Its
a part of the act. If there was no danger, I dont think it would be
exciting to watch. Recalling an incident when they were performing an
act, Shannon says that once a zipper on the back of her dress caught
Evelyne on her forehead, resulting in a cut. We didnt notice it, but
the audience did, so it was actually funny, she says.
EMOTIONAL JOURNEY
With the initial few shows getting a great response, show director
Susan Gadreau is happy that the audience is coming out of the tent all
happy, having connected with the characters and the performances.
Since we were branching into new markets, it was important for us to
show what the DNA of Cirque du Soleil was and to share it with them.
The story of the maestro and the troupe of eclectic artistes was
inspired by the origins of the company, when there was just a group of
street performers. The idea was to take the roots of Cirque and weave
it in a storyline, and thats where the idea of the maestro and the
troupe came from. They are creating in front of you, she adds.
* * * * * *
"Cirque du Soleil: A Bazzar Spectacle"
Man's World India
Its an eclectic lab of infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of
acrobats, dancers and musicians band together to invent a whimsical
one-of-a-kind universe. Those familiar with the name know the sheer
quality and magnitude of the acts they bring on stage. Ahead of their
Indian debut, Finn Taylor, Senior Vice-President Touring show
Division, Cirque du Soleil and Albert Almeida, COO-Non Movies,
BookMyShow talk about their plans for the magnum opus premiere of
BAZZAR.
Q. Why did Cirque du Soleil choose India to be the next destination
for its 43rd production?
While we have been entertaining millions of people for over 30 years
in more than 60 countries, Cirque du Soleil has been looking at India
as a potential market for quite a while now. We wanted to do things
right and introduce the brand appropriately to this new audience that
was never exposed to Cirque du Soleil before. Thats why we created
BAZZAR. With its creative concept, BAZZAR offers Cirque du Soleil new
possibilities to introduce our brand and enables us to continue our
international growth in markets that offer great potential such as
India and opens the door to exploring the African continent.
Q. Tell us about Cirque du Soleils partnership with BookMyShow for
the event.
Cirque du Soleil is the sole producer of BAZZAR, its 43rd production
but we work with local partners and a local promoter, like BookMyShow,
to help us better understand Indian ways and culture, and to bring the
Indian population to get to know us better. With BookMyShows deep
knowledge and understanding of the entertainment industry in India, we
are confident that they will permit BAZZAR, a show that introduces the
essence of what Cirque du Soleil is, to be successful.
Q. What are the different kinds of acts that will be a part of the
show?
BAZZAR introduces the essence of what Cirque du Soleil is: stunning
human performances, state-of-theart costumes, captivating live music
and astonishing staging which results in a complete and powerful
theatrical experience. It features Classic acrobatic disciplines
like teeterboard, portage, acrobatic bike, contortion, duo roller
skate, duo trapeze, aerial rope, and slackline. Bright, colourful and
original costumes, live music, impressive scenography in a Big Top
setting are all part of the acts.
Q. What goes into the making of a show of this scale and nature?
The Big Top that BAZZAR will tour in can seat more than 1,500 people
and stands at 19 metres (62 feet) high and is 41 metres (135 feet) in
diameter. BAZZARs tour also travels via 25 sea containers carrying
close to 700 tons of equipment. A cast and crew of 62 people will be
travelling to India and working in Mumbai and Delhi to perform and
present BAZZAR. In Mumbai, the shows will be held at the MMRDA
grounds, where as in Delhi the Big Top will find its home in Aerocity,
close to the Delhi domestic and international airports. The locations
are centrally located, allowing people to conveniently reach the
venue.
Q. Since Indians arent avid watchers of circus acts in todays times,
how do you plan on tapping the right audience?
India has a great thirst for entertainment with its thriving film
industry and its long-standing tradition of circus. Cirque du Soleil
started more than 30 years ago and reinvented circus arts and created
a new form of entertainment centred on human performance, without
animals. We believe Indian families, couples, teenagers and kids are
more than ready to rediscover the circus art in a way theyve never
seen before.
Q. Is there a long-term partnership in place to bring in more acts in
the future?
Absolutely, there is a multiyear agreement between BookMyShow and
Cirque du Soleil which is aimed at establishing India as a key market
to open avenues for global entertainment. With Delhi and Mumbai, we
are excited to take the cities tally to 452 and hope to take it to
many new cities in the coming years. Together with Cirque Du Soleil we
would also like to ensure we add a lot of Indian talent to their ever-
growing pool of global and multicultural artists.
Q. Whats your take on the pricing of the tickets, considering its on
a higher end compared to other musicals in the country?
The price for Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR starts at just Rs.1250, with the
premium range of hospitality tickets at the other end of the spectrum.
Our ability to price the show appropriately for different segments has
ensured we make the pricing accessible and a super value for money
proposition for this top quality international entertainment! Our
shows take traditional circus arts to a whole new level, mixing state-
of-the-art costumes, captivating music and astonishing staging which
results in a complete and powerful theatrical experience. BAZZAR
features an international cast of 31 performers and musicians that
come from 13 different countries, two of whom are Indian.
* * * * * *
"Cirque du Soleil debuts new show 'Bazzar' in India"
The National | November 18, 2018
Indias affair with the circus, its love, and later, disdain for it,
took root in December 1879. Giuseppe Chiarini, from Italy, had brought
the Royal Italian Circus to Mumbai, camping out at Maidan near what
is now Mumbais Victoria Terminus. Chiarini cast a spell on his
audience, who were fascinated by how the animals pranced about and
performed unimaginable stunts.
Over the decades that followed, Europes numerous travelling circuses
stopped over in India, regaling thousands with astonishing feats and
mind-boggling acts. India decidedly fell in love with the circus,
spawning its own industry that thrived until about the early 1990s.
From 300-odd native troupes then, the number has dropped to around 30
today. No wonder Rajesh Mudki is over the moon as Cirque du Soleil
hits Indian shores for the first time. I believe India is more than
ready to rediscover circus art, he says.
Mudki is one of the 30 performers and musicians along with fellow
mallakhamb (the Indian sport of aerial yoga and gymnastics that
revolves around a pole or khamba) artist Kalpesh Jadhav. They are the
only Indians who will take their place under Cirque du Soleils iconic
Big Top in Mumbai and New Delhi this winter for Bazzar, which
premiered on Thursday at Bandras MMRDA Grounds. This is the Canadian
companys first foray into India and a rare occasion because Cirque
almost never debuts a new show outside of Montreal, its home turf. But
making history calls for new strides and India cant wait.
Cirque du Soleil is nothing like the Indian population has seen
before, but Im confident we will give it a warm welcome, says
Mudki. India has a great thirst for entertainment with its thriving
film industry and long-standing tradition of circus. I believe Cirque
du Soleil is complementary to Bollywood movies it is so creative and
advanced that Indian audiences already have an open mind to art and
creativity.
Mudki is an accomplished practitioner he trained for 25 years at the
Sane Guruji Fitness School of Mumbai, in mallakhamb, yoga, aerial
rope, gymnastics and acrobatics. He has also been part of the Terence
Lewis Contemporary Dance Company. To perform with Cirque is the next-
level dream he has been nurturing since 2006, when he watched them for
the first time. My eyes popped out, he says. So, as a mallakhamb
artist born and raised in Mumbai, having the world premiere here and
touring in India is exalting.
Apart from performing, Mudki also co-founded the mallakhamb India team
in 2006 to increase awareness about the sport in India and abroad. He
travels regularly with his team to perform for international companies
and organisations, and also does television shows. Im deeply
involved in my discipline and its future.
Bazzars incorporation of a native act demonstrates its seriousness in
tapping the Indian market. The shows, which will run daily, apart
from specific days in between and already nearly sold out; to give you
a brief idea, thats close to 1,500 viewers per show, over a period of
about seven weeks. This hype has boosted Cirques confidence in its
growth and popularity in India.
We offer a highly emotional and compelling form of entertainment,
says show director Susan Gaudreau, who choreographed Kurios by Cirque
du Soleil. Our shows take the traditional circus arts to a whole new
level, mixing state-of-the-art costumes, captivating music and
impressive staging, which give a complete and impressive theatrical
experience. Bazzar is a show created to introduce the brand to
audiences who are not familiar with us. It features classic acrobatic
disciplines, plus, we offer the Indian audience the chance to live the
genuine little Big Top experience.
Apart from acts featuring teeterboard, portage, acrobatic bikes,
contortions, duo roller skating, duo trapeze, aerial rope and
slackline, audiences will also enjoy fire-breathing and stilt-walking
a nod to the origins of the company as well as traditional circus
themes. Vibrant colours, exhilarating music and evoking the madness
and beauty of a classic bazaar are scattered throughout the teaser.
* * * * * *
"An intimate circus"
The Hindu | November 20, 2018
The canvas of Cirque du Soleils Bazzar is limited in scale but the
acts are thrilling and technically impressive
A giant white tent seen from a distance, as you approach Bandra Kurla
Complexs MMRDA grounds, provides for an instant throwback to
travelling circuses that stopped by the suburbs of Mumbai for a few
weeks. As a child, the grandiosity rested in the sheer scale of the
set-up, where everything seemed larger than life quite literally.
Cirque du Soleil, which prides on evoking similar emotions in you as
an adult, opts for an intimate offering with Bazzar, the Canadian
troupes first production to premiere outside Canada, where the canvas
provided to the performers is limited in scale but the acts are
thrilling and technically impressive.
The show is held together by a goofy maestro who provides for silly
humour between various physical feats, involving bikes, fire, rope,
trapeze and a pole. The centre stage is often provided to one or two
performers who showcase their skill without any peripheral
distractions, leaving you in awe of their talent and rigour that goes
in the making. The finale is more of a smorgasbord of acrobats,
dancers and musicians, where you pick what your eyes want to focus on,
as the performers battle for space and attention. Bazzar is a
captivating and neatly executed show but it neither challenges the
boundaries of traditional circuses nor is it a homage to the old-
school-ness of it.
The uniqueness the Indian aspect of Bazzar is limited to its
inclusion of Mallakhamba and a seemingly spontaneous chicken tikka
masala in the maestros script. The two men performing mallakhamba
put up a captivating show, evoking both pride and curiosity to know
more about the traditional sport for the uninitiated. The show
otherwise is oddly lacking in flavour. Although theres a fractured
narrative, including a trapped girl in a transparent box and live
singing, the show doesnt come together as a whole, largely because
the spotlight is solely on the physical feats, often rightfully so.
But Bazzars limited ambition can be a double-edged sword: it could
either ignite curiosity to see a grander production abroad or make you
dismiss it completely.
As for the pricing, be prepared to pay more for a good view and a
better experience as the tickets cost between R1,250 to 12,000 but the
performers often orient themselves towards one side of the audience
(the expensive seats). With a few new shows added, Bazzar will run in
Mumbai until December 9 before making its way to Delhi. At a special
preview before the Mumbai première, children made up for a
considerable portion of the auditorium. Their excitement and
enthusiasm, as evident in their loud laughter and cheers, is a good
indication of where the appeal of the show lies: its good child-like
fun.
* * * * * *
"The Circus is Back"
Lifestyle Asia | November 24, 2018
Waking up to drama isnt new for us but when it comes with a side of
glamour, were intrigued. This is what got us to watch the new Cirque
du Soleil show. It helped that this 43rd production, Bazzar, was
debuting internationally in Mumbai, after its premiere in its hometown
Montreal, where the first showcase of all Cirque du Soleil shows
happen. Obviously, expectations were high and opinions flying
everywhere on how imaginative it would be. The show was brought down
to India by the same people from BookMyShow, who recently produced
Disneys desi adaptation of the Broadway show, Aladdin, which ran to
packed houses.
The brainchild of writer-director Susan Gaudreau, the show is an ode
to the Indian marketplace. A large canvas of curated acts, this
ambitious, theatrical production is just like how Cirque du Soleil co-
founders Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix envisioned it in 1984. But
with a few tiny changes to suit the palate of the Indian consumer. The
show opened with a protagonist who got the attention of the audience
right away with his compelling, curiosity-laden and extremely intimate
act. He wove a story about a crown of lights as his ultimate goal, as
specific acts followed. The crown is repeatedly stolen from him by
artists and the premise is his search for it. The storyline is that
simple but the way its told had the audience enthralled.
The best acts of course, were the obvious ones the trapeze artists
and the acrobats with choreographed dance sequences, which made the
kids squeal with joy. The fire performer had us in splits while the
hoola hoop girl made the ride a fun one. There was even a segment with
an audience member that got us all grooving to the beats alongside a
trapeze act by two girls that made one marvel at how these performers
train. But for an onlooker, it was the Mallakhamb act, where a gymnast
performs aerial yoga postures, that was a highlight. Rajesh Mudki, a
Mallakhamb champion from Santacruz, showcased great work, something
most people had never seen before. The performances are what youd
expect but we cant help but wonder how it would be if you had a
bigger smorgasbord to work with. The trapeze artists and the fire
performances could have been more nuanced and dangerous. But thats
debatable.
The music was enthralling, though the acts, condensed Cirque du
Soleil shows have a grander vision than what was showcased here.
However, the fact that they could create the pure joy of viewing a
circus performance once again into this digitally-addicted world is an
achievement in itself.
The applause also goes to set designer Simon Guilbault who worked
closely with engineers to create a structure that was sturdy and
dramatic enough for performers and audiences alike. We liked how the
space looked colour-coded and characterised to fit the story it was
visually stunning. The outfits were another highlight bright wigs,
leather and pleather garments that gave an air of sophistication and
state-of-the-art designs to seal the deal. And it all took place
inside the legendary 62 feet tall and 135 feet wide tent that seats
1,500.
The Montreal and Vegas shows, weve heard, have more variety and more
death-defying stunts. But for now, this is perfect for a market like
India where circus needs a reinvention. Its a great opportunity to
see another world, explore and understand small joys and for that,
were grateful.
* * * * * *
"Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR"
Platform Magazine
Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is an eclectic lab of infinite creativity
where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and musicians craft an awe-
inspiring spectacle. Lead by their maestro, they band together to
invent a whimsical one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the
unexpected is expected, the colourful group reimagines, rebuilds and
reinvents vibrant scenes in an artistic, acrobatic game of order and
disorder.
The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colours, and
meeting place of diverse characters youd find at a traditional
bazaar, inspired the name of the show. As a word, BAZZAR is also
read almost the same frontwards and backwards. But just when you reach
the end of the word, its not. Like the performance, just when you
think you know where the story is going theres a twist!
Throughout her 30-year career in the performing arts, Susan Gaudreau,
the show director has taken on numerous roles behind the scenes in the
circus, special events, film, television, and dance industry,
including 20 years as a dancer and choreographer in a variety of
styles. In 2014, KURIOS Cabinet of curiosities was her first
engagement on a Cirque du Soleil show as choreographer and in 2017,
she acted as the director for Cirque du Soleil at Seas productions.
BAZZAR is Susan Gaudreaus second engagement as Director of a Cirque
du Soleil touring show.
For the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, performers display
strength and technical feats in a mesmerizing act of Mallakhamb, a
traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga
postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or
hanging wooden pole, cane or hanging rope. The word Mallakhamb refers
to the pole used in the sport.
Rajesh Mudki, trained for the last 25 years at the Sane Guruji Fitness
School of Mumbai, India, in Mallakhamb, Yoga, Aerial Rope, Gymnastics,
Acrobatics and has also been part of Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance
Company in aerials, as well as co-choreography. Throughout his career,
Rajesh appeared in multiples commercials as model and aerial performer
and is now part of Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR in a Mallakhamb act.
Along with the Mallakhamb act, fire-breathing and stilt walkingare
intentionally scattered throughout the show. Born and raised in
Quebec, Canada, Jeff-Francois Robitaille started martial arts at age 3
with his dad. Since entering the entertainment industry at the age of
20, Jeff has worked as a martial artist, dancer, acrobat, actor, fire
dancer, aerialist, interviewer and stuntman. Throughout his career, he
has won four world championship titles in acrobatic martial arts and
is now performing a fire manipulation act in Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR.
He is also part of a back-up number in a cube manipulation act.
BAZZAR features the following acrobatic disciplines: teeterboard,
portage, acrobatic bike, contortion, duo roller skate, duo trapeze,
aerial rope, and slackline. Shannon Gelinas, completed her training in
2012 as a specialist in Aerial Fabric and Trapeze Duet at the National
Circus School of Montreal. She worked with renowned companies both in
Quebec and abroad and also took part in various projects with "Cirque
Éloize" and "Cirque du Soleil. Over the years, she has accumulated
many awards and honors and is now part of Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR in a
duo trapeze act with her partner Evelyn Paquin- Lanthier.
The show features an international cast of 30 performers and
musicians, and will be supported by 16 members of the technical team.
There is a mix of pre-recorded and live music with one singer and two
musicians on stage.
* * * * * *
"Head to Cirque du Soleil to witness gravity-defying stunts, performance"
Mid-Day | November 25, 2018
When was the last time you smiled so much, your face hurt? We didn't
stop smiling for two days straight after watching the Cirque du Soleil
Bazzar last weekend. We'd been waiting to catch the show for months,
ever since we heard that the world-famous Canadian circus troupe was
going to make its debut in India. This is also the world premiere of
Cirque du Soleil's latest production, Bazzar, which follows the
adventures of a theatre troupe. But the ticket prices gave us pause.
Starting from R2,500 and going all the way up to Rs 12,500, the passes
are quite expensive, no lie.
Was it worth it, though? Every. Single. Rupee. There's something for
everyone: comedy, breathtaking acrobatics, and even some Step Up-style
dancing, all set to the tunes of a live band and vocalist just
bursting with energy. While it's safe for kids to enjoy, grown-ups too
will get lost in the wonder and magic. Queue management was smooth,
and we were quickly ushered into the air-conditioned tents the first
tent housed the bar, confectionary and washrooms.
The show took off with a bang, with a roller-skating act, performers
soaring on the trapeze, or bouncing off the teeterboard. There was a
distinct moment of pride as the Maharastrian sport, Mallakhamb, took
centrestage. This is the first time the Cirque has featured this
Indian sport, which involves a mix of intricate wrestling and aerial
yoga poses performed on a pole.
Our R3,000 seats, though towards the back, allowed us views thanks to
the circular design of the stage. One word of caution: don't pick
seats diagonally facing the stage; that's where the stage trusses are
installed. Pick seats that are either in front of the stage or on the
sides, and you'll be fine.
How does this compare to the mega productions Cirque puts on in Canada
and the US? Friends who have seen the shows there said it is a smaller
production, with the limitations of a travelling troupe, but still one
of the best shows Mumbai has witnessed this year. As tickets were
selling out, the troupe has extended their show dates in Mumbai, so
there's a good chance you can find tickets. Maybe you'll even spot us
in the audience, back for another dose of happiness.
* * * * * *
"Unbreakable Spirit"
The Pioneer | December 1, 2018
India has always been a hub of sports and has harboured a well-
entrenched tradition of indigenuous games gilli-danda, kho-kho,
teen-patti, kanche, kabaddi, mallakhamb, pahalwani or even shatranj. A
believer and practitioner of this is Rajesh Mudki, a mallakhamb artist
from Santa Cruz, who was introduced to the traditional Indian sport at
a tender age of six. This is a sport in which a gymnast performs yoga
aerially by keeping a grip on a vertical stationary or hanging wooden
pole, cane, or hanging rope. The artist is now all set to deliver a
power-packed performance with other international artists in the
Canadian company Cirque Du Soleils current production Bazzar,
debuting in India.
If you ask Rajesh about what it takes to be a mallakhamb artist and
prepare for it, he will tell you that all it takes is a sportsman
spirit that an artist should never leave as well as a lot of
concentration that would only help one to analyse and plan out things
for the future. He adds, Its after many years of practice, many
bone-breaking experiences and body aches that you reach a certain
level of expertise.
The artist has also showcased his talent at the reality show Indias
Got Talent, grabbing eyeballs and gaining applause. He believes that
such shows provide a huge platform to aspiring artists. Its not only
a tool to showcase your talent and reach out to masses, but also a
stage to boost your confidence. I never thought about sports
seriously. But soon I realised that it is something that can help
reach a large audience, says Rajesh.
Indeed, art connects you to a larger part of the society domestically
and also globally. He feels that in 27 years of his practice,
countless tournaments and championships, there was only one thing that
was lacking taking mallakhamb outside the country. It was only
after he relieved his highest award, Shiv Chhatrapati Award, that he
decided to take the sport to global frontiers. My team and I started
thinking about what and how we take it forward. We started a website
to create awareness about the sport through it, he says.
However, success still didnt knock at his doors as there were no
responses. He didnt hear from anybody for a year and then they
finally started getting some queries. We then started teaching them
through online classes and people began inviting us to their countries
and cultural programs.
Since the act doesnt involve any traditional musical elements, Rajesh
stringed his performance to a few beats to give it an entertaining
touch when he performed it at the reality TV show.
Talking about how he joined Cirques Bazzar, he tells us that the
company first contacted Rajesh during December 2017. I had applied
there but never received a response until last year. They told me that
they wanted me to join their team of acrobats and gymnasts. That is
how all the talks and experiences began, says he, adding, It was
surreal. I have always followed Cirque. I saw it as a great
opportunity to bring alive my dream of making the sport
international.
He believes that with time, the prominence and popularity of the act
has surely increased. When he began, not many people knew about it
or attempted to learn it. Now that it is being performed and viewed by
so many people, there has been a lot of dialogue around it. We
started with theatrical performances and championships, I am sure
people noticed. That is a great development.
He says that while practising for Cirque, there have been both tears
and smiles, We have cried and laughed. We have had broken bones, but
hardly did we let our spirits break down. No matter how difficult the
elements were, we kept calm and smiled to entertain the audience. The
artist has an indomitable spirit that says that the show must go on!
* * * * * *
"What Comes Before a Tough Act of a Cirque du Soleil Performance"
Mid-Day | December 2, 2018
The highs of a Cirque du Soleil performance are just a glimpse of the
endless hours of preparation, and careful mental and physical
discipline that its performers endure. What comes before a tough act
of a Cirque du Soleil performance
Standing in the VIP lounge, one of the publicists for the organisers
of Cirque du Soleil's Bazzar, says, "Often when we see the artistes
stretching in the tent, we say 'The most we stretch is in our own beds
on Sunday morning'." The ones in the lounge with the corporate jobs
where sitting hunched over backlit computers can only be offset by
ergonomically designed chairs, screens that are placed at eye level
and a constant effort to ensure that the mouse doesn't lead to carpal
tunnel laugh. But, Cirque, the Canadian touring production, has,
since it arrived in Mumbai in November, introduced us to "the
possibilities of the human body".
Been there yet? If you have, you'll remember the roller-skating act in
which Mathieu Cloutier, 32, and Myriam Lessard, 30, spin on the stage.
At one point, Lessard is hanging by a band that's supporting her neck
even as she spins in the air with Cloutier turning on the wheels of
the skates. Cloutier responds to a barely concealed admiration for the
feat with a matter-of-fact "just like you went and studied for your
job at a school, we trained for ours."
The Canadian was once an ice hockey player, who accompanied a friend
as a 20-year-old to an audition for a role at the circus. The friend
who was vying for the role didn't get the job, but Cloutier landed
with a new career. It's at the school, in fact, that he first met his
now wife Lessard. Friends for the most part, the two, we are told,
started dating only four years ago. The couple, in fact previously
acrobats and trapeze artistes came up with the roller skating act so
that they could travel together.
And while they have the act in their pocket, it still takes daily
conditioning 1.5 hours for Lessard and 45 minutes for Cloutier
before the show. "It's not just to heal the body, but to also prevent
injuries," says Lessard, who grew up in Quebec. Importantly, she adds,
she also prevents injuries for the partner. "If I get injured, he
can't perform either," she says, giving a whole new perspective to
their partnership.
Take, for instance, the Russian cousins Aleksandr Likin, 33, and
Philipp Kuznetcov, 29. Kuznetcov is a man of few words and Likin, who
first introduced himself as Sasha, does most of the talking because
Kuznetcov's English isn't very good. But, their act crosses language
barriers. Called the Icarian Games, it is a gravity-defying routine
that involves two performers juggling the other two in the air like
balls. It's something that Likin and Kuznetcov have been practicing as
kids. Likin says his is a circus family. His father is also a
performer and Likin went onstage for the first time when he was nine.
Kuznetcov was 10 when he made his debut.
And while the job is their life it's taken them to almost
everywhere, aside from Australia and New Zealand it also requires
sacrifice. For starters, Kuznetcov can't eat anything he wants. "If I
put on weight," says the man who does the mid-air jumps, landing on
Likin's feet, "his knees will get injured." And if you thought
watching the diet should be easy (balance a dessert with a salad) the
two men can't indulge in their favourite sport either. "We can't run a
lot because it will hurt the knees, and we can't play football," says
Likin. Kuznetcov, who needs to protect his back, has to hold back from
cycling, long hours of which can hurt.
And where the body needs to be active, can the mind be far behind?
Cloutier talks of keeping the mind active between shows. "After a
show, the adrenalin is high and then there's a slump, but to keep it
high for the next one hour, we need to stay active," he adds. So, in
this break, the duo tries new acrobatic skills. For Melodie Lamoureux,
a hula hoop performer, yoga is her go-to workout. A trained gymnast
and ballet dancer, Lamoureux turned to the hoop only five years ago.
The former trapeze artiste says, her act requires manipulation. "But,
I can't be nervous or very excited. I have to manage that, else the
hoop will fall out of the hand and go into the audience," she laughs.
Yoga has helped her stay centred.
At the artistes' tent at BKC's MMRDA Grounds where Cirque holds fort
till December 9, she adds, there is gym equipment and a coach
regularly conducts pilates sessions to help the performers stay in
shape. It does sound glamorous. But there's an emotional tax to
travelling around the world through the year family and friends are
back home. Cloutier and Lessard admit they at least have each other
while on the road.
During the break between the Mumbai and Delhi performances, they fly
to Austria, in search of both friends and winter it's 33ºC even in
the shade here and 1ºC back home, remark the two (but Lessard we hear
isn't troubled as much by the Mumbai's faux winter as Cloutier is).
Likin, however, will travel back home, where he will finally get to
meet his month-and-a-half old daughter. "My wife was part of the show
but had to take a break after she got pregnant." Kuznetcov, hopes one
day he and his wife, can be on the road together.
* * * * * *
"Flip, spin, twist and drop"
The New Indian Express | December 26, 2018
The show with its 30 performers, each lending their agile deftness,
executed each acrobatic stunt flawlessly.
How many times in your life will you gasp for air looking at something
so spellbinding that it makes you lose the semblance of every sense?
How many things will make you sit on the edge of your seat with
anticipation akin to first romance? When will you look at something
and be rendered speechless? All this happens in the middle of a flip
here and a spin there, a twist here and a drop there. One handspring
followed by a somersault, one cartwheel leading to a scissor leap...
they go on and on in a breathless cycle of world-class acrobatics.
This is the grand state-of-the-art Cirque Du Soleil BAZZAR, for you
ladies and gentlemen. Touring India for the first time, Cirque du
Soleil is a Canadian entertainment company celebrated for being the
largest theatrical producer in the world.
In its new production, which premiered on December 24, it creates a
merry marketplace of music, dance and antics galore to tie themselves
in a collision of bespoke entertainment. The story is led by a maestro
who tries to hilariously but rather ineffectively lead his troop.
Constantly annoying him is a beautiful, free-spirited woman, who is
called the floating woman, who thrives on freedom but is always at
loggerheads with the maestro.
At a housefull make-shift amphitheatre, the first show in Delhi saw
IAS officer and CEO Niti Ayog Amitabh Kant, BJP MP and Former BCCI
Chief Anurag Thakur, fashion designers Shivan and Narresh, Gaurav
Gupta, Rahul and Rohit Gandhi, along with dignitaries from the New
Zealand and Canadian High Commission.
The show with its 30 performers, each lending their agile deftness,
executed each acrobatic stunt flawlessly. Whether it was the brilliant
artiste on the trapeze, or the roller skating duo, the fearless fire
stuntmen or the skillful contortionist, they all stood out with their
specialities. The cyclist outdid himself too.
Adding an Indian element to the narrative was the traditional
Mallakhamb performed with two gymnasts who twirled around a wooden
pole anti-gravity with great dexterity.A large part of GMR Aerocity
ground has been converted into a larger-than-life circus arena. Within
it is The Big Top, with a seating capacity of more than 1,500, which
is the ground zero of all the activity.
Cirque Du Soleil BAZZAR comes to the city as large format Broadway-
like show that challenges both artistes and audiences to up the ante
on the high energy, fast paced and technologically advanced live
entertainment front.
* * * * * *
"Bazzar, Cirque du Soleil's debut show in India, is a testament
to what the human body is capable of"
First Post | December 27, 2018
Two artists bounce up and down on a see-saw, performing somersaults in
the air as they leap up. A man rides a bicycle while facing backward
and hands-free, in perfect circles. A couple stands on an elevated
platform in roller skates and dances such that the female artist is
completely in the air, except for her head, anchored by the male
artist.
These are three of the many acts that form a part of Canadian
entertainment juggernaut Cirque du Soleil's first show in India,
Bazzar. And what a fitting debut the artists redefine what a circus
performance can be, while displaying what the human body is physically
capable of. As Bazzar has now reached Delhi after a string of shows in
Mumbai, here's a look at what viewers can expect to see.
Before the performance could begin, the press was given a tour of the
area where the artists prepare. There was a space designated for
training and working out, and on display were a collection of wigs and
an array of costumes in bright colours, embellished with sequins and
a whole lot of spandex.
Backstage at the Big Top (the tent where the performance is held) is a
complete antithesis of the frenzy on stage; its run like a well-oiled
machine. We interacted with two of the trapeze artists from the show,
who spoke about the dangerous nature of their act and why there is no
room for mistakes on stage. Their act involved one of the artists
letting herself drop from a height, only to be caught by the other
artist while upside down. You'd imagine that a conversation such as
this would prepare the audience for what lies next, but it doesn't
quite do so.
Easily the most impressive acts are the aforementioned roller skate
one, where the couple uses centrifugal force such that the female
artist is revolving in the air but securely connected to the male
artist; the trapeze one; the one involving the see-saw; and the fire-
blower.
As a part of the backstage walk-through, we were also given a glimpse
of the see-saw act. The gymnasts would, sometimes three at a time, use
force and weight to propel each other into the air, while performing
somersaults. They would always land on the two ends of the see-saw.
What is striking about this act and consistent across the whole
performance is the effortlessness of the artists. They're always
performing with a smile (or other expressions), which makes one wonder
just how much practice has gone into each act. We were informed that
Cirque often employs Olympians in its troupes, and this is not
surprising, considering the sheer amount of energy and strength
needed.
The characters of Bazzar are all well etched-out with distinct
personalities of their own. The Maestro, with his eccentric way of
talking and walking, jokes with the audience and acts as comic relief
in the show. The 'floating woman', the trickster (played by an
acrobat) who steals the Maestro's hat, drives the plot forward by
introducing conflict into it. We went into the show expecting the plot
to have a definite structure (the show is said to be about a troupe,
thus being an homage to Cirque du Soleil itself), but this was
missing. Still, the show is enjoyable because of the interactions
between the Maestro and the floating woman.
What also drives the performance forward is the live music and vocals.
The singer's deep voice and the musician's tunes on the electric
guitar elevated the tempo of the acts.
The Indian element of Bazzar is the Mallakhamb act, which has been
choreographed by the director Susan Gaudreau and noted Mallakhamb
artist Rajesh Mudki. It's evident that Rajesh and his partner were on
par with the rest of Cirque's players, and their act was a display of
discipline and strength. However, because it is a more visually sombre
act that the rest (no colourful costumes or aerial movements), the
viewer may think that it pales in comparison to the rest of the acts.
What is worth noting is the seamless way in which Mallakhamb was
integrated into the larger performance.
Months ago, we were told that the scale of Bazzar is smaller as
compared to Cirque's shows in other countries, but this doesn't seem
to compromise the kind of experience offered. In the beginning, the
viewer can feel almost overwhelmed because of the sheer number of
things happening on stage. Over time, the viewer's eye gets used to
the sound and action, and the result is a kind of performance that
does not allow you to look away or at your phone, even for a second.
* * * * *
"Touring with Cirque du Soleil's BAZZAR"
Deccan Chronicle | December 27, 2018
Under the Big Top, the vibrant and brightly coloured troupe of
performers leap, somersault and pull off stunts that defy the rules of
science. While they climb, move through and interact with space and
structures on the stage, the seeping light creates an effect of
shadow, perfecting the impressive scenography. On the first day of
Cirque du Soleils BAZZAR in the city, the show proved out to be rich
in its spectacular grandeur, extravagance, high-end creativity and
nail-biting performances.
Making its Indian debut last month in Mumbai, the Canadian
entertainment company Cirque du Soleil brought to city their 43rd
original production BAZZAR on Tuesday. Originated on the streets of
Canada, this intimate troupe of street artists has brought amazement
to crowds for over 30 years now and BAZZAR is homage to their journey.
Describe their production, the show director Susan Gaudreau says, It
is a journey into an eclectic lab of infinite creativity where a
joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and musicians craft an awe-
inspiring spectacle.
Although the show might represent a set-up of circus, the BAZZAR is
however, in its own way a whimsical universe. Led by a maestro, the
artists banded together to reimagine, rebuild and reinvent vibrant
scenes in an artistic, acrobatic game of order and disorder. Talking
about presenting the unexpected from the expected, Susan says, BAZZAR
is a show created to introduce the brand to audience that are not
familiar with us.
The show features classic acrobatic disciplines like teeterboard,
portage, acrobatic bike, contortion, duo roller skate, aerial rope and
slackline. With performances requiring such strenuous physical
activities, the director confirms that almost 60 percent of the
artists come from a sports background such as gymnastics, acro-sports,
diving, martial arts and synchronised swimming among others. We also
hire professional athletes to work behind the scenes. We also hire
professional athletes to work behind the scenes. The cast of BAZZAR is
showcasing a full range of different disciplines including Mallakhamb
for the first time, adds the director.
In addition to the thrilling performances, the bright, colourful and
oddly bizarre costumes adds to the remarkable aesthetics of the
carnivalesque circus and are a result of a rather intuitive and
organic process, which is not limited to one point in time. As the
costume designer James Lavoie says, BAZZAR presented an invitation to
design by instinct; to be inspired by everyday life and to trust my
gut. He also adds that for the BAZZAR costumes, he found inspiration
in the works of contemporary 20th century artists, conceptual
architectural clothing, and street style. I am thrilled to share my
costumes unicity with the Indian audience, he gushes.
One wonders how difficult it must have been to direct and choreograph
a spectacle with such diverse and unique performances that come
together to fit the theme.
BAZZAR is my second production as a director of this touring show and
it has a special place in my heart, Susan smiles. She joined Cirque
du Soleil in 2005 as an artistic coach and worked on numerous other
productions of the company. It was in 2014, when working on KURIOS
Cabinet of curiosities, she had her first engagement on a Cirque du
Soleil show as an acrobatic choreographer. However, designing a show
specifically to introduce Cirque du Soleil to a totally new audience
was not a bed of roses for her. It comes with a creative challenge.
It pushes our creators to find our essence and articulate it in a way
that is universally understandable, says the director. She further
adds that the challenge is always the same, revealing, to create a
show that will be nothing like the audience has ever seen before and
we have been successful in this matter for more than 30 years.
BAZZAR features an international cast of 30 performers and musicians
supported by 16 members of the technical team. While the company has
been entertaining millions of people for over 30 years in more than 60
countries, it continues to look for new markets and audiences. The
team struggled for four years to enter into the Indian market and took
two years to prepare this production. We have been looking at India
as a potential market for quite a while now. We wanted to do things
right and introduce the brand appropriately to this new audience that
was never exposed to Cirque du Soleil before, confirms the director.
Seems like their long term long-term objectives of establishing a
strong and lasting presence in India seems to be coming true as after
almost a month long stint in Mumbai, the troupe will be continuing to
perform in the capital for ten more days.
* * * * * *
"I want to take the audience on an emotional journey"
Sunday Gardian | January 5, 2019
Susan Gaudreau, director at the Canadian entertainment company Cirque
du Soleil, speaks to Priya Singh about the troupes India tour and the
future of circus as a performing art.
Cirque du Soleil is a Canada-based entertainment company known the
world over for having reinvented and modernised the traditional form
of circus. The troupe has just concluded the Mumbai leg of its debut
Indian tour, and is now performing regular shows of a set titled
Bazzar at Delhis GMR Aerocity, until 20 January 2019. Susan Gaudreau,
show director at Cirque du Soleil, speaks to Guardian 20 about, among
other things, the new show and the kind of preparation that went into
it.
Q. Tell us about your new show Bazzar. How much time did you take to
prepare the troupe for this show?
A. Cirque du Soleils Bazzar takes place in an eclectic lab of
infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and
musicians crafts an awe-inspiring spectacle. Lead by their maestro,
they band together to invent a whimsical one-of-a-kind universe. In a
place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines,
builds and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game.
We have been planning our entry in India for the past four years,
including almost two years for the creation of the show.The artistes
had been practicing for several months prior to the premiere of the
show [which happened on 11 November 2018].
Q. What sort of response have you been getting from your Indian
audiences?
A. We are very happy with the response we have received so far from
the Indian audiences. We offer a window to a different kind of reality
through live entertainment. We believe Cirque du Soleil is
complementary to Bollywood movies. The Indian film industry is so
creative and advanced that Indian audiences already have an open mind
in regard to art and creativity.
Q. How crucial is the role of costumes in a show like Bazzar?
A. Bright, colourful and original costumes, and make-up are signature
to the remarkable aesthetics of Bazzar. Cirque du Soleils state-of
the-art costumes are part of its DNA and have been a show trademark
worldwide. For Bazzar, the visual connection between costume and space
is important. Costumes and props needed for the various Cirque du
Soleil shows are created in Montreal, in the costume workshops. This
workshop, the only one of its kind in North America, employs
specialists in shoemaking, textile design, lace-making, wig-making,
patternmaking, costume-making and millinery.
Q. Which are the most important elements that a director such as
yourself has to keep in mind in order to put together a successful
show?
A. The most important objective for myself as a show director is to
take the audience on an emotional journey, from the minute the show
begins to after they walk outside the venue. I feel that the artistes
onstage are the most important element, because it is through their
performance on stage that we are made to feel emotions. They arrive on
stage with humility and perform from their hearts out. The music,
costumes, lighting, and makeup are there to support the feelings we
are trying to convey.
Q. What are your views on the circus industry worldwide? Do you think
it has been overshadowed by other forms of public entertainment?
A. We are no strangers to circus. It has been around for ages, but the
industry has been constantly re-inventing the concept of traditional
circus and has evolved over the years to create a new form of
entertainment filled with excitement and amazement.
Q. What sort of challenges do you come across while preparing for
overseas shows?
A. Designing a show specifically to introduce Cirque du Soleil to a
totally new audience is a creative challenge. It pushes our creators
to find our essence and articulate it in a way that is universally
understandable. With its story centered on the creative process and
the energy found in the unexpected, Bazzar shines a light on what is
uniquely Cirque du Soleil. The challenge is always the same, create a
show that will be nothing like what the audience has ever seen before,
and we have been successful in this for more than 30 years.
Q. How has the circus industry changed over the years?
A. For the past 30-years, I have taken on numerous roles behind the
scenes in the circus, special events, film, television, and dance
industry, including 20 years as a dancer and choreographer in a
variety of styles. Now, access to new technology allows us the freedom
to present the circus arts from a fresh perspective. It allows us to
elevate our creative product.
Q. Tell us about the artistes who are part of Bazzar.
A. At Cirque du Soleil, our casting teamcomposed of some 60 people,
including more than 20 talent scoutsdoes everything in its power to
find exceptional artistes for current and upcoming Cirque du Soleil
productions throughout the world. They play a consulting role with
various creation teams, directors and artistic directors by showing
them acts or artistes discovered at auditions or scouting activities.
The creation teams leave it up to the experts to find the talent that
will give each show its unique character. Bazzar features an
international cast of 30 performers and musicians. The cast comes from
13 different countries. Two of the performers are Indian.
Q. Which is your favourite Cirque du Soleil show to date?
A. In 2005, I joined Cirque du Soleil as an artistic coach on their
numerous productions, collaborating with creators on Cirque du
Soleils Michael Jackson One, Michael Jackson The Immortal, Zarkana
and Amaluna. Since 2013, I have created and directed special events
and shows for numerous Montreal-based companies, including 45 Degrees.
In 2014, Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities was my first engagement on a
Cirque du Soleil show as acrobatic choreographer and in 2017, I acted
as the show director for Cirque du Soleils At Seas productions.
Obviously, these shows have a special place in my heart.
Bazzar is my second engagement as Director of a Cirque du Soleil
touring show and for the first time, we are presenting a duo
Mallakhamb act in a Cirque du Soleil performance. We created an
incredible fusion of Mallakhamb and dance in a strong performance set
to an original musical score. I am very excited for that one.
Q. What do you like most about being part of Cirque du Soleil?
A. Cirque du Soleil is a leader in live entertainment. Thirty years
ago, they reinvented the circus arts and created a new form of
entertainment centered on human performance, without animals. Today,
they maintain that leadership by constantly being on the lookout for
innovative technology and new types of performance and looks, for ways
to integrate them in our shows.
This company is a great supporter of dreams. I feel blessed because I
am able to work with collaborators that are the best in the business
and who are fully supportive when it comes to bringing my visions to
reality. I never stop learning in this company! I love how they
challenge me to keep pushing my creativity.
------------------------------------------------------------
Jean David's Quel Cirque, Part 1 of 12: "The Early Years"
A Special Series Celebrating Cirque's 35th Anniversary
------------------------------------------------------------
Today a consultant in creativity and event marketing, Jean David was
one of the pioneers of Cirque du Soleil, where he led the marketing
department for 15 years (from 1984-1999), introducing the magic of the
Grand Chapiteau to the whole world. During his tenure, David
distinguished himself through innovative methods by commercializing
the Big Top and introducing its magic to other cultures on four
continents.
A man of vision but also a determined entrepreneur, Jean David acted
as Vice President of Entertainment, Sales & Marketing at the WYNN
Hotel in Las Vegas before moving to India for 18 months, where he led
a pre-feasibility study for the creation of an innovative project: the
Mumbai International Creative Center, an international resort centered
around the theme of creativity.
In his 2005 book - "Quel Cirque!" ("What a Cirque!") - David offered
his views on leadership and revealed the innovative qualities that
contributed to Cirque du Soleil's enormous success in marketing,
management, creation and exploration. There was only one problem... it
was written in his native French. Thankfully, David himself translated
and web-published an English-language version of his book and we've
collected the relevant Cirque-related chapters for this 12-part
series.
Jean David's "Quel Cirque" is a fantastic read and as Cirque du Soleil
celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, we thought this would be
the perfect year to share these texts with you. So, without further
ado, Quel Cirque!
# # #
I was born in Quebec City, the fourth in a family of six children with
five boys and the eldest a girl. My parents had to work hard to make
ends meet. We led a simple life, content with the few things we had.
All in all, life was beautiful. When I was six or seven years of age,
life, people, and events seemed like a mystery to me. I would look
through the living room window at the houses across the street and
think: Those people must be really intelligent.
One morning, curiosity got the better of me, and I ventured across the
street. I had a chat with them and found out they werent different
from me or the people I knew. Like many children, I wanted to
understand everything. What was life about? Why were there subjects
nobody mentioned? What were they? Why couldnt they be explained? I
was sure it was possible. Life was full of wonder.
My childhood was calm and uneventful. One summer, I spent a few days
with my godfather and godmother, Brian and Hélène Blais, in the
village of Baie-Saint-Paul. Uncle Brian, an engineer, was working on
the construction of the new hospital. The couple lived in a modest
home near the pier. While I was there something wonderful happened:
the circus came to town, pitching its tent a stones throw from the
house. What could be more thrilling for a little boy? A world of
wonderment. In the eyes of an adult it was a simple enough occurrence,
but for me, it would take on new meaning 20 years later.
When I was 14, as I walked to school through Limoilou, a working-class
district in Quebec City, I looked at the apartment buildings along the
way. The people in there must be geniuses, I thought. But what did
geniuses look like? Would I recognize them if I saw them on the
street. Like many of my mates, I was more interested in the schoolyard
than in the classroom. Everything seemed more stimulating, concrete,
and real outside with my friends. And I didnt take homework
seriously. I had my own ideas about how I wanted to spend my time. My
curiosity was insatiable.
And I was never really shy. When school let out, I sometimes wandered
around the school basement, peering into the rooms to see what was
going on. I saw lots of people talking things over and preparing for
the next day. I tried to listen in. I wanted to be involved, to
participate, and to make a contribution. It was like a game, combining
daring and youthful determination. It was a challenge. Something was
going on, and I wanted to be in on it.
A teacher told us that people use only 10% of their brain capacity.
There must be lots of things to discover, I thought. Fantastic! Just
think what we could do if we used 100%. My friends and I had a good
time imagining all the fun wed have: wed become invisible, wed read
peoples minds, and wed talk to the animals.
Like most people, the teacher thought that as we used only 10% of our
capacity, we could hardly imagine what human beings would be like if
they used their maximum potential. It was only logical. We werent
intelligent enough to conceive of a truly intelligent person. As I was
a teenager, I came up with an analogy: our brain is like a computer
that is as big as the Empire State Building, but were only using the
basement.
I concluded that our understanding of human beings and society was
based on a limited use of our intellectual capacity. No wonder there
were so many problems in the world! I was convinced that the future
would hold the answers to a multitude of questions. For me the future
meant the year 2000!
When I was 17 years old, I studied Communications at Jonquière
College. It was a remarkable if somewhat truncated year. One of our
teachers Yves Doré really impressed us. It was an extraordinary
learning experience. He taught us about Marshall McLuhan and his
theory of the global village. He introduced us to a whole new world:
the extensions of man, brain hemisphere specialization, mental
imagery, initiation in the technique of collage, dissonance,
redundancy, the notion of subjectivity
At last, Id found something
stimulating, something that could really challenge me! In that brief
period of time,for a variety of reasons, mainly due to my
personality, I started to participate in student activities. I was
chosen student representative on the departments educational
committee.
At one of the committee meetings, the head of the department, singling
out Yves Doré, admonished teachers to concentrate on the curriculum
and make sure not to let students get them off topic. When we went to
work in the media, he said, our future bosses certainly would not be
brain surgeons or college professors and they would take a dim view of
us if we seem smarter than they were. Worst still, he added, we would
risk compromising the good name of the department and of the college.
Imagine that! The department was in crisis, and I was fed up. Why
should I attend classes? At best, Id end up with a worthless diploma.
So I quit before the end of the first year. I was a dropout and proud
to be. Even today, I notice, the dropout rate is pretty high.
A few months after I left college, an extraordinary book entitled Les
ZooGep camp de concentrations (Éditions Tribales, 1973) recounting the
events that highlighted that year at college appeared. The author was
none other than Yves Doré, who had left the department by then. The
work was done in collaboration with illustrator Serge Bureau, a former
student. An excerpt from the book reads as follows: In my mind the
disgust young people feel towards school has two main causes first the
academic institutions are administered by administrators who
administrate for the sake of administrating the administered and even
that they do badly. (Cf. Dr Girouard, Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe).
The second cause is even more appalling. In the past 25 years, the
West has undergone an important Mutation but few adults (not even
teachers) are aware of it. Todays schools were designed by Westerners
of the old school (Mgr. Parent, Soeur Roquet). Its as if the schools
are trying in vain to educate a generation of young people who, in
fact, no longer exist. And the young people who do exist are forced to
live in cages at the ZOO (ZooGONDAIRE, ZooGEP, ZooNIVERSITÉ) were
their trainers reward them with diplomas for grimacing and carrying on
like monkeys. I call this GENOCIDE.
Published 30 years ago, the book is still relevant. I recommend it to
students, teachers, and administrators at every level of every
educational system in the land. I never went back to school. For a
long time I proudly kept the word dropout in the Academic Background
section of my résumé. When I left college there were two things I was
sure of: first, I loved communications and I had chosen the right
career; second, I didnt know very much and I had a lot to learn.
By quitting school, I was refusing to play the role of an idiot that
society wanted to assign me. I decided to do things my way. I went
into business. Some friends and I founded MODUX Communications Inc., a
small agency involved in advertising (to earn a living) and
communications research (to learn about life).
And, oddly enough, I went into politics. When I was just a little kid,
my paternal grandfather got a kick out of standing me up on the
dining-room table and telling me to make a speech. One day, youll
be Prime Minister, he said. With this early conditioning its hardly
surprising that I jumped at the chance to get into politics. I
certainly wasnt bashful. I wasnt afraid to express my opinion. At
17, I was named the first chairman of the Quebec Liberal Partys youth
commission. Robert Bourassa was the Liberal leader at the time. The
winds of change were blowing through society, and the feeling was that
everything was possible.
I loved the cut and thrust of political debate. Organizing meetings
and participating in something grand was exhilarating. In those days,
I was far more active at the grassroots level than in conference rooms
or ministers suites. In the 1973 election campaign, I served on the
provincial speakers committee, a flying squad of speakers who
undertook a variety of assignments.
Once I was addressing an audience of nearly a thousand people in
Cabano, in the Bas-du-Fleuve region of Quebec. My job was to warm up
the room for a Cabinet minister who was speaking next. My talk was
supposed to last 20 minutes, but after only ten, I went blank. Worse
still, I felt completely empty inside. It suddenly occurred to me that
I had no idea what I was talking about. I was just regurgitating other
peoples ideas. So much for the presentation; so much for my political
career! Within months Id handed in my resignation, swearing that the
next time I got into politics, Id know what I was doing and why I was
doing it. It was years before I could bring myself to speak in public
again.
In those days, mass communications and new phenomena fascinated me. I
was intrigued by anything to do with mental pictures. I couldnt learn
enough about these topics. I was a voracious reader; I consumed
everything I could lay my hands on. A recent discovery that nearly
caused a revolution among thinkers fired my imagination. It concerned
the idea that the hemispheres of the brain are specialized for the
performance of different tasks. The brain is divided into two
hemispheres popularly known as the left brain and the right brain.
According to the theory, the left brain is rational and logical; it
thinks in concepts; it is objective. The right brain is intuitive and
emotional; it thinks in images; it is subjective.
If an object is viewed by the two hemispheres, you could say that the
right brain, viewing it from the inside, perceives a sphere; the left
brain, viewing it from the outside, perceives a cube. Similarly, the
left brain perceives time as past, present, and future while the right
brain perceives it as infinite, omnipresent, even compressed. This is
a simple way of presenting an extremely complex process.
Déjà vu, the feeling of having already experienced the present moment
or situation, also captured my attention. Every time I had this
feeling a multitude of questions arose. What did it mean? I often
dismissed it as a fragment of a dream. And I found this somewhat
disconcerting. I was searching for a meaning, some association. What
consequences could it have? But then, the feeling would fade away, and
nothing but a vague impression remained. I was left wanting more.
Déjà vu loomed large in my mind. The feeling occurred frequently. Each
time, the same questions and doubts resurfaced. It was troubling. But
then, I told myself that, after all, I was young and a bit of a
dreamer. Since I was preoccupied with déjà vu, it was only natural
that I experienced the feeling more and more. Finally I grew tired of
wrestling with unanswerable questions. They were all very interesting,
but they didnt lead anywhere.
Since I hadnt found a rational explanation of déjà vu, I tried to
come up with my own. I concluded that déjà vu is nothing more than
psychic fart. Just as our digestive system occasionally gives rise
to flatulence, the brain too gives rise to psychic flatulence. As
strange as it may seem, once I came up with the idea, my concerns
vanished. Better still, so did déjà vu
I learned it was possible to
eliminate false problems.
At 20 years of age, I still couldnt understand why no one could
explain how the brain functioned and our thought process worked. It
would make a wonderful theme for a TV series: The Brain Connection! I
thought it odd how this fundamental aspect of human beings was
shrouded in silence, treated as if it were taboo. Silence allowed
every sort of belief to exist. I understood that our society and the
world in general were out of whack, governed by arbitrary notions
mainly to do with the world economic order and with other factors in
which I had no confidence.
I had a funny feeling that the human species had somehow gone astray.
It seemed really odd to find myself in a world that was so profoundly
lost. How could you know where youre going when you dont know where
you come from? There had to be some explanation! Some religions and
belief systems taught us to abandon all attempt to understand. This
didnt satisfy me. We have a head on our shoulders. So why not use it
to understand whats going on?
I must have been 21 or 22 years old when it first occurred to me that
truth must not be confined within us; it must be manifested in the
world around us and actualized in reality. This is a principle that I
have lived by.
What do you believe in?
{ To Be Continued... }
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COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
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Fascination! Newsletter
Volume 19, Number 1 (Issue #180) - January 2019
"Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (C)
2001-2019 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
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"Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du
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are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., All Rights
Reserved. No copyright infringement intended.
{ Jan.11.2019 }
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