By Mary Lou Janson
Cirque du Soleil officially premiered its new arena touring show inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie Avatar, TORUK – The First Flight, in December at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The show is presently touring in arenas around the world.
Among the most notable guests at the Red Carpet event were Academy Award-Winning Director James Cameron, Academy Award-Winning Producer Jon Landau, Cirque du Soleil Founder Guy Laliberte, Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre, as well as members of the TORUK – The First Flight creative team including show writers, directors, and Multimedia Directors Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, Director of Creation Neilson Vignola, Set and Props Designer Carl Fillion, Costume and Makeup Designer Kym Barrett, Puppet Designer Patrick Martel, and more.
TORUK – The First Flight is a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s Avatar like never seen before.
Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.
When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.
According to Publicist Laura Silverman, “TORUK – The First Flight is a completely different type of show for Cirque du Soleil. Inspired James Cameron’s Avatar, TORUK – The First Flight will present a story that happened thousands of years before the events depicted in the film. For the first time, an English speaking storyteller will guide the audience through the quest of our three main characters. The story, along with unprecedented video and projection effects, are bringing Pandora to life. An incredible show for families and children of all ages, Cirque du Soleil is continuing to push the boundaries of live entertainment, and this live immersive multimedia experience is not to be missed.”
TORUK – The First Flight will be at the Amalie Arena in Tampa from Thursday to Sunday, March 17-20. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk. Follow TORUK – The First Flight at www.facebook.com/toruk thefirstflight and on Twitter and Instagram.
