TORUK – The First Flight written and directed by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon Announces its Australian Debut!
Inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking film AVATAR, TORUK – The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil will make its Australian debut at Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre in October before heading to Sydney (Qudos Bank Arena), Melbourne (Rod Laver Arena) and then Adelaide (Entertainment Centre).
“Avatar is really meant to be a celebration of human motion and human emotion and Cirque is able to capture that absolutely perfectly, because it’s all about human performance and physicality. It makes you feel alive to watch these performers,” said James Cameron.
‘’TORUK – The First Flight is an integration of humanity and technology, a colorful spectacle for the entire family. We are delighted to see this epic journey take flight in Australia, a country so rich in culture and scenery as can be found on Pandora,’’ said director and writer Michel Lemieux.
THE SHOW:
Inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR, TORUK – The First Flight transports you to the world of Pandora in a visually stunning live setting. Experience a storytelling odyssey through a new world of imagination, discovery, and possibility.
Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.
This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic co-existence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things.
Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.
THE STORY:
When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omatikaya 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.
THE CREATIVE TEAM:
TORUK – The First Flight comprises 13 creators under the artistic guidance of Guy Laliberté (Guide) and Jean-François Bouchard (Creative Guide) for Cirque du Soleil, and James Cameron, Jon Landau, Kathy Franklin and Richie Baneham for Lightstorm Entertainment:
Show Writers and Directors, Multimedia Directors – Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon
Director of Creation – Neilson Vignola
Set and Props Designer – Carl Fillion
Costume and Makeup Designer – Kym Barrett
Choreographers – Tuan Le and Tan Loc
Composers and Musical Directors – Bob & Bill
Sound Designer – Jacques Boucher
Lighting Designer – Alain Lortie
Puppet Designer – Patrick Martel
Acrobatic Performance Designer – Germain Guillemot
Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer – Pierre Masse
ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL:
TORUK – The First Flight is Cirque du Soleil’s 37th production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 155 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
TORUK – The First Flight:
Cirque Club members will be able to access tickets from 10am Tuesday 30th May until 5pm Monday 5th June.
An exciting pre-sale is available exclusively for Telstra customers from 9am Wednesday 31 May until 9am Friday 2 June 2017 (local time). Head to www.telstra.com/arts for more details on how to purchase.
The MyTicketek pre-sale will commence at 10am Friday 2nd June and run until 5pm Monday 5th June 2017 (local time).
Tickets will be available to the general public at www.ticketek.com.au from 10am Tuesday 6 June 2017 (local time).
For full ticketing information, head to www.ticketek.com.au.
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