Cirque du Soleil presents its new arena touring show inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie AVATAR, TORUK – The First Flight, a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world like you have never seen it before. (CAPSULE REVIEW below)

Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.

This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things.

Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” in English and populated by unforgettable characters who speak the Na’vi language originally created for the film, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.

When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.

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 160 million spectators in more than 400 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries. Written and directed by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon, under the guidance of Guy Laliberté and Jean-François Bouchard (Cirque du Soleil) and Jon Landau, James Cameron, Kathy Franklin and Richie Baneham (Lightstorm Entertainment)

TORUK – January 7 to 10, 2016 – Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay Street, Toronto TICKETS

Video

Facebook

Twitter #TORUK.

CAPSULE REVIEW

Having seen many different Cirque Du Soleil productions, this one gives all the lights, imagery, and acrobatic contortions that the company is well-known for, however the story seems to lag at points. This is evident in the 15 minute “kite scene” that just seemed to go on a bit too long. The performances also seemed more lackluster than usual, with more focus on singing, narration, and theatrics than the acrobatic marvels of previous shows. The cavernous confines of the Air Canada Centre likely doesn’t help either. These shows are best experienced in a smaller environment, such as recent ones that have taken place inside a make-shift tent down at the Docklands.

Judging by the nearly sold-out venue though, it doesn’t appear that the majority of their fans mind so much. There wasn’t as much applause as usual, and I did notice a few people leaving early, but for the most part this show gave what it promised from a spectacle point of entertainment. Sometimes that’s all we need, is a good night out to sit back and dream. Grab your TICKETS now as the set will be torn down next week and the Lowly Leafs will be back on the ice vying for that coveted cup called Stanley.

 

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca