Cirque du Soleil TORUK The First Flight

Spark Arena, Mahuhu Crescent on the edge of the CBD, Auckland

15/09/2017 - 24/09/2017

Production Details


‘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 New Zealand, a country so rich in culture and scenery as can be found on Pandora’’ says 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 coexistence 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.

Auckland’s Spark Arena
September 15th – 24th
8pm
Tickets from Ticketmaster (Auckland) 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Follow us at www.facebook.com/torukthefirstflight, Twitter @cirque | Instagram @cirquedusoleil | Snapchat @CirqueSnap | #TORUK #Avatar #CirqueduSoleil

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.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com.

To find out more about the ONE DROP Foundation, visit https://www.onedrop.org.

ABOUT TEG LIVE: 
As a diverse live content and touring business, TEG Live connects Australians, New Zealanders and the world with unique live experiences through music, family entertainment, exhibitions, sporting events and corporate hospitality.

For more information go to www.teglive.com.au

Theatre , Dance-theatre , Cirque-aerial-theatre ,

Unforgettable out-of-this-world experience

Review by Hadleigh Pouesi 16th Sep 2017

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S TORUK: THE FIRST FLIGHT
 
Toruk truly transports the audience to the mystical world of Pandora in a way that only Cirque Du Soleil can. I have been to a number of Cirque Du Soleil productions over the last few years, Toruk stands up there as one of (if not the) best I have seen. It is a hard task to write a review for a show that offers experiences that are hard to conceive let alone to put into words. 
 
From the moment you enter the arena you are introduced to a set that is breathtaking. Even under the dim pre-show lights you know that you are in for something truly spectacular. The set is a mountain landscape that makes you question reality as your mind races to think what experiences are ahead of you. 
 
Toruk: The First Flight is also introduced as an interactive experience, with audience members invited to connect into the action with their phones via a custom-built app that allows you to interact with the action on stage in real time. Though this feature was at time distracting I can see how it would appeal to certain audiences and when I was able to connect at the correct times it did make me feel a part of the magic.
 
The show experienced some technical difficulties which forced a later start than expected but that did nothing to disrupt the anticipation and excitement felt at the Spark Arena.
 
Once the show begins you are taken into a world of colour, spectacular lighting designs, out-of-this-world projection art, blockbuster level costumes and performers who defy gravity and break the limits of what the human body can do. The story is an easy-to-follow narrative that presents the core cast with challenges as they explore the world of Pandora and find ways to conquer the legendary creature, The Toruk.
 
Throughout the show, we are treated to world-class aerial silk skills, acrobatics, live music andmind-blowingg puppetry. The cast really outdo themselves to give the audience an experience of a lifetime. The theatrics are matched by true showmanship as the story is never compromised or outweighed by pure spectacle; the balance of storytelling and death-defying acts is perfect, justified, and keeps you at the edge of your seat for the entirety of the show.  
 
I struggle to find aspects of the show that I disliked and it is hard to get nitpicky as seemed every consideration was taken and no expense was spared to bring an out-of-this-world experience to life.
 
My personal highlights would have to come from how intricate and seamless the projection art is and how it complements the already extravagant set design and moves the narrative forward in a way that allows you to let go of reality for brief moments. I also enjoy the beauty and mastery with the puppetry and take my hat off to the puppeteers who skillfully disappear into the creatures they control. Again , I must applaud the entire cast who go out of their way to bring the show to life and the costume, lighting and makeup artists whose work make the whole experience incredibly believable. 
 
Whether you are familiar with James Cameron’s Avatar or not, this is a show not to be missed. Witnessing a Cirque Du Soleil production should be on everyone’s bucket list and Toruk: The First Flight is a 5 star show that you will never forget.     
 

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