Performing arts at its finest: Cirque du Soleil TORUK - The First Flight

Photo: Jesse Faatz Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

June 23, 2017 marked the Asian premiere of Cirque du Soleil TORUK - The First Flight at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.  

In terms of giving Cirque du Soleil a warm welcome, Manila did not disappoint.  Gates opened as early as 6 pm, and there was already a big crowd socializing at the venue about an hour or so before the show.  A couple of TORUK artists were already in their full Na'vi costumes, as part of the meet-and-greet setup.  For the audience, it gave us the opportunity to appreciate up-close all the creativity that went into the Na'vi make up and costumes.  

Days before the premiere, I was doing some occasional countdown by the day or by the hour.  I was really excited to 'be in the show'.  I'm not one of the artists, but the way the stage is set-up provided for the audience to immerse themselves in the show. Cirque du Soleil also introduced a mobile app, so the audience can participate in some parts of the show through their mobile phones.  It is beyond the visual treat that is always expected of Cirque du Soleil.  TORUK is a one-of-a-kind by-product of James Cameron's and Cirque du Soleil's artistic collaboration.    

➣ TORUK is inspired by James Cameron's hit film AVATAR.  

➣ Cirque du Soleil conceptualized TORUK as a grand fusion of theater, cinema, and acrobatics.  (Just imagine two of the finest artistic visionaries of our time - Cirque du Soleil and James Cameron collaborating).

Directors Michel Limieux and Victor Pilon created the show as a prequel to “Avatar,” set thousands of years before. The story centers on two Omaticaya boys Ralu and Entu who went on a quest to collect a talisman from each of the five Na'vi clans of Pandora.  Those five talismans would allow them to tame the mighty TORUK, and save the Tree of Souls and the rest of Pandora from an impending catastrophe.  Narrated by a "Na'vi Storyteller", TORUK is a story about unifying five Na'vi clans to work on a greater, common goal - and highlighting their symbiotic connection to their community and with nature.  The Na'vi clans' highest regard for nature stems from from their belief that all living things are interconnected.  Everyone could relate to this as we become more aware of how much we owe nature.   I must say that bringing young kids to this show is a way of teaching them about the benefits of working together to achieve even the most difficult tasks, and that we must respect nature.  This is a great show for the entire family.  You can find more about the story of TORUK here. 

Here are some fantastic photos from Cirque du Soleil TORUK - The First Flight:

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Youssef Shoufan Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Youssef Shoufan Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett  © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil TORUK in one statement:  performing arts at its finest.  

Cirque du Soleil TORUK - The First Flight runs from June 23 - July 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.  Book your tickets now (before all tickets sell out) through smtickets.com.