Once upon a time…
A door opened and two worlds collided.
Dreams clashed with reality.
The mundane mixed with the marvelous.
It was no longer possible to tell where one world began and the other ended.
This new place was called La Nouba.
On December 23, 1998, just a few short weeks after the Las Vegas premiere of «O» (Cirque du Soleil’s second resident show), the lights dimmed, the audience hushed and a shock of electric excitement filled the air in the La Nouba Theater for the very first time. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears, and a vigorous production schedule that saw the birth of three shows in the span of seven months. On June 2, 2004, Cirque du Soleil together with the Walt Disney Company celebrated La Nouba’s 5th Anniversary in a bona fide festive manor, and yours truly was invited along to join in the fun. Imagine my surprise when I returned home from CirqueCon 2004 in Vancouver to find an invitation from a Publicist and PR representative with La Nouba, waiting patiently in my email’s inbox.
Naturally I didn’t miss the opportunity to party it up with the folks at La Nouba. It was an evening filled with thrills, laughter and fun, and I would like to share my party experience with you while at the same time providing an overview of the show, its performance space and everything else in between. And while these events took place a little over three years ago, I couldn’t imagine a better way to bring all of you, our CirqueCon members, into the festivities that may await you this weekend!
faire la nouba!
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Begin a Tale
“La Nouba, presented by Cirque du Soleil exclusively at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is celebrating five amazing years! We would be very honored if you could join us! You are invited to join us for the 9pm performance of La Nouba on June 2, 2004, followed by a celebration with the cast and crew! Thank you for your continued support of Cirque du Soleil. We look forward to seeing you at La Nouba!”
I left for Downtown Disney on the 2nd full of excitement, unsure of exactly what to expect upon my arrival. The air crackled with electric excitement; I was anticipating the experience so much so that my palms were damp with sweat. What would it be like? Would something special be announced during the show? What would happen afterward? Would I really get to meet the cast? What kind of party will it be? All these questions and more surfaced in my mind as I walked from Downtown Disney’s parking lot to the area of La Nouba’s beautiful free-standing theater.
Upon arrival I immediately located the media check-in table located along the backside of the theater, and made my way over. For all my talk, when I walked up to the press agents, I was at a loss for words. Concerned was more like it, because I really didn’t know under what pretence they had me placed on their list. I wasn’t official “media” in the true sense of the word (unlike many of the other folks there) so I was a little curious, and spoke with trepidation. I needn’t have worried; my credentials were already on hand in an envelope marked with my name.
The credentials consisted of a basic colored lanyard with an elongated ID Tag featuring a black background with a headshot of one of the Les Cons at the top and “Celebrating 5 years! La Nouba June 2004” underneath in varying font sizes and varieties. Below that the space for my name and as soon as my eyes brushed over what they printed I couldn’t help but smile: “Richasi” was on top in bold and below that my real name: “Ricky Russo.” Too cool!
An itinerary sheet accompanied the credentials, which detailed the evening’s events as follows:
5:30pm — Show Seating Time
6:00pm to 7:30pm — Special La Nouba Performance
8:00pm to 10:00pm — Dinner at BET Soundstage Club, Pleasure Island
10:00pm to 1:00am — Post Production Party, Bongo’s Cuban Café, 2nd Floor.
This was but a fraction of what the press and other honored guests were able to experience throughout the day, as I found out. It was unfortunate I wasn’t able to come earlier, but I was extremely happy and honored just to be considered, mind you. Here’s what I missed:
11:00am — Celebration Moment, Cirque du Soleil Theater Exterior
12:00pm to 1:30pm — Behind-the-Scenes lunch with the Cast
1:30pm to 4:00pm — La Nouba Media Experiences
It was really that last one I was the most interested in. I wondered: what exactly were the media allowed to do? Were they given backstage tours? (Most definitely.) Were they allowed on stage? (Possibly.) Did they get to try their hand in some acts? (Surely not… right?)
Wrong!
While I must take this with a grain of salt, I learned about all the special “goodies” the press were able to take part in during that Special Media Experience time I missed by talking to a newspaper writer out of the Tampa Bay area. Not only were members of the press able to take backstage tours and climb up into the rafters and see the scaffolding, but also received the opportunity to tumble on the FastTrack!
He regaled me with tales of some of the media personnel who were overanxious to try, and some who were just too frightened to attempt it. As for me, if I had been there, I think you know what I would do. I would be all over that FastTrack in a heartbeat! Though I have no formal training (ok, I have absolutely no training at all), I think just being given the opportunity to tumble would have been more than enough. What an experience, no?
Before long it was time to enter the theater — the pre-show was about to begin, so I took my seat in Section 204, Row HH, Seat 10. The view from this seat was spot on, dead center, right behind the soundman by a few rows. I couldn’t have asked for a better seat on such a short notice!
Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy!
“Ladies and Gentlemen – welcome to Cirque du Soleil. During this performance smoke effects will be used, but these are harmless to your health. The use of video equipment, and especially flash cameras, is strictly prohibited because of the danger it presents to our acrobats. In case of an emergency, please stay calm and proceed to the nearest exit — here, here, here, and here. The ushers will direct you. And now, sit back, relax and enjoy! La Nouba!”
The lights dim down and the audience becomes still now; a shock of electric excitement filled the air as any previous vociferations come to a sharp end. And then the unforgettable sound of a lone trumpet fills the theater, as the Festival of Characters enter, one by one, and introduce themselves to us. The Trumpeter, himself a prince in this fairy tale, brings with him a wonderful medley of personae and a signature melody that warms the heart. We’re introduced to L’Oiseau, the colorful green bird; Les Danseurs, a man and woman in love; the Flying Man, who will soar into our hearts on a band of red silk; the Balancer, colorfully dressed from head to toe, complete with a cat’s tail; an Acrobat in Red, forever tumbling, he stoke the party; Le Promeneur, shuffling about with an ever present smile; and the Titan, a menacing, threatening man. They vanish as quickly as they come, and once again the theater falls lifeless, and dark.
The quiet is disturbed, not by the harrowed scream of a demented creature or of a maiden in distress, but of the chime of a doorbell. Ding dong. Ding dong. The door creeks open, a column of light shines through, outlining the form of a lady, a rather round and lifeless creature, whose job it is to clean and sweep the floors around her. She is the cleaning lady, representing the every day man or woman, no doubt. But as she goes about her duties, oblivious of the world she has entered, the creatures of this fantastical realm are beginning to stir. The Green Bird tiptoes behind her; sensing a movement, she turns but there’s nothing to be found. But then! startles at a man riding a bicycle upside down across her field of vision. And before her eyes (and ours) more and more weird and wonderful apparitions begin to materialize: two sleepwalking fools canter by; a small train pulls in to station, and the cries of a hungry, estranged wolf mix with the howls and sirens of warning to announce the coming clash of dream and nightmare.
Unable to hold back any longer, the insane world of La Nouba pours forth and spills upon the stage before us. Startled, we all peer at the newcomers as they stream steadily from the opened door. Caught up now as she is in their world, we march forward to their militaristic tune. Fantasy and reality are merging before our eyes and we are lost to make heads or tails of either.
La Nouba is an unforgettable journey through this universe – at once threatening and exhilarating, frightening and familiar. La Nouba is the story of all stories, the site of all mysteries, where dreams and nightmares sleep side by side. La Nouba is memory, individual and universal. It beckons to us, challenges us to uncover passions we thought we’d lost long ago. Here, anything is possible.
La Nouba contains two types of families or groups and throughout the ride the magic and fantasy of the colorful Cirques (circus people) clash with the monochromatic world of the Urbains (urbanites). But as in fables, it is not so much this contrast as the interplay between these two groups which sparks our curiosity and feeds our imagination. From this encounter is born fear and ecstasy. From this encounter is born La Nouba.
Roue allemande (German Wheel)
What started as a popular gymnastics exercise in Germany has become a crowd-pleasing act for Cirque du Soleil. Six-and-a-half feet in diameter, the wheel consists of two metal hoops joined at six points. Identical twin brothers turn and spin the wheels while performing gravity-defying somersaults and acrobatics. Though both were featured in Cirque du Soleil’s Nouvelle Expérience, this is the first time they are performing together as a duo.
Funambule (High Wire)
The Funambule act takes place on a 90-foot, half-inch wide steel wire. With remarkable balance and precision, a high wire walker ascends to a height of 34 feet above the stage as his partner descends from the theater’s eighth level to the fifth on a diagonal wire. The performers’ breathtaking maneuvers include head balancing, and death defying somersaults. Using two different types of bicycles, one of the high wire walkers executes a wheelie and later crosses the wire while carrying another artist on his shoulder. This amazing team is comprised of three acrobats who are life-long students of the discipline.
Diabolos
The diabolo, or Chinese yo-yo, is a children’s game first introduced into the realm of the arts in Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam. This entrancing act features four young Chinese performers. Holding two sticks linked by a string, they slide, juggle and toss a musical wooden spool while performing flips in the air. Demonstrating increasingly difficult maneuvers, the artists attempt to outdo each other in dexterity and ingenuity.
Vélos (Cycles)
This act gets rolling with a BMX wizard whose difficult maneuvers never fail to mesmerize the public. His technical twists, gymnastic turns and spins on one wheel are highlighted in incredible tricks such as G-turns, boomerangs and megaspins, all accompanied by lots of footwork. The second half of the act features yet another artist whose feats are equally astonishing. His hard-to-believe stunts include riding over obstacles without ever putting his feet down, jumping off high platforms, hopping up and down steps and into the audience on one wheel, and even jumping over an artist and a guest before literally plunging into the bowels of the stage.
Cadre aérien (Aerial Cradle)
The aerial cradle looks like a door and is a perfect example of equal-opportunity strength and agility. This amazing athletic display features elements of traditional circus aerial cradle with a unique and special difference — the male and female artists take turns supporting one another 34 feet above the stage.
Ballet air et soie (Aerial Ballet in Silk)
In a stunning display of grace and strength, the artists become one with the ribbon of red fabric that cradles them. This breathtaking aerial dance requires immense agility and flexibility, and allows the performers a wide latitude of acrobatic and artistic expression.
Equilibre sur chaises (Balancing on Chairs)
Rokardy’s chair act was created exclusively for La Nouba, and integrated in the show on January 24, 2003. The artist stacks furniture he has found in the imaginary attic of La Nouba in order to light a chandelier, which mysteriously rises just beyond his reach every time he tries to get to the last candle. Rokardy defies gravity and the laws of physics as he balances precariously on a stack of six chairs, two books, and a baby carriage atop a table elevated 16 feet in the air. When he finally manages to reach the chandelier, Rokardy, who is now 34 feet in the air, surprises his audience with a unique hand balancing image, before lighting the last candle.
Grands volants (Flying Trapeze)
Four pendulum-like swings, on two different levels, carry a team of perfectly synchronized aerialists 53 feet above the stage. This innovative bi-level rigging enables the trapezists to create a visually arresting exhibition of rhythm and athleticism. Timing is key when all four trapezes are swinging in tandem and the aerialists switch places — barely inches away from colliding.
Power Track/Trampoline
This act in La Nouba takes ordinary trampoline and power track performance to a new level. The stage is set on fire in this high-energy acrobatic display of phenomenal timing and spatial awareness.
All too soon the production came to a close, but it would be an ending not soon forgotten. For during the final stanza and last curtain call hundreds of multi-colored balloons fell from the heavens, released by the “Fabulous Figures” that dance their whimsical dance about the tops of the theater; everyone in the audience was covered! Balloons were floating, hands were clapping, and whistles were blowing and through it all I stood, misty-eyed, reveling in it all, as the phrase “La Nouba 5th Anniversary” was projected on the asylum wall.
It was truly a birthday bash.
But the show was just one act of a three-ring circus that night.
Kungaloosh! Kungaloosh!
One after another the audience members jumped from their seats, hands clasping together in appreciation of yet another mind-boggling performance of Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at the Cirque Theater in Downtown Disney West Side. A deafening roar flooded the house as the artists of the nights performance filled the stage; an admiration of their mastery. Up in their roost the musicians rocked on as if their very life depended on it; their song filling the theater with a sense of festivity. And in this moment hundreds of balloons fell from the rafters, raining a celebratory cry upon us all. It was June 2nd, 2004; La Nouba was celebrating its 5th Anniversary and the inmates of the asylum were ecstatic.
I was one of the last to leave the theater as most of the ensemble with credentials was told to stay behind. We would personally be escorted to the next item on the itinerary, but I felt a little lost. Many people began chatting around me to obvious acquaintances or friends, leaving me to my lonesome. Some even began to leave on their own and I wasn’t sure where to be or what to do. I probably looked dense sitting in my seat, or standing gazing idly at the La Nouba 5th Anniversary projection on the set, but I didn’t care. I had just observed one of the best performances of La Nouba I could remember and I was still misty-eyed and overwhelmed.
Eventually it was my turn to check out of the asylum. As I rounded the theater and once again came to a stop outside the Boutique, I pulled out the agenda and looked it over, thinking about what was coming next — the Dinner and Post Production party.
Living in Orlando I’ve visited Disney World quite often and have seen parties ushered across the parks with a uniformed cast member’s red baton waving in the air, with a curiosity to know their destination. I never thought I would be one of those people until I rounded the theater’s boutique. At that very moment more than one uniformed Disney representatives with red batons greeted us and led us through the gates of Pleasure Island to the BET Soundstage Club, where we would be wined and dined like kings and queens for the next two hours.
As I entered the club I was immediately struck by its stark decor. Sleek, stylish and contemporary, the BET Soundstage is multi-leveled (you enter from the top floor) and consists of two moderately sized rooms, a full bar and a performance stage. Since this was my first time at the club I wasn’t sure what I would find, however I expected more of a hip-hop theme rather than the Jazz, Rhythm & Blues and Soul that the club is more styled for.
Both rooms were cleared and set up with an alternating display of sit down tables for those who wanted to eat, and standing tables for minglers to set their drinks upon. As I came round to one of the standing tables I was instantly offered a glass of red wine, which I took straight away. And why not? I was as much a guest here as the rest of the lot, and before long, the entire media ensemble filled the club. Not everyone came mind you, but a good share did and whoever decided to come was looking for a feast.
And they were not to be disappointed.
Chefs were on hand to serve some of the most scrumptious and mouth watering dishes I’ve ever had: the most tender roast beef and juicy vegetables, succulent seasoned chicken with potatoes au-gratin, and delicious shrimp pasta with bread… to name but a few selections. And let’s not forget the deserts, which were a chocoholic’s dream! Chocolate “Mouse” Martini’s, wonderful fudge brownies, triple chocolate chip cookies and even tiramisu. There were of course other types of deserts, but those concoctions seemed to have slipped my chocolate-overloaded mind.
The meal was accented with more wine, good company, and a documentary about La Nouba’s five years. Since I didn’t know anyone at the dinner I stayed to myself and watched the video presentation, which was displayed on multiple flat-panel screens around the club. The video was pretty standard fodder — shots of performers in and out of makeup, running through their routines, interview snippets from cast and crew, music from the show, and various other materials — but it kept me from going insane, really.
About an hour into the dinner I met a group of IT professionals from Disney, who asked me repeatedly if I worked for the company. I said no but understood their inquiry since I had worn a Disney polo shirt to the event. But it was nice to mingle with these folks since I, too am an IT professional, and boy did they have stories to tell. I also met Bob Mervine, staff-writer for the Orlando Business Journal, who was gracious and interested to hear my Cirque du Soleil fan-exploits. He and I, along with the nice young lady who had accompanied him, began to discuss Cirque at length. We were soon joined by a man whom I will only say was a Disney employee with a corporate credit card. He had other ideas for fun that night.
That fun would be had in the next club over — the Adventurer’s Club.
For those uninitiated, the Adventurer’s Club presents a unique interactive experience in a setting reminiscent of the fictional 1930s adventurer club. Old time pictures of African safari’s, jungle exploration in Asia or mountain scaling in India litter the wall with other paraphernalia of the avid adventurers.
“You are a visitor to the Adventurers Club on New Years Eve 1937,” the storyline goes, “when the Club holds an open house for the purpose of recruiting new members. You will be invited to become initiated as a Club member and participate in the various activities that are held that evening…” It’s been said that one should think of the
Adventurer’s Club as a theater that is presenting a play, only you’re the star of said play.
My adventure began down in the Main Salon, where a full bar is accessible. The entertainment here is more “off the cuff”, improv, and raw than in other clubs. You never know exactly what’s going to happen when you enter this establishment, which is something I certainly found out as the evening progressed. Originally the three people I met at the dinner wanted to come over for a drink, so I followed because I didn’t want to be left alone (I normally don’t drink), but who would have thought I’d end up on the floor professing my desires for “‘ol Babylonia”, a mask, hanging on the wall?
Right… where’s my drink now? Rum and Coke, coming up!
The first few minutes of my foray into the Adventurer’s Club were rather subdued. I was actually at ease since I’d been to this particular club one other time so I knew exactly what kind of trouble one could get into here. But I kept things light, played along with the cast and had a good time chatting with my newfound friends. Before long, however, the Maid character found herself lodged between the nude legs of a full statue of Zeus, positioned in the center of the Main Salon.
“Oh, look,” said the Maid. “I seem to be in a bit of a spot.”
Oh my yes, she was. You never know exactly what any of the characters will say or do at any given moment in time. I made the mistake of catching the Maid’s eye and bantering back and forth with her, as she commented on her predicament. How could I stay silent with her head between Zeus’ legs? She was a prime target for my warped sense reality and dry sense of humor. A few moments later, however, the wall above me began to come alive and with it a nasally voice filled the room.
“Oooh! Oooh! Oooh ancient Babylonia,” the cast chanted.
This sealed my fate. I was now about to be initiated.
The Maid snatched me from my bar stool and pulled me in line with Babylonia, a hanging mask fixed to the wall. When its eyes and mouth started to move I got nervous and thought, “Oh lord… What exactly is going to happen here?” A moment later another gentlemen brandishing a bottle of Corona was swept up beside me and it was apparent that he too was going to be part of the fun and games. Whether he liked it or not, I might add (and he did not).
Now, picture little ‘ol shy me standing in front of a group of onlookers as I look up at Babylonia on the wall, wondering what on earth possessed me to come to the Adventurer’s Club? I knew whatever they had in store for me wasn’t going to be pretty. I’m sure they’d make me make a fool out of myself. Darnit, why did I have to tease the Maid? And at the thought of this my ears started burning.
“Oh, my subjects,” said Babylonia with great effort. “Greet me! Greet me like you would a passionate lover! Greet me with great affection!”
I did the only thing I could think of to do…
I got down on my knees and bowed, humbly.
Babylonia was ecstatic! One point for me.
Babylonia put the two of us through our paces. First, she made us show off our manly bodies, not by stripping naked right there in the Salon but by assuming the pose of Zeus’ statue: arms stretched out, legs slightly askance and muscles bulging (second point to me, though, no muscles to bulge). Secondly, I was forced to use my wisdom of words and profess my undying love to Babylonia, telling her how I’d ravish her, hold her and keep her safe. And thirdly, with scores of people watching us unabated, Babylonia made us dance for her. Oh, not a slow-dance to be sure; how about swinging hips and pelvic thrusts?
Talk about embarrassment; I was crimson. But it was fun! I returned to the bar after a roaring round of applause from the onlookers and sat amongst my new friends. Did I need that drink now? Oh yes… Kungaloosh! Kungaloosh!
The partying and drinking continued over at Bongo’s Cuban Cafe, where we waited for the cast and crew of La Nouba to show up after their second performance. Here I was completely out of my element, wandering around with my newfound friends until we lost each other. Soon, the likes of the Bilodeau brothers (German Wheel), Yuri Maiorov (Aerial Ballet in Silk), Carlos Moreira (Aerial Cradle/Character), Krystian Sawicki (Le Titan), and many, many other members of the cast and crew came to live it up; to party!
And live it up they did!
The party was still going when I turned to leave, around midnight. I was tired and overwhelmed but extremely happy. I had an amazing night that would not have been possible except by the generosity of Cirque du Soleil and those behind the scenes at La Nouba. And for that I want to say thank you for allowing me to participate in La Nouba’s 5th Anniversary celebration. It was a blast!
And perhaps you’ll have similar adventures here at CirqueCon 2007: Orlando!
Live it up!
faire la nouba!
