“Tales of the Forest: The NEW Story of Varekai”

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A couple of issues back, Keith Johnson (in his review of KURIOS under the Big Top and VAREKAI in Arena) mentioned the new-style programme book Varekai now has, praising the way it told the show’s story and how the new “book” made updating it an easier process. After hearing about Keith’s description of Varekai’s new – and quite interesting – programme book, I was anxious to see a copy for myself. As luck would have it, the final leg of Varekai’s North American arena tour brought the show through the Atlanta area, setting up in the Gwinnett Center over in Duluth for a few days, which afforded me the opportunity to see for myself how different this book may be. And it’s certainly interesting to say the least, but that’s not a bad thing. While I have my own opinions about the new programme book style (it is bulky, though I mostly agree with Keith’s sentiment), as well as thoughts about the arena conversion of the show itself (some not so nice), my purpose here isn’t to dissect the conversion, speak ill of the show, or even denounce it as not being a worthy successor of its Big Top counterpart. With the show’s new tagline – “Tales of the Forest” – my purpose here today is to dive into the “new” story-line of the show as depicted in the new book. And I have to say… it’s different.

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While it’s a bit difficult for us to share images of the new book (since we’re a text-based newsletter), I can share the text used now to describe the story. “A dormant volcano, a mystical forest, and an ancient prophecy… The adventure of Icarus begins! Explore the world of Varekai,” it says on the back cover. “And follow the awesome adventures of Icarus with 20 double-sided storyboards and a bonus full-size poster.”

An interesting quirk about the story within is that it’s narrated by Icarus himself: “My name is Icarus,” he begins. “The Lost Adventurer… This is the story of how my wandering soul learned to trust fate. Don’t get me wrong – fate can be scary. But surrendering to it is the most thrilling ride of all!” And he continues narrating his story at each beat of the show…

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THE FALL/THE FLIGHT OF ICARUS: It all begins with falling on broken wings… A flight of fancy, and a gamble in the sky. The thrill of flying was followed by the bitterness of my fall! I tried reaching for the sky again. But it’s no use. I’m stuck here in this forest. Wounded. And surrounded by these kaleidoscopic creatures that won’t let me go. Oh, to touch the heavens again! I’ll be the first to admit it – I flew too close to the sun. But it was awesome. At least until I started going down! What a ride! I don’t know how to get back. And I’m not sure I want to. Besides, a voice keeps urging me on – “Find the courage to wander. There is no destination.”

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THE BETHROTHED (ENCOUNTER/SEPARATION): A spellbinding figure emerged from the earth, and has captured my soul as securely as any net. My betrothed is destined to transform herself and the world. Afraid and fearless, vulnerable and infinitely powerful, she is the chosen one. And in her turn, must choose the fallen voyager as her mate. The entire forest waits in anticipation of this union of sky and earth. Her sensual beauty has ignited a fire within me. And love has given me new wings. The heart sees deeper than the eye. I won her trust for an instant. And then thunder and she was gone.

ICARIAN GAMES: It’s as though the forest itself wants to fly. Continuing my stroll through the forest, I happened upon these cheerful creatures in a clearing. And laughed out loud! They were celebrating the union of two strangers. Flying and flipping through the air, they juggled one another as though they weighed nothing at all. “We need one another to survive…”

TRAPEZE/HOOP: You only give when you love. Hovering among the treetops was a messenger from the future. In a prophetic cycle that’s as old as time, she too has been transformed by love. It seems every branch and creature must play its part. And it’s only a matter of time…

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THE SKYWATCHER: The Skywatcher is adrift in his own world. Thriving amid the chaos and collecting the world’s memories along the way, the Skywatcher is equal parts joker, astronomer and inventor. And seems to know what’s going to happen before it does! This itinerant castaway is stuck here just like me, but stays put even though he could build himself a balloon and fly away.

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THE ENGAGEMENT/ABDUCTION: He offered us a chance to float away, but she refused. I’m not yet ready, she said… Before they took her away, she grabbed my hand. “We’ll meet again when it’s time…”

GEORGIAN DANCE: With pride and precision, these virile warriors conjured up benevolent spirits as a council of the wise looked on. They are the spirit guides along my journey. Every experience here seems to convey a message. And just as my spirits were flagging, their courage and confidence inspired mine. “Find the strength within…”

SLIPPERY SURFACE: Like weightless creatures darting along the water’s surface, these whimsical sprites seemed to be celebrating – me! I’m starting to like it here. And this mysterious world inspires me. Joy is contagious!

SOLO ON CRUTCHES: The friend within. I saw myself in this young man. As though summoned here, he too fell from the sky and into this world. But after his tumble, was too injured to play his part. He was aggressive towards me at first, but now wants to spare me his fate. “No one can break the soul,” he said. “Stand up. And never give up.”

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THE GUIDE: He is a grumpy visionary. Weathered by the sun of several centuries, everyone listens to the Guide. And why wouldn’t I? He keeps leading me through this mystical realm and straight into the arms of my beloved! At first his manner seemed hostile. But this tamer of shadows has a warm heart. He, too, once had wings. Now he’s got a lightbulb instead! And though it often needs replacing, it helps him forge a trail through the darkness.

AERIAL STRAPS: They are beacons in the darkness. Marking the passageway of time, these heavenly warriors appear whenever I need them most. They are shadows of the sky and reflections of one another… “There’s a path even when you can’t see it.”

JUGGLING: Deep in the forest, a jester appeared among the trees. And like a prophet, he can hold time in his hands. He seems able to bend and spin the very substance of nature. Absurd and extraordinary, the forest is buzzing with life; a spiral of perpetual life.

METAMORPHOSIS/REUNION: My love descended from the sky, transformed by the eternal prophecy and by her devotion to this mystical place. And at long last, a hypnotic dance and a heavenly kiss…

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HANDBALANCING ON CANES: A delicate balancing act of love. Celebrating her own lyrical metamorphosis and the future that now opens before us, her dance was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Like an emerging butterfly, her sinuous and sensual elegance took my breath away.

SINGERS/CLOWNS: Harmonizing the world every step of the way, these forest minstrels were my steadfast companions. … And of course I kept bumping into these two. They’re hilarious, but who are they?

RUSSIAN SWINGS: Fleeting moments of zero gravity. A new age has dawned for us all. And the entire forest vibrates with joy. Heroic acrobats lift our spirits even higher as we catapult towards the future. Without love, none of this would be possible. “Love makes every journey worthwhile…”

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CELEBRATION: Together we can do anything! The celebration lasted for days, and I was no longer alone. Submit to your destiny, and remember… Wherever the wind guides you, you are home.

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And there you have it: Icarus’ new tale of the forest. It’s certainly less sophisticated than, say, the story-line as told in the Veronica Vial picture book, but it is more than we normally see in a Cirque du Soleil programme book these days. If you happen to catch Varekai in arena here in North America or wherever the show may go and you happen to see one of these new “books” – give it a go!