======================================================================= ______ _ __ _ __ / ____/___ ___________(_)___ ____ _/ /_(_)___ ____ / / / /_ / __ `/ ___/ ___/ / __ \/ __ `/ __/ / __ \/ __ \/ / / __/ / /_/ (__ ) /__ / / / / /_/ / /_/ / /_/ / / / /_/ /_/ \__,_/____/\___/_/_/ /_/\__,_/\__/_/\____/_/ /_(_) T h e U n o f f i c i a l C i r q u e d u S o l e i l N e w s l e t t e r ------------------------------------------------------------ http://www.CirqueFascination.com ------------------------------------------------------------ ======================================================================= VOLUME 15, NUMBER 10 October 2015 ISSUE #141 ======================================================================= Welcome to the latest edition of Fascination, the Unofficial Cirque du Soleil Newsletter. Guess what? Cirque 2016 - the new touring show set to debut next spring - has a name! Although I do know what it is I've been sworn to secrecy, but fear not... an official announcement is due by mid- November. Of course we'll keep an eye out for any trademark name registrations and will let you know then! Meanwhile, perhaps the most interesting news is that it seems as if Cirque du Soleil is embracing television in a mighty big way. Paradiso, a drama from Cirque du Soleil Media and 20th Century FOX TV, has been set up at FOX with a script commitment plus penalty. The project, which stems from the first-look deal for scripted-series Cirque Media inked with 20th TV in January, is said to be in inspired by the dream-like style of Cirque’s shows. Paradiso explores what would happen if a character like Amelie from Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s movie went into a place like the Moulin Rouge, with exhilarating performances every week. Additionally, Cirque’s casting department posted an urgent call for a male clown for a TV Show named “Circus Kids”. Whether this is the same show, or something radically different, 2016 appears to be the year Cirque tackles television! These two will join Cirque’s “Luna Petunia”, scheduled to appear on NETFLIX Fall 2016. But Television isn’t the only medium the NEW Cirque du Soleil is heading into. Also announced this month was Cirque’s foray into gaming and gambling with a partnership with Scientific Games. Launched at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas was Cirque du Soleil’s first branded gaming machine, based on their 2007 spectacular KOOZA. The KOOZA machine is the first of what Scientific Games hopes will be many gaming devices based on Cirque’s properties, especially those in Las Vegas. It all sounds exciting but I have mixed feelings about this development. On one hand it seems Cirque-branded slot machines is a no-brainer – the machine is entertaining and Cirque is an entertainment company – but on the other hand wonder if it’s a prudent move to associate the brand with gambling in this way. Certainly Cirque is associated with Las Vegas, and Las Vegas is known for its gaming, but why now? It just strikes me odd although I hope it works out. But perhaps more eyebrow-raising was a piece out of the New York Times reporting wedding packages would be available for couples to wed at ZUMANITY by January 2016. The article suggested that it may be possible for couples to actually get married during the show? Interesting! In either case, the first episode of KURIOS ABOUT Webseries was released this month. You’ll find a description and link to the two-minute video in our CLUB CIRQUE section, in addition to the next C:LAB experiment (robots!), and all about TORUK’s Costumes and Characters – including links to the videos recently posted about the show). Last month we began our exclusive interview with KURIOS drummer Kit Chatham by discussing his youth and history with Broadway show Blast! After being introduced to Cirque du Soleil by VAREKAI drummer Paul Bannerman, we pick up the story with Kit’s first experience, Corteo. Check it out! And we also continue with our look back at Guy Laliberte’s Poetic Social Mission. Last month we looked at the first steps in Guy’s adventure in “The Countdown Begins”. Now we continue our adventure as Guy gets settled in, passes a few tests, and continues his accelerated training routine (June 2009!) As always we also have the relevant posts made to Cirque's Facebook pages, and updates to Cirque's touring schedule. So, let's get started! /----------------------------------------------------\ | | | Join us on the web at: | | < www.cirquefascination.com > | | | | Realy Simple Syndication (RSS) Feed (News Only): | | < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?feed=rss2 > | | | \----------------------------------------------------/ - Ricky "Richasi" Russo =========== CONTENTS =========== o) Cirque Buzz -- News, Rumours & Sightings * La Presse -- General News for the Month * Q&A –- Quick Chats & Press Interviews * Special Engagement –- More In-depth Articles o) Itinéraire -- Tour/Show Information * BigTop Shows -- Under the Grand Chapiteau * Arena Shows -- In Stadium-like venues * Resident Shows -- Performed en Le Théâtre o) Outreach -- Updates from Cirque's Social Widgets * Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub * DidYaKnow? -- Facts About Cirque * Networking -- Posts on Facebook & Other o) Fascination! Features *) INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with Christopher “Kit” Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 2 of 3) By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) *) LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission PART 2 of 8: "Training Kicks Up a Notch" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) o) Subscription Information o) Copyright & Disclaimer ======================================================================= CIRQUE BUZZ -- NEWS, RUMOURS & SIGHTINGS ======================================================================= --------------------------------------------------- LA PRESSE – General News for the Month --------------------------------------------------- JOYÀ Goes On Scheduled Vacation During September {Sep.01.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of world-class resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, together with Cirque du Soleil announced September 1, 2015 to October 1, 2015, as the planned yearly production break of their collaborative theatrical and culinary experience in Riviera Maya, JOYÀ. Since its premier in November, JOYÀ has enjoyed international acclaim and popular success, ranking among Riviera Maya and Mexico’s most desirable travel experiences. The intimate show, which seats only 600 guests for each performance, has operated at or near capacity since launch. Cirque du Soleil regularly enacts temporary off-seasons to allow a show’s cast and crew vacation time and to permit technical maintenance and creative refreshments. Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of JOYÀ and President of 45 DEGREES, a Cirque du Soleil company said, “Our shows, including JOYÀ, require the occasional break to allow artists to revive themselves and enjoy a well-earned vacation.” JOYÀ is a unique entertainment and culinary experience developed by Cirque du Soleil. Since its star-studded premier as Cirque du Soleil’s first resident show in Mexico in autumn of 2014, JOYÀ has received rave review and strong attendance. The intimate performance is housed in the Cirque du Soleil Theater designed by Grupo Vidanta, located in Riviera Maya. “Vidanta has a long tradition of constantly re-imagining improvements to our guests’ experiences,” said Michele Beuffe, CEO for Grupo Vidanta. “Our partner, Cirque du Soleil has an equal dedication to continually surprising and delighting their audiences. All those involved in JOYÀ have delivered that and more since the performance’s launch, and we look forward to continuing to amaze audiences after the off-season.” JOYÀ will have its debut following the off-season on Friday, October 2. { SOURCE: PRNewsWire | http://goo.gl/7C5K9U } Cirque Partners with ActiveOn {Sep.05.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- ACTIVEON is partnering with Cirque du Soleil to introduce a lifestyle product for everyday life. We are speaking to our younger customers, as well as their parents and families – through authentic storytelling highlighting shared values of an organic brand partnership. This is a conversation about connection, emotions, bonding and recognizing the moments in the moments in the day-to-day that create lasting memories. The connection between ACTIVEON and Cirque du Soleil is a natural fit-it inspires us to create incredible experiences and capture unique and shareable moments. For Cirque du Soleil, a moment can capture a daring feat mid- performance or a glimpse behind the scenes. For Activeon, every moment carries the potential to become a highlight – to reveal the extraordinary in the everyday. Capture and share the remarkable moments in your life with an ACTIVEON action camera. ACTIVEON provides you with the highest quality products that allow you to “Feel the Moment”. Live every day to the fullest with ACTIVEON! Have you ever wondered what happens right before the show begins? Have you ever wanted to see the artists’ point of view? To feel the excitement of completing a new creation or clinching a new acrobatic feat? In this series we invite you to discover unique and exclusive angles, showcasing some of the most exciting, jaw-dropping, and crucial moments that bring the world of Cirque du Soleil to life. Check out these videos at Cirque’s official ActiveOn Page: LINK /// < https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/activeon > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil } FOX TV Buys Cirque du Soleil Nightclub Soap {Sep.08.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- No longer content with simply flinging heavily made-up acrobats at tourists, Cirque Du Soleil Media entered the increasingly crowded scripted-TV big top in January, signing a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox Television. And just like the enterprising Quebecers who first dared to combine the crowd- pleasing acts of the circus with the straight-faced pretensions of performance art, the first Cirque Du Soleil project to materialize from a Fox Television first look is a startling hybrid that shouldn’t work at all, but could easily get butts in the seats at $69 a pop. According to Deadline, Fox’s broadcast arm has ordered a script for Paradiso, a Cirque-produced soap about a girl who aspires to perform at the premier nightlife spot in the fictional city of San Lorenzo. Paradiso, a drama from Cirque du Soleil Media and 20th Century Fox TV, has been set up at Fox with a script commitment plus Fox logo horizontalpenalty. The project, which stems from the first- look deal for scripted series Cirque du Soleil Media inked with 20th TV in January, is said to be in the vein of Moulin Rouge. Inspired by the dreamlike style of Cirque du Soleil’s live shows, Paradiso explores what would happen if a character like Amelie from Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s movie went into a place like the Moulin Rouge, with exhilarating performances every week. Written by Yaniv Raz, Paradiso is a heightened soap that follows a girl pursuing her dream of performing at the Paradiso, the most glamorous nightclub in San Lorenzo (a fictional but contemporary city based on 1950s Havana). Once there, her bold personality will win her both friends and enemies in this politically charged world. Raz, who has extensive stage experience, executive produces with Cirque du Soleil Media’s Jacques Méthé and Gillian Ferrabee. Should the imprimatur of the people who brought you The Beatles LOVE prove insufficiently precious (and if a setting that’s based on Havana in the 1950s—presumably pre-revolution—doesn’t do the trick either), there’s this feat of elevator-pitch contortion direct from the Deadline report: “Paradiso explores what would happen if a character like Amelie from Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s movie went into a place like the Moulin Rouge, with exhilarating performances every week.” The Jeunet and/or Baz Luhrman of the piece is Yaniv Roz, who previously tried his hand at minor-league Michel Gondryisms in 2011’s Son Of Morning. Fox has made a script commitment to Paradiso with penalty, meaning the network will have to pay a fee to the Cirque folks if the show doesn’t move forward—likely in the form of a shoe full of glitter or a child’s smile. { SOURCE: Deadline, AV Club | http://goo.gl/eV435o, http://goo.gl/ChDZOk } Today Officially KOOZA DAY in Austin, Texas! {Sep.11.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Thank you, Mayor Steve Adler, local law enforcement, and County Fire & Rescue Team for the visit! Today we are honored to receive an official proclamation declaring 9-11 Remembrance Day as KOOZA International Peace Day in Austin. Text from the Proclamation: Be it known that Whereas, As always, Austin has a welcoming spirit that celebrates diversity, and we want to officially welcome more than 147 artists and crew of Cirque du Soleil representing 18 different nationalities to our great city; and, Whereas, As thousands of visitors come to see KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil and events at the Circuit of The Americas over the next several weeks, let us acknowledge and remember to show our thanks for the many service members who protect and serve the community and allow us to come together with others from many different cultures in a peaceful and celebratory fashion; and Whereas, In commemoration and support for the men and women of law enforcement and our military who help make events for families like this possible; Now, Therefore, I Steve Adler, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, do hereby proclaim SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 As KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil International Peace Day in Austin, In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Austin to be affixed this 11th Day of September in the Year Two Thousand Fifteen - Steve Adler, Mayor, City of Austin JOYA Theater Named 2015 Building Project Of The Year {Sep.15.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Inspired by the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and rooted in rich local culture and Mexico heritage, the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil was announced as the 2015 Building Project of the Year by leading Mexico publisher Grupo Expansion and architecture and construction magazine Obras. Built by Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, the Vidanta Theater houses Mexico’s first resident Cirque du Soleil performance, JOYA. The Building Project of the Year award recognizes the most important construction projects and professionals for innovation, development, engineering, technology use and economic impact; this is the 13th year Obras magazine and Grupo Expansion has presented the award. A panel of expert judges selected the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil at Riviera Maya as the most important facility constructed in Mexico from a competitive applicant field of more than 1,000 building projects, citing the theater’s social and economic impact, innovation in theater architecture and engineering and consideration of Mexican art and heritage. Ivan Chavez, executive vice president of Grupo Vidanta, said, “It is an honor to receive this award for the Vidanta Theater. This project is a clear representation of Vidanta’s ability to integrate architecture, innovation and art into all tourism experiences we build in Mexico. We are proud to help promote greater tourism for our country by showcasing the natural and architectural wealth available in Mexico.” The Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil at Riviera Maya is the result of creativity and imagination from architects, designers and engineers, who blended the natural beauty of the surrounding jungle with the 2,500-square meters stately theater to create a dreamlike visitor experience. The theater’s shape resembles a grand palapa, surrounded by a beautiful cenote and crowned with palm leaves opening to the skies. Local woods were used for pergolas and decorative elements, while furniture and textures reflect Mexican design and help transport visitors into a magical setting befitting of a Cirque du Soleil performance. 600 seats are available in the Vidanta Theater, with distinct dining and champagne areas, two bars and two lounges. Grupo Vidanta completed construction of the Vidanta Theater for Cirque du Soleil in only 18 months, adhering to high quality standards required for the safety of performing artists and the public. Development of the award-winning theater generated approximately 250 jobs during construction, and year-round operations provide permanent employment for 284 people. Since launching in November 2014, JOYA by Cirque du Soleil has operated at near capacity for each performance housed in the Vidanta Theater. { SOURCE: PRNewswire | http://goo.gl/p6O53q } Get a Zumanity Wedding Starting January 2016! {Sep.17.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Starting in January, “Zumanity,” the most sexually charged show of the Cirque du Soleil portfolio, will offer wedding packages in Las Vegas at the New York New York Hotel. “People want to be part of something unique that still has meaning,” said Pierre Parisien, the show’s senior artistic director. The show’s mistress of sensuality, the drag queen Christopher Kenney, can marry couples midday and at that evening’s performance; the wedding couple and their friends will attend the show and be introduced to the audience as newlyweds. “Now that everyone can marry,” Mr. Parisien said, “we want to offer a way for people to celebrate their love, because that’s what ‘Zumanity’ is about.” { SOURCE: New York Times | http://goo.gl/dh38CE } --------------------------------------------------- Q&A –- Quick Chats & Press Interviews --------------------------------------------------- KURIOS Cabinet of Curiosities live in Chicago {Sep.09.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Karl from Cirque du Soleil joined Hannah Stanley live in studio to talk about the Cirque show currently playing in Chicago. KURIOS, Cabinet of Curiosities is a show for all ages which Hannah was able to attend – the two talk about the mesmerizing show and even some behind the scenes details. Listen to the podcast below: LINK /// < http://goo.gl/P5Mwkj > { SOURCE: WGN Radio } Q&A w/Michel Laprise – Writer & Director of KURIOS {Sep.09.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Michel Laprise, the talented director and writer of the new Cirque du Soleil show, brings something new to Chicago this summer. Kurios-Cabinet of Curiosities has started swinging. Laprise created his own company, Theatre Pluriel, right out of school before becoming a talent scout for Cirque. In 2006, he was the special events designer for the troupe. He became involved in the opening ceremonies for the Montreal Outgames then lived a gay man’s dream of working with Madonna not only once but twice for her half time show and MDNA concert tour. Windy City met him while in town recently to talk about his first time directing a Cirque touring show. Windy City Times: Hi, Michel. What is your background? You speak several languages? Michel Laprise: I speak two and a half. English, French, and Spanish. I want to learn Russian as well. We have a lot of Russian artists and I have respect for that culture. I was a theater director in the past but I wanted my life to be more. I went randomly on the Cirque du Soleil website. They were looking for someone to travel the world and audition the artists. Prior to the interview I read books and tried to learn everything about the circus. I went to the interview and it was the most fantastic interview of my life, apart from this one. Instead of lasting one hour it lasted over two hours. I started to work there and auditioned a lot of artists. I did have them audition as a group then as a two audition workshop. I would give feedback to the artists and work with them. I wanted them to get something valuable out of the process. Even if they were not selected everyone felt happy and respected. Told a few to come back in a few years and work on things. They would come back and shine. It was a human approach to auditioning and it paid off. People asked me to direct a show and I went to the co-founder and asked for the position. I was moved to the special projects department, which was small at the time and I started to do shows there. WCT: You not only directed but wrote this show Kurios. Tell readers what it is about. ML: The show is about technology and optimism set in the second half of the 19th century. There were a lot of things happening and many discoveries like the gramophone so the music could travel. This was the first time in human history that you could have an orchestra in your room. It was a tremendous, joyful revolution. The telegraph allowed people to communicate in real time. The railway system and electricity was developed. Those inventions brought people closer together and connected them. This is my way to talk about that era. I told my team I wanted people that exit the big top to think everything is possible because we are humans and creative. We can do more together than we can do alone. People leave the show with a smile and it’s an informed smile. They see things that they don’t think humans can do and there is a very joyful feel to it. The music is very special. WCT: What is the exact story? ML: It is about a seeker, a scientist that wants to create a machine to travel in another dimension but something goes wrong and what happens is people from the other dimension come into his world. They transform his cabinet of curiosities. He’s a little bit crazy. He lives in a cabinet which are the ancestors of museums. Those people coming from the other dimension brings life to the specimens of this cabinet. Magical things happen and it changes his life. I think it is a metaphor. When you really connect with circus arts your life is transformed. When I see that humans can do that then I can meet my challenges in everyday life. To me it is a constant inspiration and the best thing that ever happened to me in my life. Working with acrobats they have a generous form of art and are not self-centered. Acrobats bring joy to the audience. This is why I think we are popular. I come from the theater world where the rooms are sometimes half empty. That is because the audience does feel a reason to be there. Theater is the best form of art. WCT: How was it working with Madonna for her tour? ML: The reason why she liked me, I think, when we did the Super Bowl together is because I can tell a story and create a phenomenon with context a ritual. Theater is fundamental but we forgot over the years the basic roots of theater. It becomes literature onstage and I think we go wrong when we do that. With Cirque, the text is the body of the people so it speaks to a very broad audience. WCT: I read you did the Outgames in Montreal. How was the experience? ML: Great! It was important for me to do that not only because I’m a gay man but because I wanted to support the idea that Montreal is a diverse city that welcomes different cultures. I love that city. I was fortunate to work with a Quebec diva, Diane Dufresne, who is still very big in France and foreign countries. She is a very theatrical woman but like a very scared animal. She was not used to be directed but I showed her the story and was gentle with her. She swore that she would never perform again a song about becoming crazy but we did it in a playful way and she was phenomenal in a stadium full of 80,000 people. WCT: Toronto has an amazing Pride. Did you attend? ML: Yes, and by the end of the weekend I thought that I could move there. Everything was so well done. It was raining but attended by a lot of people. WCT: Where does Kurios go after Chicago? ML: We go to Orange County, Los Angeles, Atlanta and then New York. We just heard that the show is so popular in North America that they will extend it to three more cities, so almost a full year. We have been breaking records and getting good reviews. They will keep working hard. We have a traveling artistic director to make sure everyone gets their full attention. This show is blessed. I think it is because we built it with love. The artist is put in the center of the artistic process. To me that is important because people can tend to over direct an artist. They should be given the responsibility to own the show. What I appreciate is the number of injuries is very limited. Almost no one gets hurt in the show because they are all very focused. They are committed; this group is exceptional. { SOURCE: Windy City Times | http://goo.gl/zUKAm3 } Meet Paola Muller – KURIOS Chef and Kitchen Manager {Sep.10.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- There’s certainly a lot of magic that goes on behind the scenes of any Cirque du Soleil performance. But Paola Muller, head chef and kitchen manager for the acclaimed theatrical production, sees another side of the mesmerizing extravaganza of a show. Muller and her staff of cooks are responsible for keeping the international cast of Cirque performers fed and energized with a variety of meals that feature ingredients, flavors and spices from around the globe. “By traveling to (and working) in so many different places we get to work with so many international cuisines,” said Muller, who’s been with Cirque for nearly six years. Muller is currently presiding over the kitchen as Cirque’s “KURIOS- Cabinet of Curiosities” enjoys its residency in Chicago through Sept. 20. The Cirque tent and its makeshift village are housed in the parking lot of Chicago’s United Center. The chef’s kitchen is featured in four connected trailers on the grounds. A native of Brazil, Muller said she’s long been interested in food and coming up with delicious recipes. “I grew up in the kitchen. My father was a chef and he owned a restaurant during my entire childhood,” she said. Muller works with two other full-time cooks, including her husband, as well as local volunteers from whatever city the troupe happens to be performing in. “We hire about eight locals from every city we’re in,” she said. “They could be prep cooks to dishwashers.” Muller is extremely conscious of making sure her menu reflects the multicultural backgrounds of the performers who come from all over including Japan, Australia, South America, Russia and many other locales. “We want our cuisine to be diverse,” she said. The kitchen staff feed about 110 full-time employees every day. When you add front-of-the-house personnel and occasional family members, that can go up to about 150 to 200 people daily. At a recent dinner during the Chicago stint, a Filipino dinner was served with a full ethnic menu of Filipino favorites including Filipino chicken, a fried pork recipe and fried fish dish. “Two of my cooks are from the Philippines so they wanted to prepare a big meal,” Muller said. “We do all kinds of meals,” the chef said. “We make a lot of Asian food, South American comfort food, traditional American meals and other recipes.” Every so often, Muller will set up a salad bar for lunch so performers can make their own meal creation. That day a sign hanging above the lunch line states, “You are the chef today.” “We try to keep lunch a little more light,” she said. “Dinner is usually a little more adventurous of a meal.” Muller said there are some challenges when preparing meals for a number of performers but the challenges are not ones most people would think of. “It’s not really the cooking aspect,” she said. “What’s challenging is to train a new local staff,” Muller said, adding that the locals have to be trained about two months before Cirque sets up shop in any given city. “After that, we move on and have to do it again,” she said. The chef said the cooking staff gets to know the performers’ likes and dislikes when it comes to food and they always keep that in mind when preparing meals. “I also have to keep in mind that we have two different types of customers. We have the lean, athletic, performers (who want the healthier foods) and then we also have the big (muscle-bound) guys who work outside all day and want steak and mashed potatoes. So we try to have a balance,” Muller said. Among cuisines popular with the Cirque crowd, Muller said, are Mexican themes, Japanese and Chinese meals, South American fare and Moroccan and Indian dishes. “The most popular is Mexican,” Muller said. For daily lunch and dinner, there’s always soup and a cold sandwich meat bar. And on Sundays, performers will find a big brunch spread. The following is a recipe from Muller and Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS Tortilla soup 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 medium onion, medium dice 1/2 small carrot, peeled and medium dice 1/2 medium celery stalk, medium dice 1 red apple, medium dice 1/2 medium red bell pepper, medium dice 1 medium garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 cup peanuts 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 chili ancho (I also use poblanos or guajilla) 1 tablespoon cane sugar or brown sugar 4 cups vegetable stock 1/4 cup of brewed coffee (for smokiness) 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed 2 corn tortillas (whole to be added to the soup for texture) Topping: 4 to 5 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and deep fried Sour cream Queso fresco Lime wedges Diced avocados Fresh cilantro DIRECTIONS: Cook the first 15 ingredients together in a large pot until golden color. Add the coffee and sugar, let it cook down for about 5 minutes and add remaining ingredients. I normally simmer the soup for about 3 hours. Blend until smooth and serve with the toppings on the side. { SOURCE: NWITimes | http://goo.gl/RKOaHn } Talking with … Jaron Aviv Hollander {Sep.19.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Name: Jaron Aviv Hollander Age: 41 City: Oakland Position: Artistic director, teacher and performer Q: If you meet someone and they ask what you do, what do you tell them? Jaron Aviv Hollander: I tell them that I run a circus school, the Kinetic Arts Center in Oakland. I’m a teacher, I do rope and acrobatics and hand balancing. But at 41, I’m backing off from acrobatics. What I don’t say, for a while at least, is mime or clown. People have issues with mimes and clowns. I’ve seen people recoil. Q: How did you get started? When I was a toddler, my mom had gone back to school and was getting a degree in set design. So I spent a bunch of time backstage when I was little, as she would be designing sets and costumes for productions. After U.C. Santa Cruz, I went to the Dell’Arte School of Physical Theater. I also spent some time at a circus school in New Zealand, where I studied acrobatics and rope. Q: You were with Cirque du Soleil at one point. What show? I was with an installation on a cruise ship, “The Bar at the Edge of the Earth” — it was a wild, incredible project, and it’s very sad that few people saw it. It was this insane circus, character, bar, immersive environment with 26 projectors and screens with 3D images, and we would come out of bizarre places and interact. The average age of the cruisers was 65, so it wasn’t the most popular attraction, but I really wish more people could have seen it. Right now the big rage is immersive theater, but this was 2005, years before that kind of thing hit. My costume’s price tag was more than my entire contract. I was basically wearing a Porsche. Q: Does your Jewish background contribute to your work at all? The history of American-style comedy traces its roots back to Yiddish theater, which was a major influence on vaudeville and clowning — and thus, all physical comedy in the U.S. I have this character Murray, inspired by my Uncle Louie, who died just shy of his 100th birthday. I only met him once. He came out of the bathroom with a walker and looked around at all of us, me and my mother and the nurse, and he said, “I had a good bowel movement.” I was maybe 9 or 10 years old and it stuck with me. So one of my clown characters is Murray. He’s the same kind of character as Mel Brooks’ 2,000-year-old man, but with Murray it’s more about his physicality. Q: Where did you grow up? What’s your family like? I grew up in Berkeley, and my extended family was all nearby. I would classify us as very much cultural Jews. I believe it was my great-great-grandfather who was a cantor who would not stay kosher. An interesting shift is that my brother and I didn’t end up married to Jews. Now we do all the Jewish holidays with my family and then we go do the non-Jewish stuff with our spouses. It’s interesting because as we’ve gotten less traditional, we’ve actually gotten more Jewish. There’s a strong identity. Also, a huge part of my Jewish identity came from being a camper and a counselor for years at Camp Kee Tov in Berkeley. Had it not been for that, I would not have been involved with a Jewish community outside of my family. Q: You just returned from performing your show, “The Submarine Show,” at FringeNYC. How did that go? This piece is absolutely my favorite thing I’ve ever worked on, the most fulfilling piece of theater, far beyond anything I did for Cirque or anywhere else. If I have a legacy, this is the thing I would like to be known for. It’s a live-action cartoon adventure with no sets, no props and no spoken language. We transport from the bottom of the ocean, crash our sub, lose the key, everything goes wrong, we’re on a tropical island, we traverse a huge amount of terrain — and it’s all done using vocal and physical mime. We do sound effects to create the environment and accentuate our movement. We’re flying back to New York soon to do another seven shows in an off-Broadway theater. Q: And you’re bringing it to Berkeley? Yes, then we come back and we’re doing it at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley starting Oct. 14 for a few weeks. And at the same time I go into a circus production that I’m directing. { SOURCE: JWeekly | http://goo.gl/tq65XE } Meet: Selloane Nkhela – La Nouba Chanteuse {Sep.30.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Attending the circus is a familiar part of American culture and arguably a childhood must. But a new trend under the big top exists with the innovation of Cirque Du Soleil’s “La Nouba” at Walt Disney World Resort. The extraordinary, Quebec-based experience defies tradition and will mesmerize every generation with sunbursts of colorful imagination and a multicultural cast including its star vocalist who hails from Welkom, South Africa. Namely, she is, Selloane Nkhela, known internationally simply as Selloane. For 10 shows per week exclusively at the Downtown Disney theater, Selloane can be heard as a lyrical offering of breathtaking arias whose voice literally bridges anticipation with applause for La Nouba’s high wire and flying trapeze performances during the one and a half-hour show comprised of 65 international artists. DANGEROUS ACTS The latter may sound unorthodox for a circus, but integrating vocals and live acoustic music as a complementary layer to dangerous acts that usually encourage audience silence is all a part of what makes La Nouba “memorable, individual and universal.” “It used to be very difficult for me because I come from a very different world, the theater world where everything is almost the same every day,” Selloane told the Florida Courier during a pre-show interview on Sept. 18. “It’s very rare when someone would fall and actually hurt themselves, but here it happens a lot. Someone misses a cue or net or they fly all the way over there. If you’re singing and someone misses a net, your voice takes you there with them. I used to just shut down. Now I am able to incorporate riff, but it’s really a scream,’’ she quipped. SINGING SINCE AGE 3 Selloane’s ability to improvise and adapt is embedded in artistic experience that emerged at the age of three when she began singing in church. The soulful songstress was gifted with gospel chops that almost immediately led to accolades and acclaim and while she is petite in stature, her artistic reputation on African soil is anything, but small. She was previously awarded the best soloist of the year at South Africa’s “Shell Road to Fame,” which catapulted her to recording artist success through a contract with Gallo Music Group South Africa. On the Gallo label, she released “Thel’u Moya,” a gospel CD that remains one of the country’s most popular and lauded recordings. Industry giant Sony Music also recognized the vocal greatness of Selloane and invited her to record as a guest artist on the CD’s “Joyous Celebration Volumes 2 and 8. THE LION KING The breadth of Selloane’s burgeoning achievements have advanced her performing arts life to reach over 15 countries, but the hallmark of her American presence began with the magic of Disney when she was cast in the Los Angeles production of “The Lion King.” She later joined the national tour and performed in Toronto, London, as well as U.S. tours where she played the roles of Cheetah and Gazelle. All of the aforementioned culminated into the Broadway leading role of “Rafiki.” DEMANDING SHOW In 2013, Selloane was cast as the sole, female vocalist outfitted in white who is perched high above the rafters most of the show where she enjoys an aerial view. The “fairy tale” focused show’s title originates from the French phrase “faire la Nouba,” which means to party, to live it up, but for most cast members that partying is dedicated to their stage life – with a few exceptions. “The show is demanding, but I don’t have to be here as much as the others,” said Selloane, whose 19-year-old daughter is also a part of the La Nouba Family. “I do yoga for fun, but come in, put on make up, warm up and do the show. My daughter was married in May so some of us went down for her wedding and that was awesome,” she added. SOUTH AFRICA’S PRIDE La Nouba is further described as an “encounter born in fear and ecstasy where two types of families or groups take a theatrical ride amidst magic and fantasy where the colorful Cirques (circus people) clash with the monochromatic world of the Urbains (urbanites).” For Selloane, it is a befitting pinnacle for a stateside performing arts career that may have begun in South Africa but has since afforded her opportunities to appear on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,’’ the “Today’’ show, “The View’’ and the 2008 Tony Awards along with serving as a featured artist at the 2008 Lunas Awards in Mexico City. Her angelic voice and presence have given color to the White House for President and Mrs. Bush along with honoring Ghana’s President John Kufuor and Mrs. Theresa Kufuor. All of her achievements are befitting a woman whose roots are South African strong and vocal talent that personifies what happens when dreams come true. { SOURCE: PENNY DICKERSON/Florida Courier | http://goo.gl/wUGURd } --------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT –- More In-depth Articles --------------------------------------------------- Singapore Prepares for TOTEM {Sep.18.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- They work in a tent on a compound in a foreign land, only to pack all their things up in 85 sea containers to rebuild elsewhere every couple of months. They work out, warm up and hone their skills with the help of state-of-the art equipment and a top-notch support crew, every day of the week. Most have trained their entire lives to be the best of the best. For the professionals at Cirque du Soleil, high degrees of discipline and dedication are required even during mere practice sessions. If something goes wrong, lives could be at stake. Directors, coaches, performers and other staff carry out their tasks with military precision to ensure everything goes well during seven to ten shows each week. AT HOME ON THE ROAD Nikita Moiseev, who was born on tour in New York City in 1995 during Cirque du Soleil’s Allegria production, is currently one of the stars performing the Russian bars act in the Totem show, which will be in Singapore soon. During a recent visit by reporters for a look behind the scenes in the Cirque du Soleil big top in Perth, Australia, Moiseev said it can be challenging to develop sustainable relations with people when you grow up in the circus and have to pack your bags and move on just when you’ve started to settle down. “Since 7 years old I’ve been performing on stage, as a character [in the Allegria show] … and since 2010 I’ve been touring with Totem,” he says. “You meet lots of people but you can’t really develop a long relationship with anyone – because you may meet someone but we move every two or three months.” “Dating is definitely something that is not easy to do,” the 20- year-old says, adding that fortunately being with the circus feels like having a big family. “We try to help each other out and support each other.” Despite his already impressive career, the award-winning artist is now thinking about trying something else, maybe going back to school after the Totem tour ends. But that may be easier said than done. “I feel like I’m going to leaving home when I leave the tour,” Moiseev says. ATTENTION TO DETAIL Performers like Moiseev stick to rigorous training regimes in order to safely perform their death-defying acts, often twice a day. This schedule also poses a challenge for the support crew. Performance medicine specialists follow the Totem tour around the world to keep a close eye on the artists, monitor their physical condition and limit the risk of injury. Additional experts are hired locally. Also, a team of over twenty technicians work on the show every day and have to perform daily maintenance on all props used. Everything has to do exactly what it need to do at exactly the right time and the elaborate costumes worn by the performers also have to be painstakingly examined before every show to rule out accidents. Jean-Sebastien Gagnon, the technical show manager at Totem, says the action-packed program poses quite a technical challenge as the stage changes constantly as the show progresses and there is only very little room for maneuver backstage. “In addition to the projection and all the lighting … we have our moving elements like the bridge that you can see curling up,” says Gagnon, describing a key, custom-built element of the show that allows for smooth transitions between various scenes. “Our stage is physically different from one world to the other.” All this high-tech comes at a price, though, as building up the compound with the 19-meter high circus tent, which weighs 5,000 kilograms and is 51 meters in diameter, takes no less than eight days. The site comes with training areas, administrative offices as well as kitchen and dining area for staff. The big top, as the tent is called, seats over 2,600 people. “We call it luxury camping,” says Gagnon. GENERATIONS IN THE CIRCUS Massimo Medini and Denise Garcia-Sorta both come from traditional Southern European circus families. They now perform a high-stakes rollerskating act as part of the Totem show while also bringing up their 9-year-old daughter Gypsy, who travels with them. “The first time we met each other – I was 7 and she was 9 – it was love on first sight,” Medini says about Garcia-Sorta. “I knew she was to be my wife.” The circus has been part of the Italian’s family for three generations, but the fourth generation is getting ready for a life in the spotlights as well. “Traditional circus people, when they are at the age of 7, they start to build their muscle,” he explained, only to be interrupted by the love of his life, who said this is actually supposed to start at the age of 5. “For me it was 7,” Medini insists, only for Garcia-Sorta to retort, with a smile, “Yes, we can see that.” But jokes aside, the circus life is serious business, especially for kids growing up, like Gypsy and Moiseev before her. “When they get stronger, when they’re like 12 or 13, they get to decide which discipline they want to take,” Medini says, stressing however that nowadays school comes first and that at Totem teachers follow the circus to make sure the Cirque kids receive a proper real-world education besides their physical and mental preparation for the circus life. “When you are young it is important to give to your body more strength, flexibility – after you’ve grown up it is very difficult to push your body, be flexible and everything,” Garcia-Sorta explains. NOTHING IN THE AIR FOR ME Medini has been doing rollerskating acts since he was 12 years old, while Garcia-Sorta’s family traditionally has focused on trapeze. When asked whether there would be anything in the circus they considered too dangerous for their child to get involved in, both parents said they would prefer for Gypsy to remain on solid ground. “No trapeze – nothing in the air for me,” Medini says. “I told her you can do anything, but not that.” “In my family there was an accident — my father when he was young,” Garcia-Sorta adds. “So for me, I don’t want anything aerial.” Yet in the end it is all about trust, as despite all the elaborate safety precautions, the performers at Totem are required to put their lives in the hands of their colleagues on a daily basis. Medini and Garcia-Sorta trust each other blindly, but this is something that took a lifetime to build up. “I trust myself and she trusts me,” Medini says about the breathtaking rollerskating act during which he rapidly swings Garcia-Sorta around head-first while spinning on a tiny podium. “But I wouldn’t trust somebody to take my daughter.” { SOURCE: The Jakarta Globe | http://goo.gl/GudJR3 } Criss Angel Isn’t Done Making Magic at BELIEVE? {Sep.24.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- There was a time when professional magicians donned the tux and tails, tapped a top hat with a wand and professed to make a rabbit appear from its empty interior. Voila! But tonight is not such a time. And Criss Angel is not such a magician. No, Believe is an all-encompassing exercise in intensity. And so is its star. Criss Angel’s production at Luxor, famously the first Cirque du Soleil collaboration with a living superstar, celebrates its seventh year there on Halloween. Through a headlining residency that has often seemed as harrowing as his sky-high straitjacket escape, Angel has achieved some genuine show-business magic on the Strip simply by keeping a show afloat for this long. Some very good ones on the Boulevard, even another Cirque production (Viva Elvis at Aria), have fallen far short of that mark. Angel’s magic empire continues to expand, too, with a series of live productions outside the Luxor. He has developed touring show The Supernaturalists, a project a decade in the making that features nine magicians of varying styles, all handpicked by Angel.Expecting that Angel’s work and attention on The Supernaturalists has come at the expense of Believe would be far off-target. Angel never halts the development and evolution of the show at the center of his professional existence, which is due for a major overhaul—and soon. Believe survived a staggering start, and Angel himself weathered some early reviews—from audience members and the media—that would have crippled lesser individuals. The show began as a fascinating merger of Cirque’s acrobatic wizardry and the spellbinding magic of Angel, who by the opening was the universally recognized star of A&E’s Mindfreak. But the attempt to create a plot featuring ill-fated bunnies, including an oversized rabbit named Lucky, amid familiar Cirque acrobatics and elements (a version of the vertical wall from KÀ, for example) was roundly derided. “We obviously had some big challenges, and I could have either walked away or rolled up my sleeves,” Angel says. “I said to Cirque, ‘Okay, now I’m going to try to do what I asked to do in the beginning. [They] said, ‘If you want to do five-minute tests for us to see what you would do with the show as a writer and as a director, we’ll look at it now.” The moment was pivotal for Angel, who took control of Believe in a sink-or-swim period lasting several months. Gone were the bunnies and many of the Cirque elements, excised for Angel’s own magic creations. The show has become tighter, moves more fluidly and is doubtlessly among the more ambitious productions on the Strip today. And that solid footing has enabled Angel and Cirque to consider what the next three years of Angel’s contract with the entertainment company and the hotel will entail. Even with the constant movement in Believe, an overhaul is overdue. “We’re in the process of working through that with Criss right now,” says Jerry Nadal, vice president of Cirque du Soleil’s resident shows. “If we were to change Believe, what is that going to look like or be called? The dynamics of the market, the demographics, have changed immensely since we opened. We’re always looking at how we can branch out and change things up, to give us a new audience, and to keep those who see the show coming back.” That helps dispel rumors that Cirque and Angel have been working on a deal that would release him from his contract earlier than the 10-year mark. Such talk surfaced when Angel began making trips to Foxwoods (and regularly selling out the theater). But he’s determined to log at least a decade on the Strip, which would place him in a rarefied class of magicians who have prospered in this city. { SOURCE: Las Vegas Weekly (Edited) | http://goo.gl/bmlaoe } Cirque du Soleil… Slot Machines? {Sep.28.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Scientific Games today announced a new partnership with Cirque du Soleil at the Global Gaming Expo (“G2E”) with the first featured production: KOOZA. The experience is an eye-catching, bonus-rich slot game that combines Scientific Games’ Pro Wave 360O slot configuration with the acrobatic adrenaline rush of KOOZA. The slot game transports players into the extraordinary world of KOOZA, an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, courage, and total sensory immersion. Featuring a four-level jackpot along with engaging bonus events, a U-Spin wheel bonus feature, two free games features, a mystery stack feature and an instant win, the Cirque du Soleil gaming experience featuring KOOZA delivers unparalleled entertainment experience that thrills players like they are part of the show’s live audience. The main attraction on the 360-degree wheel is a shared player experience wheel bonus that awards credits, jackpots, the Trickster free games, and the exciting Wheel of Death free games. Cirque du Soleil featuring KOOZA is rich in surprises, with bonus events, beautiful graphics, high-definition show video, breathtaking music, and a special in-game appearance by The Trickster, a very popular Cirque du Soleil character. Featuring a potentially life-altering “Très Magnifique” top progressive award that starts at $400,000 and increases with play across the linked games, the new Cirque du Soleil-inspired title joins the library of Bally brand premium games on the Cash Connection wide-area progressive link. The game is also available as a near-area progressive. “We are honored to partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring our customers and their players such an entertaining and high- quality gaming experience,” said Derik Mooberry, Scientific Games’ Group Chief Executive, Gaming. “The artistic and imaginative entertainment of Cirque du Soleil combined with our engaging gameplay in our beautifully rendered Pro Wave 360O package truly delivers an experience unlike any other. More than 160 million people have seen a Cirque du Soleil show either on the Las Vegas Strip or closer to home through one of many traveling Cirque du Soleil performances across the globe.” Marie-Josée Couture, Director – Partnership Development, Licensing for Cirque du Soleil, said, “As we do with all our projects, we approached the partnership as a unique creative challenge. Our initial objective was to imagine a new type of gaming experience. A great collaboration was born between Scientific Games and Cirque du Soleil, each expert in their field, and the result is the creation of a transformed gaming experience filled with interactions between the Cirque du Soleil characters and the players.” Eventually, Scientific Games hopes to create Cirque du Soleil slot machines based on other shows, including the eight shows currently appearing on the Strip. At the center of the Scientific Games 26,000-square-foot exhibit space at G2E will be a 360-degree slot machine carousel with five Cirque du Soleil slots. Characters from the acrobatic show will be on hand to unveil the game. Check out a few pictures from the event – including the slot Machine! LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6538 > { SOURCE: SYS-CON Media | http://goo.gl/5zXvnk } { PICTURES: Las Vegas Sun } ======================================================================= ITINÉRAIRE -- TOUR/SHOW INFORMATION ======================================================================= o) BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau {Amaluna, Corteo, Koozå, Totem & KURIOS} o) ARENA - In Stadium-like venues {Quidam, Varekai, TORUK & OVO} o) RESIDENT - Performed en Le Théâtre {Mystère, "O", La Nouba, Zumanity, KÀ, LOVE, Believe, Zarkana, MJ ONE & JOYÀ} NOTE: .) While we make every effort to provide complete and accurate touring dates and locations available, the information in this section is subject to change without notice. As such, the Fascination! Newsletter does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of these listings. For current, up-to-the-moment information on Cirque's whereabouts, please visit Cirque's website: < http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/ >. ------------------------------------ BIGTOP - Under the Grand Chapiteau ------------------------------------ Amaluna: Brussels, BE -- Sep 10, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015 Paris, FR -- Nov 5, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015 London, UK -- Jan 16, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016 Amsterdam, NL -- Mar 17, 2016 to May 1, 2016 Frankfurt, DE -- May 11, 2016 to May 29, 2016 Corteo: Mexico City, MX -- Sep 3, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015 Quito, EC -- Nov 19, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015 ** FINAL SHOW: December 13, 2015 ** Koozå: Austin, TX -- Sep 2, 2015 to Oct 8, 2015 Vancouver, BC -- Oct 29, 2015 to Dec 27, 2015 Kurios: Costa Mesa, CA -- Oct 15, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015 Los Angeles, CA -- Dec 10, 2015 to Feb 7, 2016 Atlanta, GA -- Mar 3, 2016 to May 8, 2016 Totem: Singapore, SG -- Oct 28, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015 Tokyo, JP -- Feb 03, 2016 to Apr 10, 2016 Osaka, JP -- TBA Nagoya, JP -- TBA Fukuoka, JP -- TBA Sendai, JP -- TBA ------------------------------------ ARENA - In Stadium-Like Venues ------------------------------------ Quidam: Seoul, SK -- Sep 10, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015 Canberra, AU -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 20, 2015 Wollongong, AU -- Dec 23, 2015 to Jan 2, 2016 Hobart, AU -- Jan 6, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016 Newcastle, AU -- Jan 15, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016 Aucland, NZ -- Feb 5, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016 Christchurch, NZ -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 25, 2016 ** FINAL SHOW: February 25, 2016 ** Varekai: Berlin, DE -- Oct 8, 2015 to Oct 11, 2015 Leipzig, DE -- Oct 14, 2015 to Oct 18, 2015 Stuttgart, DE -- Oct 21, 2015 to Oct 25, 2015 Mannheim, DE -- Oct 28, 2015 to Nov 1, 2015 Vienna, AT -- Nov 4, 2015 to Nov 8, 2015 Dortmund, DE -- Nov 11, 2015 to Nov 15, 2015 Cologne, DE -- Nov 18, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015 Innsbruck, AT -- Nov 25, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015 Munich, DE -- Dec 2, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015 A Coruña, ES -- Dec 22, 2015 to Dec 28, 2015 Barcelona, ES -- Jan 1, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016 Valencia, ES -- Jan 14, 2016 to Jan 17, 2016 Malaga, ES -- Jan 21, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016 Vitoria-Gasteiz, ES -- Jan 27, 2016 to Jan 31, 2016 Lyon, FR -- Feb 3, 2016 to Feb 7, 2016 Hamburg, DE -- Feb 10, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016 Luxembourg, LU -- Feb 17, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016 Hanover, DE -- Feb 24, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016 Antwerp, BE -- Mar 2, 2016 to Mar 6, 2016 Bordeaux, FR -- Mar 10, 2016 to Mar 13, 2016 Montpellier, FR -- Mar 17, 2016 to Mar 20, 2016 Nice, FR -- Mar 23, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016 Nantes, FR -- Nov 16, 2016 to Nov 20, 2016 Toulouse, FR -- Nov 23, 2016 to Nov 27, 2016 Strasbourg, FR -- Nov 30, 2016 to Dec 4, 2016 TORUK - The First Flight: Bossier City, LA -- Nov 12, 2015 to Nov 14, 2015 Lafayette, LA -- Nov 20, 2015 to Nov 22, 2015 Richmond, VA -- Nov 27, 2015 to Nov 29, 2015 Allentown, PA -- Dec 4, 2015 to Dec 6, 2015 Worcester, MA -- Dec 11, 2015 to Dec 13, 2015 Montreal, QC -- Dec 21, 2015 to Jan 3, 2016 Toronto, ON -- Jan 7, 2016 to Jan 10, 2016 Auburn Hills, MI -- Jan 22, 2016 to Jan 24, 2016 Houston, TX -- Feb 11, 2016 to Feb 14, 2016 North Little Rock, AR -- Feb 19, 2016 to Feb 21, 2016 North Charleston, SC -- Feb 26, 2016 to Feb 28, 2016 Sunrise, FL -- Mar 2, 2016 to Mar 6, 2016 Miami, FL -- Mar 9, 2016 to Mar 16, 2016 Tampa, FL -- Mar 16, 2016 to Mar 20, 2016 Tulsa, OK -- Mar 24, 2016 to Mar 27, 2016 Kansas City, MO -- Mar 30, 2016 to Apr 3, 2016 Oklahoma City, OK -- Apr 6, 2016 to Apr 10, 2016 Louisville, KY -- Apr 28, 2016 to May 1, 2016 Cincinnati, OH -- May 4, 2016 to May 8, 2016 Hamilton, ON -- May 20, 2016 to May 22, 2016 London, ON -- May 27, 2016 to May 29, 2016 Providence, RI -- Jun 3, 2016 to Jun 5, 2016 Raleigh, NC -- Jun 22, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016 OVO: Rumored to begin touring in Arenas in April 2016! --------------------------------- RESIDENT - en Le Théâtre --------------------------------- Mystère: Location: Treasure Island, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark: Thursday/Friday Two shows Nightly - 7:00pm & 9:30pm 2015 Dark Dates: o November 11 Added performances in 2015: o December 31 (only 7 pm performance) "O": Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two shows Nightly - 7:30pm and 10:00pm 2015 Dark Dates: o October 11 o November 30 - December 15 Added performances in 2015: o December 29 La Nouba: Location: Walt Disney World, Orlando (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday Two shows Nightly - 6:00pm and 9:00pm 2014 Dark Dates: o November 2 - 5 o December 7 - 9 Zumanity: Location: New York-New York, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark Sunday/Monday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm (Only 7:00pm on the following days in 2015: January 20, May 8, May 15, May 19, May 20, and December 31) 2015 Dark Dates: o October 31 o December 6 - 14 Added performance in 2015: o December 27 KÀ: Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Saturday through Wednesday, Dark Thursday/Friday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm (Only 7 pm performances on May 9, 16 and June 21) 2015 Dark Dates: o November 18 LOVE: Location: Mirage, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Thursday through Monday, Dark: Tuesday/Wednesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm (Only 7:00p.m. performances on May 15-16, June 19-21, December 31) (Only 4:30p.m. & 7:00p.m. performances on July 4) 2015 Dark Dates: o October 20 – 22 o December 1 – 16 Added performances in 2014: o December 30 CRISS ANGEL BELIEVE: Location: Luxor, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Wednesday through Sunday, Dark: Monday/Tuesday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2015 Show Schedule: o Wednesday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 7, February 4 - 25, September 30) o Thursday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 8-29, December 31) o Friday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on January 9–30, February 6, February 20 – 27, March 6 – 13, May 1 – 22, June 5, June 19, September 11–25, October 2–9, October 23–30, December 4 11, December 25) o Saturday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on May 2–16, June 20, July 4, October 31) o Sunday: 7:00pm & 9:30pm (only 7:00pm on February 8–22, March 1–15, April 26, May 24, June 7, June 21, September 13–27, October 4–25, November 1–8, November 22–29, December 6–13) 2015 Dark Dates: o November 9 – 17 o December 14 – 22 Added Performances in 2015: o December 29 ZARKANA: Location: Aria, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Friday through Tuesday, Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Two Shows Nightly - 7:00pm and 9:30pm 2015 Dark Dates: o November 10 Added Performances in 2015: o December 28 MICHAEL JACKSON ONE: Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas (USA) Performs: Two Shows Nightly - Dark: Wednesday/Thursday Schedule: 7:00pm & 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday 4:30pm & 7:00pm on Sunday 2015 Dark Dates: o October 14 – 22 o December 15 Added performances in 2015: o November 25 o December 30 JOYÀ: Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico Performs: Tuesday through Saturday, Dark: Sunday/Monday One/Two Shows Nightly: 9:00pm (Weekdays) 7:00pm & 10:15pm (Fri, Sat & Holidays) ======================================================================= OUTREACH - UPDATES FROM CIRQUE's SOCIAL WIDGETS ======================================================================= o) Club Cirque -- This Month at CirqueClub o) DidYaKnow? -- Facts About Cirque o) Networking -- Posts on Facebook, G+, & YouTube --------------------------------------------------- CLUB CIRQUE: This Month at CirqueClub --------------------------------------------------- VIDEO /// Auditions for Broadway (PARAMOUR) {Sep.10.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Prepare to get swept off your feet by PARAMOUR, a rapturous and passionate new experience that unites the signature spectacle of Cirque du Soleil with the storytelling magic and music that define Broadway. Set in the glamorous world of Golden Age Hollywood, this groundbreaking event spins the tale of a beautiful young actress forced to choose between love and fame. VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/FO7dETLc9oI > Mike & the Robots | C:LAB {Sep.15.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- Cirque du Soleil and Fanuc Robotics explored the idea of designing a comic number with industrial robots. Michel Courtemanche, the actor and famous comedian, lent himself readily to the game and developed a skit where he plays the technician. A technician who thinks is in control of the two robots, but to his ignorance is being played. This exercise demonstrates the possible interactions between a human and robots, for entertainment purposes. All the movements – particularly comic timing – had to be programmed in advance, to give the illusion of improvised gestures. By combining live programming and remote control, we can imagine what will be possible with robots on stage, able to respond directly to the crowd, to our delight. VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/3hfv4LOvAQo > KURIOS About… Episode 1: Tour Life {Sep.22.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- KURIOS About: TOUR LIFE. Find out what makes KURIOS tick and what it is like for our multinational cast and crew to live on the road 365 days of the year. VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/FMGmmCDg06k > New episode every 2 weeks. Follow the cast and crew of KURIOS on tour, and find out what hides in their Cabinet of Curiosities. From the Big Top to Costumes, Make-up, Food and much more, the 12 episodes KURIOS About The Webseries gives fans a behind-the-scenes peek at the Cirque du Soleil’s 35th creation. Explore our universe and reality from the eyes of an insider, see the artists and the staff work with devotion to make the show happen day after day and discover how unique our on tour lifestyle is. Meet a Few of the Key Characters of TORUK! {Sep.29.2015} ----------------------------------------------------- The creation process is currently underway for the new Cirque du Soleil touring show, TORUK – The First Flight, inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie AVATAR, which will begin touring in November 2015. TORUK takes place thousands of years before the movie AVATAR and before any humans visited Pandora. Lead by an actual Storyteller character, the show will follow three young adults – Ralu, Entu, and Tsyal – and the first flight of the Toruk. Let us explore this new world of TORUK by first getting aquainted with its four main characters - Ralu, Entu, Tsyal, and the Storyteller - then check out a few pictures of these characters' awesome costumes, watch a couple of behind-the-scenes videos featuring the artists behind these characters ("Characers - Behind the Scenes" and "Interview with The Storyteller"), and finally links to five more revealing videos about the show! THE CHARACTERS -------------- RALU -- Ralu, Member of the Omaticaya Clan, is the son of a formidable hunter who taught him exceptional focus and discipline. Ralu is a sensitive and compassionate boy on the brink of adulthood. Although he is only 14 years old (in Earth years), there is a calm and quiet force about him that underscores his carefree attitude. Always on the lookout for his childhood friend and protégé Entu, Ralu is a natural born leader. Whenever the going gets tough, he channels all his energy and skills into the challenge at hand and invariably gets the job done. Just ask Entu, whom Ralu once saved from certain death by luring away a thanator during archery practice deep in the rainforest. No wonder everybody rallies behind Ralu – his is a doer and a thinker with a heart of gold! ENTU -- Entu, Member of the Omaticaya Clan, lost both of his parents early in life in a freak attack by a thanator. He is the same age (14 years old in Earth years) as his lifelong friend Ralu – his mentor – with whom he has always engaged in a healthy competition that has definitely kept him on his toes. Spunky and intense, Entu is fully in touch with his emotions and knows to follow and trust his instincts. One day, when a member of his clan ventured too far out on a cliff edge and was left dangling on a limb, Entu instantly concocted an ingenious counterweight device using his pack, a sturdy branch and some vines to lower himself down the mountain face and save the boy, showing total disregard for his own safety. With his quick wit and dauntless spirit, Entu is eager – and ready – to dive headlong into the adventures that lie ahead. TSYAL -- Tsyal, Member of the Tawkami Clan, is the only child of a village chief who lost her mother at a tender age. She was raised by her grandmother with the help of other members of her clan, as is the custom among the Na’vi. Highly proficient in herbal lore, her grandmother was a chemist widely revered among the Tawkami for her unique remedies and concoctions. Tsyal’s clan is renowned throughout the land for their knowledge of chemistry and alchemy, and the abilities she inherited from her grandmother are transmitted every two generations through a special bond among clan members. Spurred by her grandmother’s legacy and wanting to live up to the expectations bestowed upon her, Tsyal has taken great pride in creating innovative mixtures and recipes of her own. True to her clan nestled deep inside the primeval forests of Pandora, this easygoing, sprightly girl with an indomitable spirit has a cheerful nature and loves to play tricks. With a mere seed, she can put the fiercest beast to sleep; with the frailest-looking flower, she can induce the most beautiful dreams or provoke the most terrifying nightmares. Such is the tremendous power of the natural elements that Tsyal and her clan have learned to understand and harness. STORYTELLER -- The Storyteller, an Anurai, is one of the last surviving members of this clan. He has been around humans – aka the Sky People – ever since he met a feisty xenobotanist with whom he forged a powerful friendship back in the 2140s. Several years later, the Storyteller witnessed firsthand the last time of Great Sorrow during which the Omaticaya Hometee was destroyed. Distressed by the discord among the clans on his home world, and learning how humans were tearing each other apart in the wake of the great climatic upheavals on Earth, the resilient Storyteller decided to reach out once more to the Sky People who saw him as a kind of translator and a wise go-between. By making humans aware of the bravery, valor and ingenuity of the Na’vi, he seeks above all to avoid history from repeating itself. He also aims to impress upon the Sky People the urgency of preserving their bonds with nature, and the necessity of pulling together to live in unity and peace. o) Check out images of these characters here: LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6555 > o) Check out some great Costume pictures here: LINK /// < http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=6543 > CHARACTERS: BEHIND THE SCENES ----------------------------- During the creation of TORUK – The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil, artists work in pairs to create the characters of Ralu, Entu and Tsyal. Watch while these duos explain how two heads are better than one as their characters come to life during rehearsals. When two artists share a character, they get to watch their “second self” at work, feed off each other, and stretch their own limits. It’s an opportunity to see both the forest AND the trees. VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/4gucR_Hw09Y > Transcript: "Whenever there’s an element of danger— we have Viperwolves, we have lava; any sort of danger happens in a scene - Ralu is the first character to put himself between the danger and his younger brother, or Tsyal. He's the protector." - Jeremiah Hughes & Gabriel Christo / Ralu - Omaticaya Clan Member. "We play the female character in the show named Tsyal. She’s a 15-year-old teenager, super-powerful and energetic. What I love about the character is she’s a strong, young woman." - Giuilia Piolanti & Zoe Sabattie / Tsyal - Tawkami Clan Member "We’re playing Entu. A little boy, he’s 15 years old. He’s smallest in stature of the whole tribe, but he’s got the biggest personality." - Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp / Entu – Omaticaya Clan Member. * * * Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp: "Normally you’re in a scene, you’re in the moment, you can only see the tree and you can’t see the forest. Then ok, team switch—I step out, I get to see him do the scene. (Yes, from outside.) And I go, ‘That’s a nice moment I’m overlooking. I didn’t even notice there’s a Viperwolf behind me the entire time. I should have done something about that!’" Giuilia Piolanti & Zoe Sabattie: "Two minds, I would say, are better than one.” Jeremiah Hughes & Gabriel Christo: "And you learn so much when you watch the other one, too." Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp: "We’re using two brains with very diverse training to make one great character." Giuilia Piolanti & Zoe Sabattie: "When I see her perform Tsyal, I know what I’m missing about my character.” Guillaume Paquin & Daniel Crisp: "I can see myself in the scene, I can see what he’s doing, and my scenes benefit and become stronger by watching him." INTERVIEW WITH THE STORYTELLER ------------------------------ Raymond O’Neill has a story to tell! As he prepares for his upcoming role as “The Storyteller” in the Cirque du Soleil spectacle TORUK – The First Flight, the actor discovers what it takes to bring this unique character to life with compelling and captivating flair. Underneath the layers of makeup, complex costume components and stage directions lives a man who candidly shares his own thoughts and emotions about the incredible, one- of-a-kind opportunity he’s earned. VIDEO /// < https://youtu.be/PB93qrnVbOg > Transcript: I'm playing a character who is called the storyteller. "They took them to their world and killed the Anurai clan!" There's a lot of things that I know are coming that are going to be challenging, and and you just go into them with confidence. You just keep building up your relationships in the company. It's like a family - you get supported through it. As artists sometimes we get too much comfort... oh this is the show, this is what the lines says, and I enter here and pour a cup of tea, and I - you know - slap the dog and that's what the script is. But this is like what's going to happen next? It keeps me awake, it keeps me alive, it keeps me young! I think everybody feels good when they give something, you know? You give something you get so much for. I've never given to 15,000 people before - that's a bit house - but I got a lot of love in my heart, so we will spread it around. I looked in the mirror and I thought... where am I? Who am I? Back into makeup we made some adjustments and I looked in the mirror and I thought: oh wow I can see, I can see this character. # # # Also, check out these other great videos: o) Revealing the different layers of complexity: VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/vPTV9A > o) TORUK attitude: speed, momentum & agility: VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/5Q3Kne > o) Getting into the swing of things: VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/tv1Lz7 > o) TORUK’ choreographers: Tuan Le and Tan Loc: VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/luxQhl > o) Meet Kym Barrett – Costume & Makeup Designer VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/JEoZHb > { SOURCE: Cirque du Soleil | https://goo.gl/GQFRUZ } --------------------------------------- DIDYAKNOW?: Facts About Cirque --------------------------------------- o) Did you know: BELIEVE's Costume pieces are treated with flame retardant product? We do so to protect the costume and artist from any stray pyrotechnic sparks. o) Did you know: There is over 12,000 sq. ft. of 3/16” plate steel supporting the show deck in BELIEVE? o) Did you know: KA's musicians perform live musical scoring for every show. They play the cello, electric guitar, keyboard, vocals, and you guessed it! The accordion. o) Did you know that there are over 1150 pieces of accessories in the Michael Jackson ONE show? o) Did you know: The capes of the “Tabloid Junkies” characters in MJ ONE are lined with tabloid headlines about Michael Jackson in several languages? o) Did you know: The O-daiko drum in Mystere is so big (6 feet in diameter and 15 feet in length, weighing half a ton) it had to be loaded in before construction of the theatre? o) Did you know: Unlike the traditional rope-hung trapeze, the Washington Trapeze in "O" is built on a fixed metal frame and swings in a long pendulum motion? It is also attached to a revolving carousel which descends from the grid at four feet per second. --------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING: Cirque on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter --------------------------------------------------- {Compiled by Keith Johnson} ---[ AMALUNA ]--- {Sep.08} While we are getting ready for our Premiere in Brussels on Thursday, the Teeterboard boys and some Amazons are currently in Paris for Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde. We will share more details with you soon... FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/sfBTgi > FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/PBGZtS > FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/q2u19r > {Sep.19} Hello Brussels! Did you get the premiere missed last Thursday? Relive the happiest moments here. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/L2fKc2 > {Sep.21} Antwerpen & Waasland were took by surprise by our enchanted mirror. How could their day be any better? VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/SbY46X > {Sep.28} Look for our appearance on RTL Late Night. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/etsISr > FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/2qbzCY > ---[ CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ]--- {Sep.04} Stay cool MTL. It's going to be a hot one! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/jbbkzd > {Sep.14} Performers & employees train alike. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/4hkR5s > {Sep.17} We hand make our masks, hats & wigs. To ensure a custom fit, we make a mold of our artists heads. This is how it’s done! VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/LuiR1F > {Sep.24} Congratulations to our colleagues at 45 Degrees for having created a mesmerizing Opening Ceremony at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games. Check it out! VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2qAc1mfsL8 > ---[ CORTEO ]--- {Sep.01} Finally we had our rehearsal in the city of Mexico, now we're ready for our big premier! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Y8NqJz > {Sep.05} An improvement of the Corteo juggling act. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/Rd19J2 > {Sep.11} This is training for the chaotic and funny Klezmer Act. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Z3YjGt > {Sep.20} Jay de la Cueva knows Corteo and has many surprises with the artists and musicians! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/SxH0pU > {Sep.23} The reflection of our artists in the training of the number of beds, inside the tent artistic. Last few weeks in the city of Mexico. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/gNsPjt > ---[ KOOZA ]--- {Sep.02} Tomorrow night... ATX Premiere! We can't wait to celebrate the independent spirit of Texans in the Lone Star State! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/UyJUYy > {Sep.03} ? Austin?, y'all have been amazing! Standing ovation! WOW! Thanks for the love! You know we love you too? ? FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/4Mau5S > {Sep.11} Thank you, Mayor Steve Adler, local law enforcement, and County Fire & Rescue Team for the visit! Today we are honored to receive an official proclamation declaring 9-11 Remembrance Day as KOOZA International Peace Day in Austin. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/vDBMBW > FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/EUSpBt > {Sep.19} Check it out! KOOZA has just performed its jaw-dropping body balancing act, on a tower of chairs in front of hundreds of Longhorns fans! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/DKiHk4 > {Sep.19} The KOOZA troupe has delivered an exciting performance right on the race track during the LSLM ceremonies! So proud to have kicked off the race today! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/VEmo6k > {Sep.24} KOOZA SingerSelfie! We are lucky to have such talented musicians perform every night on stage...especially in the Live Music Capital of the World...? FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/0iukCU > {Sep.27} Sunday Funday y'all! Backstage in ATX! We are counting down to our final performances in the Lone Star State! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/ymVAA3 > {Sep.30} It's almost showtime here in ??Austin???! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/iD3E20 > ---[ KURIOS ]--- {Sep.01} At the Chicago Cubs game our beautiful singer Eirini Tornesaki sang the National Anthem in front of thousands of fans! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/8B4Dnv > FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/T7gjka > {Sep.03} Did you see our characters today wandering around the city, being tourists in Chicago. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/AOrXzF > {Sep.05} Our characters were at The Magnificent Mile Pop-Up Marketplace today to make 5 lucky winners who will be seeing the show under the Big Top next to the United Center. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/ezh1Dw > {Sep.09} Only 12 days before our last show under the Big Top at the United Center parking lot in Chicago . The characters are visiting the city before packing up and heading to South California! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/hxXKri > {Sep.11} Only 9 days before KURIOS has to leave Chicago. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/Ejr6oG > {Sep.12} In only 8 days, we will be tearing down our Big Top at the United Center and make our way to the OC Fair for our Costa Mesa opening on October 15th. Stay tuned for a few more of our touristic photos! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/O9Pjvq > {Sep.18} It is our last Friday in this beautiful city! KURIOS has to hit the road after this Sunday's 5pm show. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/xena11 > FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/rcmFtI > {Sep.21} We have to admit the KURIOS troupe had a blast in Chicago. Thanks for all the great memories! Until next time! VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/vUf8mg > {Sep.25} The Box of KURIOS won this week the PROTO Awards in the “Best Live Action” category. Michel Laprise, director, Sebastian Sylwan, from Félix & Paul Studios and André Lauzon, Producer and Head of CDS Media Digital Studio went to Hollywood for the ceremony. Are they happy about this award? Hmmm, hard to see on this photo… Hats off to the whole team! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/T1LVSj > ---[ PARAMOUR ]--- {Sep.16} In this exclusive first look, our creators prepare to blend the signature spectacle of Cirque du Soleil with the story- telling of Broadway for PARAMOUR. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/MKxKOT > ---[ QUIDAM ]--- {Sep.02} Only 2 days until the cast arrives on the Quidam Seoul site! VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/RnIsmM > {Sep.10} What a week! After getting the site and the show ready for a successful transition back under the Chapiteau! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/FUxiuy > {Sep.11} ? Seoul? Premiere night final bow. We think they liked it! VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/OIeZ6T > {Sep.27} Playing ?Backstage with our new Activeon Action Cameras. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/jiwdrZ > ---[ TORUK ]--- {Sep.03} A Toruk’s-eye view. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/8iw0YQ > {Sep.04} I see you. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/kNRuFI > {Sep.09} A team, a wooden board and some acrobatics. ? FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/WiO2ZG > {Sep.11} Testing new ways to fly. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/nIIiAA > {Sep.13} Backstage at CenturyLink Center, these signs help the cast and crew find their way around the arena. FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/XbyQAr > {Sep.15} A sneak peek at what's to come, with a look back at TORUK's initial load in to CenturyLink Center! FOTO /// < https://goo.gl/TiKLjv > ---[ TOTEM ]--- {Sep.02} Standby for Crystal Ladies! Olli and Gael are on the grid, waiting to bring the chairs of the ladies to the stage. FOTO < https://goo.gl/BfgFCW > {Sep.04} Another Friday night under the Big Top in Perth, the cast is cooling down after the show with yoga and training for personal projects! FOTO < https://goo.gl/0Tg5Ev > {Sep.05} Another step closer to Japan! We filmed many live performances, acts without audience and behind-the-scene content this week for our Japanese promotional tools! Gambate!! Tokyo, are you ready? FOTO < https://goo.gl/fyRQFm > {Sep.08} Ready for a laugh or at least a smile this morning? Here’s “The 1 Year Jacket”, a funny video made by TOTEM Hoop Dancer Eric Hernandez (cirqueLIFE) while on tour. VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-xUAW7i8fM > {Sep.09} The West Australian - thewest.com.au got to spend one full performance backstage with our cast in Perth as artists get ready to step on stage! "It is where years of effort and dedicated, repetitive attention to detail undergo one last c hemical reaction to transform individuals from humans into super-humans." LINK /// < https://goo.gl/QJaxQV > {Sep.13} INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY | Clown + Chocolate = FUNNY Enjoying this tasty CirqueLife VIDEO /// < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRhSLN0b6KA > {Sep.14} Do you enjoy working out with Swiss Balls? Caoliang Wang (High Bars/Crystal Man) does too. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/72aJqe > {Sep.15} Hey Singapore! Jamie Yeo from MediaCorp Channel 5 takes you backstage under the Big Top in Perth and even tries some aerial acrobatics! Only a few weeksl left before our first Asian Premiere on Bayfront Avenue, beside Marina Bay Sands! VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/fPLzsH > {Sep.21} Yesterday was our amazing Love Birds Sarah and Guilhem' 1000th performance on TOTEM!! Congrats!! FOTO < https://goo.gl/n9w791 > {Sep.23} One year of Aussie adventures is coming to an end for our cast and crew members! Only a few performances left in Perth through Sunday before leaving Australia for Singapore! FOTO < https://goo.gl/kxD6ED > FOTO < https://goo.gl/Y1RiJK > FOTO < https://goo.gl/4ITPy5 > {Sep.24} Strike a pose! Congratulations to Marie-Christine and Louis-David, our new back-up Love Birds (Trapeze) who did their first show this week in Perth and will join us back in Tokyo next Winter! FOTO < https://goo.gl/9BcW4f > {Sep.27} THANK YOU AUSTRALIA!! We had a blast performing for you and will keep amazing memories of our time in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth! A thrilling year down under to say the least! Singapore, watch out, we are on our way filled with energy for our first Asian Premiere! FOTO < https://goo.gl/57TGoK > FOTO < https://goo.gl/BiupB3 > ---[ VAREKAI ]--- {Sep.01} We had so much fun this afternoon visiting the Toronto Royal Ontario Museum and the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada! FOTO < https://goo.gl/jko1Fb > {Sep.03} Less than 2-hours until the premiere of Varekai at the Air Canada Centre! We are ready to rock the house! FOTO < https://goo.gl/zvHgxi > {Sep.06} Oh Toronto! Fun times at the Air Canada Centre with great audiences. What a nice way to finish our North American tour. Cirque du Soleil will be back soon and hello Europe! FOTO < https://goo.gl/vGc7g2 > {Sep.08} Check out the perspective of our duo straps act, flying high above the crowd every night on Varekai- produced in partnership with Activeon Action Cameras. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/3Vc99V > {Sep.15} This is how it feels to do flips on the russian swing. Tip: Make sure to keep your eyes open! Video produced in partnership with Activeon Action Cameras. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/wDRkjX > {Sep.17} In the last 2 years, Varekai has performed more than 500 shows in 75 cities across North America. Did you know it takes approx. 1-hour for each performer to apply their make-up? Take a look at our clown female make-up application. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/eHyJjX > {Sep.30} This is how the Varekai baton twirlers put their game face on. Produced in partnership with Activeon Action Cameras. VIDEO /// < https://goo.gl/e5I2Is > ======================================================================= FASCINATION! FEATURES ======================================================================= o) INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with Christopher “Kit” Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 2 of 3) By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) o) LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission PART 2 of 8: "Training Kicks Up A Notch" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ------------------------------------------------------------ INTERVIEW /// "The Third Time: An Exclusive Interview with Christopher “Kit” Chatham, Kurios drummer" (Part 2 of 3) By: Keith Johnson - Seattle, Washington (USA) ------------------------------------------------------------ Last month we began our exclusive interview with Kurios drummer Kit Chatham by discussing his youth and history with Broadway show Blast!. After being introduced to Cirque du Soleil by Varekai drummer Paul Bannerman, we pick up the story with Kids first experience, Corteo. THE CORTEGE ARRIVES ------------------- It was his audition “10+ years ago” that made Cirque take notice. Though there was a misunderstanding. “In 2005 Welby Altidor, who was in Casting (later Director of Creation on MJ One and now Cirque’s Executive Creative Director) called looking for somebody for Corteo creation. And he got me confused with another person. Did I know somebody who could help them out? And I was like – me! “But you're already working for Cirque.” “No, I'm not!” But it worked out, so I didn't have to audition for that one. They had my audition from before. I had also sent them a couple of audio files because they wanted to make sure I could play electronic stuff. And I had just come off Cyberjam, and I was playing a lot of electronic stuff with Cyberjam.” We were then surprised by this nugget of info. “Originally René Dupéré (Cirque’s first full-time composer) was supposed to write the music for Corteo.” We had not heard this before, but it makes sense time- wise. Corteo, whose romantic style would have been complemented by Dupéré’s lyrical composing style, would have been in creation during the latter half of 2004. Readers will remember how KÀ was delayed to November of that year, making it difficult for Dupéré, who was already stepping into KÀ after Benoit Jutras has been removed from the show, to do both. This is corroborated by the bio on Corteo composer Philippe Leduc’s website which states, “Four months before the premiere of its show Corteo (that would have been January 2005) Cirque du Soleil asked Philippe to compose the music for many numbers in this touring show…” “For Corteo there were five different composers (if you include director Daniele Finzi Pasca, who wrote lyrics for most of the shows songs). Philippe Leduc (.com) wrote a lot of the big scores for the show. Maria Bonzanigo was part of the troupe (from Cirque Élioze, cirque-eloize.com), she was working on the transitions and part of the clown acts. We also had (Kooza composer) Jean-François Côté (jfcote.com) and we had one song by Michael Smith at one point which got taken out. That was crazy.” (Michael A. Smith does have one song in the production, for the second act finale “Tournik” act, “Che Finalone.”) “Corteo took some time, it was a crazy creation. It was a little bit tough at first, but it gelled over time. There was a slow crawl, then walking then running. The fixation for Corteo was long – weeks – and even [after that] it was another year and things still weren't settled. But it's still a lovely show and it's one of my favorites because it's my first Cirque show. Daniele is the nicest guy.” Despite being involved in Corteo creation, like other members of the Corteo creation band Kit did not appear on the soundtrack CD released 18 months later. “That was when Cirque was still outsourcing CD production. It was very sad. Because only one person from the [creation] band appeared on the CD and that was Paul (Bisson, lead singer and current lead in Zarkana). It was a very, very sad.” THE KING TAKES UP RESIDENCE --------------------------- When the opportunity came to perform in a residence show in Las Vegas, and move home to be with his wife, Kit didn’t hesitate. The inspiration for the Vincent Paterson (.com)-directed show was to be the life and music of Las Vegas icon Elvis Presley. My wife and I had the opportunity to view both “versions” of Viva Elvis, and we both felt Kit was the best part of the show, when we saw him come out onstage we instantly knew who it was and couldn't watch anything but him. The re-interpretation of the music was incredibly creative; the opening number, “Blue Suede Shoes,” was overwhelming in the way it mixed things in and moved things around and backed things up and used samples and quotes. “Elvis died when I was six months old, but growing up in the South I knew all about him. It was a fun show to play. I miss that show. It was such a musically-driven show, and it had a nice strong dynamic. Of course being a musician I was really spoiled because we were onstage a lot, and the energy that we got from the artists was really strong.” “The arrangers re-arranging the music did an amazing job. Because they had to take material that was not theirs, material that was recorded with one microphone back in the day where what you heard was what you got. So they had to deal with Elvis's voice and the band behind him and try to tweak it so that you couldn't hear the band. So they did a lot of genius things.” Perhaps the most impressive achievement of the show for me was the sound of the theater, it sounded like I had headphones on, it was just so crisp and clear. Kit agrees. “The sound designer, Jonathan Deans (designingsound.com), is ridiculous. And it's a very simple [design]. Some of the other shows Jonathan Deans has done you have internal speakers in the seats (KA and Love and MJ One). But for Elvis there were no speakers in the seats. There are 12 subwoofers in the concrete underneath you and just the traditional speakers. Being a proscenium [theater] I guess it's a little easier to control.” Despite the technical or artistic accomplishments, the show never really found its audience. Not that there weren’t attempts to revise the show. “Towards the end they brought in the Banquine act and elevated the show to a whole new level. There were a lot of [other] things that were planned to revamp the show, but they decided to bring in Zarkana.” “Honestly, everyone had great spirits about it. [But] a lot of us saw the writing on the wall. They had great expectations for it but it turned out not to work financially. I know how it feels when a show closes, like with Cyberjam. “What am I going to do next?” Of course the first reaction is like getting hit in the gut. But backstage, even knowing that we were closing, for what it was it was a very positive atmosphere.” “A lot of those technicians are still there working with Zarkana. And a lot of the artists have moved around and most of them are back with Cirque. For instance, Jason the trumpet player is in Kooza. Casey joined Kooza right after I left (January, 2014). Mikey the bass player is now on Varekai. A couple of the other guys tour with a big-name artist from Québec, Garou (http://www.garouofficiel.com/?lang=en ), who was the original lead in Zarkana. So a lot of the band is touring with him and actually this week they're on tour, I think they're going overseas. A few of them are now doing a special event in Milan. And Bruno (Dumont) the saxophone player is on Quidam. So a lot of us found other places in the universe to go. And surprisingly a lot of the artists, the acrobats, found places quicker and a lot of them are in Vegas doing other shows.” “It's crazy going to Facebook and looking at what all the dancers are doing. Like Eliana (Girard, dancer < https://www.facebook.com/Dance9Eliana >) won “So You Think You Can Dance” (Female winner of Season 9, summer 2012). You're watching her on TV going, “I know her, she's amazing!” WHEN FOUR EQUALS ZERO --------------------- When we talked with Erich Van Tourneau, Producer and Arranger for Viva Elvis (which can be found at http://www.cirquefascination.com/?p=2414) he had kind words for Kit, but also spoke as to why – for the second time – Kit does not appear on the CD soundtrack to a Cirque du Soleil show: ““Kit is so cool and has a strong presence in the show. I clearly remember when I saw his audition tape. [I got] a really strong impression of Kit and he was the first musician that I chose.” … “I think the main difference between the album and the live performance is really an aesthetic one. [With the CD] I tried to bring Elvis samples into the picture as much as possible. So when I had a choice between using a musician from the show or using samples coming from Elvis’ work or world, I would use Elvis samples. I tried to use the musicians every time it was possible, but if I had access to nice percussion coming from [the world] of Elvis I would use those.” (Indeed, there is no one listed as performing “Percussion” on the CD.)” “They were originally talking about a two-CD set, because there were so many songs in the show,” Kit revealed. “So we all went into the studio. And the horn players did some horn tracks. I recorded four songs for the CD. I did the Cajon part for “It’s Now or Never,” the one with the classical guitar on the stage. “Return to Sender” was the big marching band one.” “Of the four songs I did, none of them ended up being on the album. Only Toscha (Comeaux, singer) and I are not on the CD. And Stéphane Mongeau, the Executive Producer, brought me in and talked to me one- on-one. “It just happened, man, that your stuff isn't on the album.” I had already had the experience of not being on the Corteo CD, and that crushed me. And then it happened again! Yeah, I got paid for it but that doesn't matter. It was one of those things. [Later] they were thinking they were going to do a revamp and would put out another album that had all the other songs on it.” We ourselves pondered why some of the songs that would be considered standouts for their stagecraft alone, such as “Jailhouse Rock” with its huge jail-like apparatus, weren’t included. Kit noted that the artists also had the same question. “A lot of the songs that ended up on the album we were wondering, “Why is this one not on there?” And it's true; I wasn't doing drums, I was doing percussion and the whole vibe was wanting to be more, not house music, but with a different flare. I wouldn't want to go into a studio and just play tambourine on two and four. And I love Erich. Hugo (Bombardier, Assistant Producer and Arranger), who was a part of that, actually texted me yesterday about the University of Georgia versus Kentucky basketball game. And Georgia was winning! So I still keep in touch with those guys. But it was heartbreaking, I won't lie to you.” FROM SHOW TO SHOW TO SHOW ------------------------- Even with the closure of Viva Elvis, Kit wasn’t without a job for long. In fact, Cirque’s desire to continue utilizing him meant they changed their policies. “By the time Viva Elvis closed I'd already been contacted by Zumanity and KÀ about being on call, doing the shows in rotation. They still had their main guy at both, but they needed someone to be in rotation. And I had to go in and audition, which was kind of funny. Because the bandleader was like, “Why did you have to audition?” And I said, “It's fine, I like to audition. I like being fair.” Because I did [only] percussion on Viva Elvis, the drummer didn't know I played drum set. But I said, “Yeah, I've been doing that since I was a kid.”” “I always tell people I'm more of a percussionist then a drum set player. It just so happened that the handful of jobs I've had with Cirque I've done drum set or both. [Kurios] is the first full-time show that I played just drums, because I wasn’t full-time on Mystère or Zumanity. [And on] Kooza and Viva Elvis I was just percussion. And Corteo I played percussion and drum set.” “So I auditioned for both Zumanity and KÀ. And they would only allow me to work on one show, so I had to decide which one I wanted. Well, Zumanity asked me first and it's a fun show, I love it. [In fact] as soon as I go home on the 23rd, I'm going to go see it since it's just been refreshed so I'm going to go catch it again.” So I was at Zumanity (from August 2012 to July 2013). And what happened was [Senior Artistic Director at Mystère James Hadley] said, “We want Kit to come in and do this.” So they contacted me and said, “We've already talked to the Artistic Manager and we’re going to make it okay for you to do two shows at once and rotate.” Which was great! So I went into Zumanity and learned the show in a week. And then a few days later I was on the rotation. Same thing with Mystère (where he was in rotation from January to July 2013).” “So for the next year, “…I was pretty busy. I was doing a lot of teaching. And then I started getting into the school system teaching marching band, and several schools would have me write shows for them. And I was also gigging with some side projects; in Vegas there is so much music. Doing Cirque for so long, a clock-in clock-out show where I have to show up at the theater at 5:30, the show starts at this time and I leave [hours later]; it was nice to go back to the old school of gigs at night, hustling my own gear, setting up, which took me back.” So I played a lot of casinos. I did a lot of jazz stuff that I hadn't done in 15 years. I couldn't remember the names of the songs but the singer would sing a couple of lines of lyrics and I’d go, “Oh yeah I know that song.” But I was pretty busy.” “So I did that for a little bit, until I jumped on with Kooza. That was nice; I was more of a family man, spending time with my wife and my two kids, my dogs.” THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES STEALS FROM THE PUZZLE BOX ----------------------------------------------------- Kit eventually moved away from the comforts of home (and multiple, if temporary, jobs) in favor of a full-time touring gig, this time with Kooza. “In July 2013 I signed on for Kooza and went to Montréal for two weeks to do training. I was only with Kooza for a very short period of time July 2013 and ending in January 2014.” “I had just signed my signing papers for Kooza. (Usually you sign a piece of paper that says you’re going to do a show, then sign the official [detailed] documents later.) And not even a month later I get a call from Casting - I look at my phone and see it's a call from Cirque du Soleil and I'm thinking, “That's weird.” [The voice said] “Hey Kit, this is Claude Vendette.” He's music casting (a talent scout specializing in finding musicians). And I was like, “Hey man what's going on, why are you calling me?” “They want you for Kurios (which was then called “Cirque 2014”). And I had just signed for Kooza and hadn't even left yet. “Do I have to audition?” “No, you've got the gig.” It took more than one phone call though. “What definitely made me take the gig was when Michel (Laprise, Kurios Director) called and we [spent] an hour and a half just talking about the show. He was at home chilling, showing me all this stuff, and I was getting excited. And so I signed my contract for Kurios the same day I signed my contract for Kooza.” “Kurios brought me in in November 2013 for a couple of weeks of creation, and then later for another week. We had workshops that I would come in on. We were just brainstorming with the composer and Michel. It was kind of tough because I did 10 weeks in Russia (with Kooza till early November 2013), then I was in Montréal (for Kurios creation), then I was in Paris (back with Kooza around November 20, 2013). Trying to squeeze time in with my wife as well, that was kind of tough.” The music for the show, with its quirky steampunk esthetic, was mostly composed by French composer Raphaël Beau (www.raphaelbeau- compositeur.com). However, a third of the compositions to make it to the CD were written by frequent Cirque collaborators Bob & Bill (Guy Dubuc and Marc Lessard, bobandbill.net). And, as it often is, it was a matter of time. “[For Kurios] Bob and Bill were brought in, there were a lot of changes and they needed music pronto and they're really good at doing quick. We needed stuff quickly, [we only had] a month-and-a- half before the show was supposed to open. That's a lot to ask of one person when you're trying to change and adapt things. If it was me I would be stressed out, I would be crazy. It actually worked really well.” “Most of it is still Raphaël Beau, who is an amazing person; he has a huge heart, super great, super nice. And the two components worked really well together. It's always strange being a musician working with multiple people in control, you don't know how that chemistry’s going to be, but it was super smooth, super cool.” This being his third creation process, how did it go? “Time-wise we had the same amount of time. I was brought in in December 2013 because of the “Juggling Chaos” act, the first number (“Steampunk Telegram” on the CD). And the musicians came almost a month later, in January 2014. I came to Montréal from Paris something like January 4 and they were there on the 24th.” “[But] I would say the amount we worked in this show is more than we did in Corteo. And I think a lot of it had to do with the circumstances of the music already written or things that we needed to change. We came in January and by the first week of March we were in the tent. That's when we started to have longer days.” “When we were working in the studio we could just walk across the street and we'd be home. And our hours were pretty flexible when we were working on music, so we had a lot of freedom with that. The composers were off writing so they weren’t around that much. Corteo was the same way. With Viva Elvis they were with us a lot because a lot of it had already been pre-done. A lot of [a composer’s degree of interaction] has to do with the situation, the time frame, and what is going on.” “The amount of work for [Kurios] involved long hours but it was very well thought out. The thing with Michel was he knew what he wanted and what he expected and so he put a lot of time into that. This is a crucial reason why we didn't have [much of] a fixation; ours was four days. The show was already set up ahead of any other show, so there were not many changes at all. And even during the four days of fixation it was very minor things. So the show you're seeing tonight is not very much different from what it was in Montréal, which is very, very rare. Out of the three creations I've done this is the one that has been the furthest ahead at this point in time compared to all the others. I'm happy to be part of a show that was off to a good start from the beginning.” * * * Next time, in Part Three, Kit discusses creating his role in Kurios, the challenges of being a full-time musician and his words of encouragement for young musicians. And that inspirational Fred Astaire clip. ------------------------------------------------------------ LOOK BACK: Guy Laliberte's Poetic Social Mission PART 2 of 8: "Training Kicks Up a Notch" By: Ricky Russo - Atlanta, Georgia (USA) ------------------------------------------------------------ Six years ago, on September 30, 2009, a civilian became a spaceflight participant aboard Soyuz TMA-16, a manned flight from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Joining two members of the Expedition 21 crew - Russian cosmonaut Maksim Surayev (Commander, from the Russian Federal Space Agency, FSA) and NASA Astronaut Jeffery Williams (Flight Engineer) – was Guy Laliberté, who paid approximately $35 million USD for his seat through the American firm Space Adventures, becoming the first Canadian space tourist in the process. Besides fulfilling a life-long dream, Laliberté’s spaceflight was dedicated to raising awareness on water issues facing humankind on planet Earth, making his spaceflight the first – in his words – “poetic social mission” in space. And much of this experience was captured on film and recently spun into a feature-length documentary entitled TOUCH THE SKY. While the documentary is a compelling visual look into the experience, the adventure was also captured by Laliberté himself in the form of an online journal. At the time these events were originally taking place, we here at Fascination were more concerned with the happenings here on Earth – with BELIEVE, ZAIA, ZED, OVO, VIVA ELVIS, and BANANA SHPEEL – so we didn’t give much thought to this endeavor. However, thanks to the recently discovered documentary (the aforementioned TOUCH THE SKY), we recently re-discovered a text-copy of this journal in our archives, which allows us to explore this extraordinary time in Cirque du Soleil’s history in more detail. Thus in this series we’ll be taking a look back at Guy’s Poetic Social Mission through his eyes, from the journal, in monthly installments, taking you through the initial steps Guy undertook all the way through to the launch and landing. Last month we looked at the first steps in Guy’s adventure in “The Countdown Begins”. Now we continue our adventure as Guy gets settled in, passes a few tests, and continues his accelerated training routine… * * * POST 9 | DAY 47 - June 04, 2009 PRESS CONFERENCE REVEALS GUY LALIBERTÉ’S POETIC SOCIAL MISSION The Canadian and Russian space agencies hosted a simulcast press conference from Saint-Hubert, in Canada and Star City, in Russia to announce that Guy Laliberté–Founder of Cirque du Soleil and the ONE DROP Foundation had begun training for a groundbreaking visit to the International Space Station (ISS): a Poetic Social Mission in Space on behalf of the ONE DROP Foundation and its dream of "Water for all, all for water." Speaking from the Yuri Gagarin Russian State Science Research Cosmonauts Training Centre located in Star City, Laliberté explained his mission to media in both countries. His mission in space will include the sharing of information about water-related issues with the world. Messages transmitted from the ISS will also raise awareness of the goals pursued by ONE DROP. While Laliberté’s 12-day stay aboard the ISS will mark the first social/humanitarian mission in space, he will become Canada’s first private explorer to visit the Station. The Soyuz TMA-16 rocket that will carry Laliberté and Expedition 21 crew members to the ISS is scheduled for launch September 30, 2009. * * * POST 10 | DAY 51 - June 08, 2009 PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT MY POETIC SOCIAL MISSION Today I’m announcing my Poetic Social Mission, and everyone’s really excited! Despite the intense Moscow traffic that’s slowing us down, preparations are moving along nicely. This supposedly short trip of just a few kilometres seems to take an eternity and my adrenalin is starting to pump. I have to stay back in another room before the conference starts, so I’m pleasantly surprised to see that the press hall is pretty full when I come in. Cameras, correspondents from major news organizations, hardly an empty seat in sight—it’s more than I was expecting! Once seated, I realize that I can see the live press conference feed in St. Hubert and it seems like a full house over there. I have a brief moment of anxiety, but it passes. I just want to make sure I get my message across and don’t forget anything—there’s so much to say! But everything goes fine and, by the end, I feel the mission has been accomplished. After the conference, I have some one-on-one interviews, photo sessions and a satellite conference with St. Hubert—ten whirlwind hours, but absolutely gratifying! Later, Renée-Claude Ménard (my Senior Public Relations Director) and I eagerly hook up to the Internet on my computer to find out how the news is going down. Overall, the comments seem to be going the way we had hoped, and we’re proud that we managed to get our message across. After talking it over, my team and I come to the conclusion that it’s the best press coverage Cirque du Soleil has had in its 25 years! In terms of publicity, has this set the bar for the launch of our next show? Of course, after a day like today, forget about sleeping! It isn’t until after 5:00 a.m. that my eyes finally close for a few hours of rest and some bizarre dreams about rocket ships. :-P The next day (Friday, June 5th) is another big day, and I continue to receive lots of positive feedback. When we got to Moscow on Wednesday (June 3rd), I promised that we’d all go to a traditional Russian sauna if everything went well at the press conference. So, a few members of the Space Adventures-Russia team, my commander Maxim, my astronaut friend Scott and I head out to the banya. The banya is a wet sauna in which you smack yourself (not too hard!) with a venik (a ‘bouquet’ of birch branches and leaves) to improve your blood circulation. When the heat gets too intense, you get under a cold shower for a little thermal shock. It’s quite a jolt, but the alternation of hot and cold is highly beneficial—it rids the body of toxins. After about two hours in the banya, we hang around for a very nice supper washed down with just a smidgen of vodka—as Russian tradition dictates! It’s a well-deserved celebration in the company of veteran space adventurers spinning their far-out tales. I spend Saturday and Sunday in my hotel room coming back down to earth—watching movies, getting on top of some business, catching up on my email and listening to music. Ahh. . . so relaxing! As I write this, it is Sunday evening and I’m back in Star City, ready for four days of training before I return to see my family on Thursday and join the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil. I can’t wait! * * * POST 11 | DAY 54 - June 11, 2009 CAN’T WAIT TO BE ON MY WAY BACK TO QUEBEC! After meeting my commander, Maxim, I had the pleasure of getting to know my engineer, American astronaut Jeffrey Williams. In fact, the day before I left Russia (on June 10), Jeffrey was having a little dinner party at his Star City cottage, so I went over to say hello. We had time to chat for about 15 minutes before a thunderstorm came crashing down—there must have been something in the air! So we each went back to our own affairs: Jeffrey to his guests, and I to my conference calls with Montreal. On June 11, in addition to my training, I had an exam on the Soyuz TMA communication system. To be sure to ace the exam, Barbara and I studied under the shade of a tree before heading off to class. When I got the results, I felt as proud as when I passed a math test in high school! And then we were off! We took all of our bags and jumped into the car, en route to the airport. As usual, the traffic was heavy, so our driver drove on the shoulder to make sure we got there in time for take-off. Wow, what a rush! * * * POST 12 | DAY 64 - June 21, 2009 REUNIONS, CELEBRATIONS AND EXCITEMENT: WHAT A CIRCUS! Back to the office. Talking about the direction for the poem with my old pal Claude Péloquin. He shares a few awe-inspiring lines with me. Claude has been inundated by media requests since June 4th, and he tells me that some of his old girlfriends have got in touch to tell him he’s still pretty cool! On June 11, we landed late in Montreal, but my fatigue was soon replaced by joy when I saw my children and my love. . . and then got to sleep in my own bed! I dozed off while mentally preparing for the crazy week ahead. The next morning was a whirlwind of meetings: a presentation on production concepts; a meeting with Claude Péloquin, the poet who is helping me write the poem for my mission; a project follow-up with my whole team; and so on. It was like an obstacle course where I had to run from one meeting to another, not to mention personal appointments (dentist, osteopath, etc.)! The highlight of my day was the surprise the staff at CDS (Cirque du Soleil) headquarters had prepared for me to mark our 25th anniversary. Forming a guard of honour, they escorted me as I revisited my cirque and its history. I was deeply moved and so happy to see everyone’s support. This was followed by a party, where everyone celebrated heartily (like true Cirquesters)! On the weekend, it was a whole other kind of celebration with some adorable little monsters: my children! My family and I went to see OVO and then on to the fireworks; I dropped my oldest daughter off at her prom and went to see my other daughter’s dance show—things that feel good and leave me filled with love and pride. Another highlight this week was my trip to Gaspé. The Quebec spirit was instantly palpable: I felt right at home. I’ve always said that there should be more clown noses in life. . . and now, some 1,500 of them were all around me! It was heart-warming. I got goose bumps. They were really great. That same day (June 16, the official birthday of Cirque du Soleil), I hopped onto a plane to get back to CDS headquarters, strap on my stilts and join my group for the Guinness World Record attempt at the most people walking 100 metres on stilts. As the old saying goes, the more the merrier! On Wednesday, it was my love’s birthday. We took the kids downtown to watch her model at the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival. Man, she is so beautiful (and so many other things, too). I love her so much! Then we went to the No Doubt concert and took full advantage of our night out together. I was so happy to be there on this special day. On Thursday, it was my night out with the boys for a poker game! I don’t know if this will be the last one before my blast-off, but either way, I enjoyed every minute of it! It’s not just about the game itself; it’s the whole feeling of camaraderie that I like. On Friday, I watched old Super 8 movies with my parents and my oldest daughter. It’s so special to see yourself as a little boy and hear your parents’ stories about your childhood. It was a magical moment that made me realize just how lucky I am to have them. During the week, I spoke to my friend Julie Payette just one hour after her take- off was cancelled. She’s such a great gal. She is so generous with her time and advice. I really value her support. She told me about her feelings and how happy she was to be able to see and kiss her children again. I invited her over for a family dinner. On Saturday, I was sad to have to leave my cocoon, but happy to be getting back to work on my mission. Claudia and I had some friends over for a formal birthday celebration for her and our baby as well as for Father’s Day. The kids loved it, and it gave me the opportunity to see my friends again before taking off. Before leaving, I wanted to send a message to my people—the people of Quebec—to tell them how much I love them and thank them for all the support and encouragement they have given me in my life and especially this week. So I wrote them a little letter. Sniff, sniff. . . A few hours later, it was time to head back to Moscow: time flies when you’re having fun! Now I’m back in my little room in Star City with framed pictures, carefully wrapped and packed in my luggage, of my sweetheart and my children. * * * POST 13 | DAY 87 - June 23, 2009 A GUIDED TOUR OF MY 3 1/2 I realize that I never did give you the grand tour of my humble abode in Star City (the equivalent of a large 3 1/2 i.e. about 600 square feet)! Come on in! This is my living room / office, where I set up my work station. The computer on the right is for my music—I organize my songs on iTunes to relax. I also use it to keep in touch with the media back home in Montreal (newspapers, newscasts, etc.). I use the one in the middle to catalogue my photos and my Dictaphone recordings. And finally, I use the computer on the left to stay in touch with my loved ones and people from work through Skype... and for playing poker and watching DVDs whenever I get the chance! * * * POST 14 | DAY 88 - June 24, 2009 TMA-16 LOGO UNVEILED I really like this logo, especially the fact that it was designed by a child. I’m also very appreciative that it incorporates the water drop symbol for my ONE DROP Foundation. The FSA, Russia’s Federal Space Agency, has confirmed the logo of the TMA-16 mission that will be flying me into space! The tradition is for children to submit their designs for selection. For the TMA-16, the winning entry was from Nastya Mestyashova, a 14-year-old girl from the Orenburg region of Russia. The central motif of the emblem is a cosmonaut with three big stars (a dark blue one for Jeffrey Williams of NASA, a light blue one for me and a red one for Maxim Surayev). The flags of our three countries are also represented. The designs at the top right of the logo represent the Universe and life on Earth. The cradle of mankind, the mission’s origin, is represented by a plant that gradually transforms into the rocket contrail and then into the spaceship itself as it heads off to the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is evoked in the logo by a nine-pointed golden star, which references the nine crew members who will be on board the station once TMA-16 docks with it. The plant and the rocket contrail combine to form the number 16, which is the number of our mission. In the background, the Earth is shown with the typical grid lines used in previous Soviet and Russian logos, to commemorate erstwhile heroes on Vostok, Voshkod and Soyuz flights. There is a Roscosmos symbol at the top of the globe, amid the organizations responsible for the flight and as a nod to Commander Surayev. The names Williams and Laliberté are accompanied by the logos of NASA and the ONE DROP Foundation. There is also a little red star and a little blue one for the safe return of Maxim and Jeffrey, who will be coming back to Earth aboard Soyuz TMA-16, but only in March 2010. Maxim Surayev, it should be noted, also had a hand in designing this logo. * * * POST 15 | DAY 89 - June 25, 2009 TRAINING AT STAR CITY KICKS UP A NOTCH On my return to Star City on Sunday, June 21, I received a somewhat unexpected 'welcome back' gift... Looking at my schedule for the week, I noticed that I would be doing nine to twelve hours of studying and training each day! Was this payback for the week off I’d spent in Montreal? :-P Early the next morning, I unpacked and prepared myself mentally for the week ahead. My day started with the EGN, where I learned about the basics of personal hygiene in space (toiletries, clothing, etc.) and chose my wardrobe for my stay in the Station. In space, I will have: o) My flight suit o) Three pairs of socks o) Three pairs of underwear o) One polo shirt o) One pair of short pants Looking at this array of very trendy clothes, I was no closer to finding an answer to my question of whether it would be cold as a Montreal winter or hot as a Hawaiian beach up there. Next came my Russian class, where I felt my good humour wane a little— was this my week in Montreal catching up with me or fatigue with the upcoming trip? I don’t know, but the fact is that I lost patience with learning yet more Russian verbs and conjugations rather than words that might actually be useful to me in space! The program seems to be designed for learning Russian over a longer period than the five short months I have. I would have preferred to simply be able to read what it says on my food containers (so I don’t have to ask my commander every time) and know some basic words that I could use to make myself understood if necessary. Oh well, it’s the only thing on my schedule that I find hard and a little frustrating. After my long day at school, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a first draft of the poem by Claude Péloquin. Water seems to inspire him as much as it does me—it’s such a powerful symbol! Without water, there is no life. No birth; only death. Water is to life what blood is to human beings. Thinking it over, I realized that without water, there wouldn’t be blood either. My creative cells were still firing on all cylinders when it was time for bed! * * * POST 16 | DAY 90 - June 26, 2009 FROM THE CANDY STORE TO THE CARROT PILL! I spent the morning of June 23 reading and learning all about docking systems; it was great, I felt like a little kid in a candy store! This part of the course explained the docking of the Soyuz at the International Space Station (ISS). Everything is done automatically and I won’t have to lift a finger, but I attended for my own personal understanding. The backup system is manual and will be handled by Maxim and Jeffrey. Then it was time for my class on the life support system, which is one of the most important things I have to learn. We studied the oxygenation system, then how to take care of personal hygiene requirements in space, how to use the space suit, etc. It was pretty riveting, important stuff, and the teaching manual for this part has the most pages. It’s far from being relaxing bedtime reading, but I’m covering a lot of fascinating material. At the end of my study day, I had a Skype meeting with Claude Péloquin and Fernand Rainville. Fernand is the co-director of the poetic event for my Social Mission in space. He’s a good guy who worked on our Wintuk show in New York. He also co-directed Saka, my friend Gilles Ste-Croix’s equestrian show. Furthermore, he directed AQUA, a sensory experience created by the ONE DROP Foundation to raise public awareness regarding water-related issues and inspire people to commit to the cause. He is therefore a well-integrated member of the Cirque du Soleil creative family and of the Foundation. It was an excellent brainstorming session, and we set up another meeting for next week. The next morning (June 24), I woke up feeling a little nostalgic. It was Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, the national holiday of Quebecers, and here I was in Russia. I would have liked to be in Quebec, especially since I read in the media that it was pretty fun. My day was mainly spent finalizing the meals I would be taking in space, based on tastings that were done before I left for Montreal. * * * POST 17 | DAY 91 - June 27, 2009 HERE COMES THE WEEKEND! We are starting to learn really important stuff, like the theory of how the space suit works and how to use it, for instance how to secure it in an emergency, depending on whether we’re landing in water or on terra firma. I’m paying very close attention not only because this is essential knowledge, but also because I find it absolutely fascinating. In the early evening of June 25, I had a phone conference with everyone on the Mission team. We hold a meeting once a week to make sure everything is going as planned. For instance, we discuss the payload, the launch, preparations, our (very tight) deadlines, and so on. The following day would be the last day of the school week! Hooray! I couldn’t wait to get to Ibiza, where I was going to spend the weekend with my love and our kids. I was also taking along the members of my crew for a change of scenery, and we were all ecstatic in anticipation of seeing the sun again! After my turn on the flight simulator, we set off in a hurry so we’d get to Ibiza as soon as possible! * * * POST 18 | DAY 94 - June 30, 2009 AFTER THE RAIN COMES SUN Friday, we arrived in Ibiza in late evening, in time for supper. This made me really happy, because I was able to see my kids, who were still up (as was my love!). I was finally taking my first real days off since arriving in Russia on May 10, and I planned to enjoy them to the hilt! Saturday morning, I was still in my routine of 4–5 hours of sleep a night, so I got up before everyone else and swam a few laps in the pool to stay in shape. I find that my program doesn’t include enough time for working out. All the astronauts and cosmonauts I’ve spoken to have emphasized the importance of being in shape to facilitate the body’s adaptation to weightlessness. I therefore decided to work at it myself—and in a place like Ibiza, it hardly feels like work at all! During the day, we went to the hippie market, which has been around for some 30 years and is full of artists and craftspeople. I felt like I was reliving my travel adventures of the 1970s. We ate very well the entire weekend, thanks to my two excellent chefs (hard on the waistline, though)! The weekend wrapped up with a great Argentinean barbecue and a few bottles of good wine. I left my family with a heavy heart, but nevertheless stimulated by the thought of continuing my adventure. # # # TO BE CONTINUED... Next month we’ll continue with “Getting My Hands Dirty” (July 2009), “From Training to Reality” (August 2009), “T-30 Days and Counting! (September 2009, Pt 1), “Departure for Baikonur” (September 2009, Pt 2), “Moving Stars and Earth for Water” (On Orbit), and finishing up with “Back on Earth – Mission Success!” Stay tuned! ======================================================================= COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER ======================================================================= Fascination! Newsletter Volume 15, Number 10 (Issue #141) - October 2015 "Fascination! Newsletter" is a concept by Ricky Russo. Copyright (c) 2001-2015 Ricky Russo, published by Vortex/RGR Productions, a subsidiary of Communicore Enterprises. No portion of this newsletter can be reproduced, published in any form or forum, quoted or translated without the consent of the "Fascination! Newsletter." By sending us correspondence, you give us permission (unless otherwise noted) to use the submission as we see fit, without remuneration. All submissions become the property of the "Fascination! Newsletter." "Fascination! Newsletter" is not affiliated in any way with Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil and all its creations are Copyright (c) and are registered trademarks (TM) of Cirque du Soleil, Inc., and Créations Méandres, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No copyright infringement intended. { Oct.06.2015 } =======================================================================