The exquisite and beautifully staged “Amaluna,” Cirque du Soleil’s newest traveling production, has arrived in Seattle for it’s first US engagement. Due to the popularity of the show, even before opening, an additional 10 performances have been added to the schedule running from January 31st to March 24th.
The story centers around a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honors femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next.
One of it’s performers’ in a lead role, Amy Mc Clendon as The Peacock Goddess, spoke with me about what it’s like to be part of the famed troupe and her stand-out costume that weighs six pounds.
Allie Hanley: Congratulations on landing one of the premier roles in the circus. You are playing The Peacock Goddess in the mostly female cast of ‘Amaluna.’ It must have been very competitive. Tell me a little about yourself and the process you went through to land the role.
Amy Mc Clendon: Well, I’m originally from Jacksonville, Florida and am a professional dancer out of New York.
AH: Cirque du Soleil is based in Montreal, Canada. Being based in New York, how did you originally get involved with the Canadian company?
AMc: I saw online that they were looking for an African American dancer to audition in the role of the Peacock Goddess. They were looking for a graceful dancer, and I had a thought that maybe I should go. So I went into the audition, after they looked at my resume. There were about 40 other dancers there. Through a process of going through technique and then learning choreography, they eliminated a few people until we were down to four people. Then we had to do a bit of improvisation on the spot. Then they said it would take a few months before they let you know because the decision making process would have to go through Montreal. The audition was on a Friday but actually they let me know the following Monday that I got the job. It was a pretty exciting experience and a bit nerve racking throughout some points of it, but definitely rewarding.
AH: That’s an awesome achievement. Can you describe to me about the character you play and how she ties into the main theme of the show?
AMC: I play The Peacock Goddess. She among all the women represents beauty and love. She brings Romeo onto the island to fall in love with Miranda; But before he falls in love he must go through the Peacock Goddess. I teach him what love is, and how to take care of a woman. Once they fall in love, like a good teacher, I come back and give him tests. I test his love to see if he really cares for Miranda by taking her away. He has to fight for her and then eventually getting her back.”
Read more of the interview here!
{ SOURCE: Culture Mob }
