It’s been almost a decade since James Cameron’s Avatar kickstarted the lush world of Pandora. While we still have a few years before Cameron releases a slew of sequels in 2020, Cirque du Soleil will stave off our hunger for Pandora in the meantime with Toruk—The First Flight.
Cirque du Soleil’s take on Pandora premiered in Montreal, 2015. This June, Toruk will hold its Asian premiere in Manila. It will be presented at the Mall of Asia Arena from June 23rd to July 2nd.
Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.
This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things.
Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, Toruk is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.
When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.
Inspired heavily by Cameron’s “Pandorapedia,” the stories of Toruk will officially be considered canon. Cameron was heavily invested in Toruk’s production. It’s too early to tell, but the events of Toruk may even be referenced in subsequent Avatar sequels.
Cirque du Soleil’s 37th production also includes first-generation Filipino-Americans Rob Laqui (who plays a puppeteer) and Michael Ocampo (who is the cast’s head coach). Coming back to their roots, Laqui and Ocampo are excited to perform for their home crowd for the first time.
Toruk—The First Flight will run from June 23rd to July 2nd at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets start at 1500PHP and are now on sale at www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk and smtickets.com.
Main photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
