I was lucky enough to get to see Toruk: First Flight from the Cirque de Soleil last week. I’m going to tell you right now, just go see it. Don’t think about it, just go. You won’t see anything like this again ever. It was hands down one of the most visually stunning things I’ve even seen- the vibrant colors, elaborate and incredibly clever sets, and their use of moving air, puppets, and lighting were so far beyond anything I expected to see that I don’t even know how to describe it. Honestly I’d have cheerfully sat through it again as soon as it was over.
My 15 year old son was pretty hesitant to go. He complained that he didn’t like plays, and that he’d be bored. Well let me tell you, that man-child sat with his eyes wide and watched like a toddler seeing fireworks for the first time. When it was over he said he wanted to see it again- could we see another show? He was completely captivated by the acrobats, the sets, the wild colors and amazing creatures- it really was like visiting another planet for three hours. The performers were amazing- they climbed ropes and danced with lengths of fabric several stories above the floor with no net and no harness- their strength, grace, and dexterity were truly something to behold!
I haven’t been to any other Cirque de Soleil shows, so for all I know they are ALL this mind-boggling, but the world of Avatar and the people of Nav’i translated particularly well to a performance such as this one. The alien plants and creatures (performed by the artists) were astonishing and moved with such realistic grace and beauty that it was easy to forget you were watching a puppet. The alien tribes were portrayed with fantastic costumes and incredible set effects that really transported you from the forest to the desert to the ocean. And the finale is probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen presented on a stage- I can’t believe how incredibly intricate and fantastic it all was, and how quickly it sprang forth!
I’ve included some pictures from the performance we attended but honestly it won’t do the experience of seeing it live justice. If you get the chance to see it, go. You absolutely will not forget it.
