Trapeze artists, gymnasts, unicyclists in some ways, Amaluna is business as usual for Cirque du Soleil. But where the companys latest production differs from past efforts such as Kooza and Zumanity is in the cast.
For the first time, a Cirque show is predominantly made up of female performers 70 per cent women.
In other shows, its usually the other way around, says Amaluna company manager Jamie Reilly. It was really [Cirque founder] Guy Lalibertes wish to put women at the forefront of this production, says Reilly. He wanted to demonstrate the very facets of womanhood, how delicate they are and how powerful. (The band, too, is 100 per cent female.)
Amaluna, which premieres in 麻豆传媒映画Nov. 23, has a female-centric storyline that borrows elements from Shakespeares The Tempest with a little bit of Mamma Mia! and Wonder Woman thrown in.
On an island ruled by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon, Queen Prospera is overseeing her daughter Mirandas coming-of-age ceremony. But, thanks to a storm, a boatload of young men washes up on the island and a suitor for Miranda emerges. Romeo pursues the young woman through numerous trials, setbacks, costume changes and awe-inspiring feats of athletic prowess. Also, there is a dastardly juggler, Cali.
Director/creator Diane Paulus has a theatre background. Reilly says she wanted the show to have a dramatic storyline that still demonstrates the strength and delicacy of women.
Cali pushes Miranda and Romeo through various trials, and there are very delicate and romantic moments. But you go through a variety of emotions during Amaluna. One of the tribes is the Amazons, a group of girls who do an uneven bars number which is strong and beautiful.
The show might be a great mother-daughter bonding experience, but it isnt just meant for a female audience.
When people watch a Cirque show, there is a storyline, says Reillly. But there are few spoken words because one of the things we like at Cirque is to let the viewer live their own experience. For Amaluna, everyone can find their own complicity with the show. We still do have men, and theyre very strong and amazing. This is where I think men would love the show as much as women would.
Amaluna premieres under the blue and yellow big top at Concord Pacific Plaza on Nov. 23 and runs to Dec. 9. Tickets range from $24.50 for children up to $130 for premium tickets. Tapis Rouge (VIP experience) tickets are $178.50 for children and $255 for adults. Convenience fees extra. CirqueDuSoleil.com
