Cirque du Soleil ‘Varekai’ Promises a Mystical and Inspirational Performance
The production is based on the story of Icarus, a Greek myth about a young man who flies too close to the sun and falls down to earth after his wings melt. What makes this story unique is the way in which the largest theater producer in the world changes the way the story unfolds.
Cirque du Soleil has captivatingly recreated the story and in their version, Icarus doesn’t die but instead lands far into a forest at the top of a volcano. This new land, called Varekai, is full of mythical creatures and mysterious wonder. It is where Icarus begins a journey of self awareness and growth and endurance through struggle. “Cirque has given us an intimate view at the rebirth of Icarus and his journey,” said Vanessa Napoli, publicist for Cirque du Soleil.
This production is not like the anything else Cirque du Soleil has done. “Varekai tells a story unlike many of Cirque’s shows that just have themes. This one is told in layers, and can be enjoyed on so many different levels. No matter where you are in your life, if you have faced struggles and are currently in the middle of real challenges, or if you’re in a beautiful place in your life, you will find a way to relate to the journey Icarus goes through.” They have nearly 18 shows currently in production just in 2014 and with many Utahn’s who have seen Cirque in Vegas, this one is well worth seeing according to Napoli.
Icarus, like many people, is a bit overwhelmed with the new journey he is embarking on but he also finds the ability to discover love in LaPromise. She is an exotic mystical creature who captivates Icarus with her sensual beauty. She becomes his guiding light and he becomes her catalyst for her metamorphosis.
To create the music for Varekai, Violaine Corradi drew inspiration from the vast repertoire of the world of music. Each piece helps to evoke emotions and meaning and is delightful to experience live. The seven-piece band includes two keyboard players, a drummer, percussionist, bassist, violinist and a wind instruments player. Along with two singers, one who represents the Patriarch and the Muse.
The costumes were designed by the late Eiko Ishioka. The creation of Varekai’s costumes involved finding technical solutions to ensure comfort and safety. The highly skilled costume designers spent no less than 33,000 hours to make these original pieces. The show has over 600 costumes, shoes, wigs, hats and accessories and it takes nearly 250 hours a week to keep the costumes impeccable.
Varekai has been seen by over 8 million people in 20 different countries and captivated it’s audiences with it’s vivid choreography and universal language interpreted through dance. It features an international cast of 50 performers and musicians from 19 different countries. “Many of the artists come to us already very talented. They have spent their lives in various performing arts and dedicated their lives to performing,” said Napoli. “Everyone involved in the tour establishes a bond that is vital to the success of the show. Not just between artists but those behind the scenes who have to know exactly how to do the right thing at the right time.” Many of the artists have families. Some travel with us and some do not. “We allow two weeks off after every 10 week tour for them to spend with loved ones.”
Cirque du Soleil got it’s start in Montreal, Quebec in 1984. The company has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 artists from more than 50 different countries.
Gephardt Daily will be up close and behind the scenes next Wednesday as the production prepares for it’s opening night. We will be bring you rehearsals, interviews and what it takes to bring such a massive production to town as well as a review of the show.
