PHILIPPINES, MARCH 2011 – Filipinos are in for a rare explosive fusion of drama and acrobatics as Cirque du Soleil comes to town in a few months. Manilenos will surely be delighted, then, as the grandiose musical spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil hits local shores. Produced by Hoopla Productions and presented by the Manila Hotel, Cirque du Soleil: Varekai will run from June 22 to July 8, 2011. A blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) tent located at Luneta across the Quirino Grandstand will be specially constructed to house the series of shows.
The title “Varekai,” which means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies, sets the tone for the entire show, bringing the audience to a place where the impossible becomes possible through jaw-dropping displays of artistry, skill and power set against provocative music and mind-boggling backdrops. Written and directed by Dominic Champagne, Varekai pays tribute to the nomadic soul, spirit and art of the circus tradition through Icarian games, water meteors and Georgian dances.
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According to Therese Tinio, the general manager of Hoopla Productions, the artistic value of Cirque du Soleil is what sets it apart from other circuses, “Only one show brings it to a real art form, and that is Cirque du Soleil. Seeing all those stunts under the Big Top brings it to a gala performance level”.
Cynthia Clemente, the publicist of Cirque du Soleil, adds that the show has a vicarious, otherworldly element which will make it a hit among Filipinos, “Cirque du Soleil has a lot of vibration and life, a lot of colors, and a great story behind it.”
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An interesting inclusion in the show is the awe-inspiring act of Dergin Tokmak, a high-flying dancer on crutches-only one of the amazing performers in the world of Cirque du Soleil where normal is never the norm.
From a group of 20 street performers in 1982, Cirque du Soleil has become one of the most popular and highly-anticipated shows in the world. At present the Quebec-based organization has 5,000 employees hailing from 50 different countries. Last year, 21 shows were presented simultaneously around the world, a true milestone for the organization. “Varekai” boasts of an international cast of 50 artists representing 23 nationalities.
Therese Tinio shares that the big top tent will house only 2800 people per show: “The philosophy behind Varekai is to give people an experience, we don’t want people having to use binoculars just to see the show. It has to be up close and more personal so they can really see and experience it. Cirque du Soleil is an experience of a lifetime; you will miss half of your life if you don’t come”.
For tickets, visit hoopla.ph
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