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| Cirque du Soleil brings Amaluna to Toronto |
Toronto, ON – August 13, 2012 – Time is fast approaching for Cirque du Soleil’s big top return to Toronto with its latest production directed by Diane Paulus. Amalunapremieres on Thursday, September 6 for a limited engagement under the blue-and-yellow Big Top at Port Lands.
2 additional weeks of performances have been added to the Toronto engagement (October 3 to 21 inclusively), tickets are now available to Cirque Club members at cirqueclub.com. Membership is free and registration is quick and simple. Tickets for these additional performances will be available for general on-sale as of Friday, August 17th via cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/amaluna/default.aspx
The Show
Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon,” a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amalunais also the name of the mysterious island where the story unfolds.
Amalunainvites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honours femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next.
In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony
A tribute to the work and voice of women
For the first time at Cirque du Soleil, the cast of a show is 70% female and the band, 100%. “Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women,” explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a woman’s perspective, “he adds. Show Director Diane Paulus says: “Amaluna is less about feminism and more about reconnecting to our world in a different way.”
Amalunahas a cast of 50 artists hailing from 15 different countries.
“Amaluna will send your spirit soaring and bring your heart to places it’s never been before” – Toronto Star, Richard Ouzounian
“Director Diane Paulus has created an isle of enchantment under the Cirque du Soleil Big Top” – The Gazette, Pat Donnelly
The creative team
Amaluna’s creative team comprises 16 creators under the artistic guidance of Guy Laliberté plus Fernand Rainville, Director of Creation; Diane Paulus, Director; Scott Pask, Set and Props Designer; Mérédith Caron, Costume Designer; Bob & Bill, Composers; Jacques Boucher, Sound Designer; Matthieu Larrivée, Lighting Designer; Karole Armitage, Choreographer; Debra Brown, Acrobatic Choreographer; Caitlan Maggs, Acrobatic Choreographer; Rob Bollinger, Acrobatic Performance Designer; Fred Gérard, Rigging and Acrobatic Equipment Designer; Patricia Ruel, Props Designer; Eleni Uranis, Makeup Designer and Randy Weiner, Dramaturge.
Sponsors and Partners
Amaluna is presented by Desjardins Group, the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Canadian tour of the show. Infiniti, CGI, Xerox and Rogers are the official sponsors.
Cirque du Soleil
Amaluna is Cirque du Soleil’s 32nd production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
