Press Release

A new touring show to tour in arenas around the world

Preview performances start November 12

Cirque du Soleil unveiled today in Bossier City its new touring show inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie AVATAR,  TORUK –  The First Flight. The show will be presented in arenas around the world starting in Bossier City as of November 12, 2015. Presented by Visa Signature in the United States, the show will premiere in Montreal on December 21.

The show

TORUK – The First Flight is a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s AVATAR like you have never seen it before.

Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.

This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things.

Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.

When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.

Creative team

TORUK – The First Flight comprises 13 creators under the artistic guidance of Guy Laliberté (Guide) and Jean-François Bouchard (Creative Guide) for Cirque du Soleil, and James Cameron, Jon Landau, Kathy Franklin and Richie Baneham for Lightstorm Entertainment:

Creators bios and still images:
Creators biographies and still images are available online in our pressroom :
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/press/kits/shows/toruk-the-first-flight/creators.aspx

Photos and video images of October 28 press conference available at:
http://cirk.me/1MV4nSd

Ticket information

TORUK – The First Flight will have a soft opening on November 12 in Bossier City, Louisiana.  The world premiere will be held on December 21 in Montreal, Canada. For the full list of cities and to purchase tickets visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk. 

Sponsors and partners 

TORUK – The First Flight is presented by Visa Signature®. Xerox, DHL, and ACTIVEON Action Camera are the official sponsors. The show is being created through a licensing arrangement with 20th Century Fox.

In an effort to bring audience members involvement to a whole new level, Cirque du Soleil will be launching a first-of-its-kind app for TORUK – The First Flight.  Working with technology partner SAP, the app will enhance the overall show experience and enable audience members to be a part of the action before, during and after the performance! 

James Cameron has partnered with celebrity charity-fundraising digital platform Prizeo.com to raise awareness and funds for One Drop. Those who contribute will be entered to win the ultimate Avatar fan experience: a VIP trip to the World Premiere of TORUK – The First Flight and lunch with the Academy Award-winning director.  Fans can participate by visiting http://www.prizeo.com/jamescameron.

Follow us on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/torukthefirstflight.
Find us on Twitter with #TORUK.

Cirque du Soleil

TORUK – The First Flight is Cirque du Soleil’s 37th production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 160 million spectators in more than 400 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.

 
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com.
To find out more about the ONE DROP Foundation, visit http://www.onedrop.org.

Media contact:
Laura Silverman
Cirque du Soleil
laura.silverman@cirquedusoleil.com