James Cameron's film Avatar had plunged us into the incredible world of the Na'vi on Pandora. These blue, poetic beings, in coexistence with nature but willing warriors when the tribes met, had made us dream. See them come to life, especially when it is thanks to Cirque du Soleil, whose high standards and quality are its hallmark, a promise of a wonderful evening.
It is not under their tent in Bagatelle where we are used to finding them every year that the magic will take shape. It's at AccorHotels Arena (Bercy in fact) because the show that's on a world tour needs a very large space. Much more monumental than the usual settings, with a 24-metre-high house tree, we find a magnificent Pandora to which video projections give life. 1854 m2 animated or the equivalent of 5 IMAX screens! Some effects are synchronized with the movements of the artists who leave bright trails on their way. Earthquake, volcanic eruption, shamanic visions... it overflows the stage and the whole room seems to be living the adventure with the Na'vi.
It is indeed a real adventure, because unlike the usual Circus shows that follow on from one another with a main theme, we will follow a real story and a storyteller will be the common thread. This wandering traveller, with his colourful cape, will be our guide. We have other main characters: Ralu, Entu and Tsyal. They will conduct a quest and fulfill a prophecy... related to the toruk that will have to be ridden to save the Na'vi. This quest will lead us to meet the different tribes and all the creatures that inhabit this planet. We find ourselves fully in James Cameron's universe. If you are on the lower part of the stands, you can see the meticulousness of the make-up and costumes of each actor. They need more than 2 hours of preparation and the result is visible on stage. It must be said that the face of the Na'vi is not very human: they have a wider nose and larger eyes. A great challenge for make-up artists who are reshaping the faces of artists. If you are on the higher part, the show is no less grandiose. The overall view of the scene is absolutely magical. A Cirque du Soleil show is always designed to be seen and enjoyed wherever you are in the room
Artistic performances are on the agenda with a show very much focused on acrobatic performances and a smoothly conducted choreography. There are kites, poles, structures whose balance seems fragile... Coup de coeur for the aerial fabric number of the Tawkami tribe which handles ultra-light sails evoking various flowers, plants and leaves in bright colors. The volumes are impressive, it floats and undulates with infinite grace. Puppets are also there for strange creatures like wild wolves, equidus (really cute), the austraperid (which is just as cute), a cross between an ostrich, a pink flamingo and a dinosaur and of course the terrible toruk whose wingspan exceeds 12 meters
Finally, a key figure in a Cirque du Soleil show, there is always music, played live on stage with the musicians showcasing their musical choreography. We of course recognized the shaman, a French woman we had met during the rehearsals... her voice carried us to the final outcome!
It was difficult to leave Pandora, but this first flight of Cirque du Soleil was a moment of pure magic. A show that combines poetry and performance. We strongly recommend that you join Pandora with the entire Na'vi troop... they will only be in Paris until April 14!
Until then, to train, a few words from Na'vi
Oel ngati kameie. | I see you.
Stä'nì oet, txo tsun! Wait for me if you can!
Vitrautral! Vitrautral! The tree of souls! The tree of souls!
Ngari frawzo srak? Are you all right?
Oe ngar srung sivi ko. Let me help you.
My Tsahik! My Tsahik! The Shaman! The Shaman!
Lu hasey. It's over.
