From the moment the show opened, I was captivated… Light and sound…picture and motion…make believe and reality converge into Cirque du Soleil’s most imaginative show to date. Iris, which was specifically created for the city where it all began, debuted for an extensive run this past Fall at LA’s historic Kodak Theatre. Much like Mystère, La Nouba, Wintuk, and O, Iris is a resident show, and will only perform in Los Angeles at the Kodak Theatre. That draw alone is compelling, particularly for visitors.
Much like it’s predecessors, Iris’s core is structured around a series of circus acts performed by some of the most talented physical artists in the world. Interwoven throughout the production is a love story of sorts about two artistic hopefuls, Buster and Scarlett, who find themselves immersed in the world of film. As the title suggests, the evolution of cinema is the unifying theme.
The production is as much a tribute as it is a journey back in time, where animation was achieved via praxinoscope and silent films left much to the imagination. Celebrate the advances in cinematography as illustration becomes animation, color replaces black and white, and silent films find their voice.
The word Iris defines both the pigmented part of the eye and the adjustable opening in a camera that controls the amount of light passing through the lens. The title is a play on both definitions, and the concept of merging cinema with illusion is strong throughout the production. One of the most prominent illusions…one that will have audiences scratching their heads…is the fact that despite the number of projectors and lighting features used, very few of the sequences were pre-shot.
The very definition of Cirque du Soleil implies a type of contemporary, theatrical circus dominated by excellent circus arts, dance, and acrobatics. While there are semblances to the traditional circus (a traveling company of performers who perform stunts for audiences “in the round”), the French Canadian company elevated this type of entertainment to a forward-thinking, animal-free art form complete with live music and artists who are the best in their craft.
Iris is visually spectacular. At any given moment your senses are being engaged by what’s happening in front of, above, and around you. As is characteristic of Cirque du Soleil, multiple things are happening at any given moment, which means you could watch the show a number of times and catch something new that you’ve missed each time as is the case with The Movie Set, the opening act in the second half of the show.
My favorite act in the entire production…
With a powerful, emotive score composed by Danny Elfman and jaw-dropping circus artistry, Iris is perhaps the most brilliant Cirque du Soleil production to date. See it live at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.
A special thanks to Infiniti, the exclusive automotive sponsor of Cirque du Soleil who provided the tickets for the show. During the LA Auto Show, Infiniti celebrated the debut of it’s latest luxury crossover vehicle…the 2013 Infiniti JX. This 7 passenger, 3-row vehicle offers a spacious interior, extensive safety technologies, and all of the luxury comforts you have come to appreciate about the brand. For more information about this innovative vehicle, visit Infiniti.
Through April 15th, 2012, you can enter to win an exclusive evening with Cirque du Soleil for you and 25 guests. The experience includes a cocktail reception, 2-3 private staged Cirque performances and a gift for each guest.
No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets provided.
Photo Credit: Cirque du Soleil, Infiniti
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