C Sunday September 30, 2012
Gwinnett Daily Post
community
inside Fort Yargo plans Halloween event
10C
spotlight on
FALL ARTS BY THE NUMBERS
779
Number of pieces of costumes in the “Totem” wardrobe (including shoes, headpieces, accessories, etc.)
4,031 The number of pieces of mirrors just in the Crystal Man’s unitard. The costume weighs 8 pounds.
7 ft How tall the unicycles used in the show are, but they are very light.
2,700 The number of pounds the turtle skeleton weighs. The skeleton is covered in a nonslip finish.
6
AMAZING FEATS
Cirque comes back to Atlanta with ‘Totem’
By Meghan Kotowski Staff Writer meghan.kotowski @gwinnettdailypost.com
ATLANTA — Follow the journey as man evolves through time from its original amphibian body to its current state in Cirque du Soleil’s show “Totem.” Since its world premiere in Montreal in 2010, “Totem” has visited close to 15 cities in four different countries and has performed in front of more than 1.5 million spectators. At the end of October, Cirque’s blue and yellow big top pitches its tent at Atlantic Station until early December. Written and directed by Robert Lepage, “Totem” is a blend of ancient myths and folklore mixed with scientific fact through visual stimulation and acrobatic skill. “Every two years, we come up with a new big top production,” said Francis Jalbert, “Totem” publicist. “We work with different creators to see what they think ‘Cirque’ is. We always start with a blank page. Robert came up with the evolution of mankind.” In the story, the audience meets four main characters: The Tracker, an environmentally conscious friend of the animals,
IF YOU GO • What: Cirque du Soleil’s “Totem” • When: Oct. 26 to Dec. 2 • Where: Atlantic Station, 20th Street, Atlanta • Cost: $36.50 to $153.50 • For more information: Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com
The Scientist, a Darwinesque explorer who visits the different worlds in the show, The Amerindian dancer who traces the history of the evolution of species with his rings, and The Crystal Man, who “comes from space to spark life on Earth.” “Basically, there isn’t a themed (story)line, more of the idea,” Jalbert said. “The Scientist is like Darwin. He juggles in the cone and shows the importance of science. Tracker shows different environments. ... It’s evolution of mankind in your own way.” Comedic performer Pippo Crotti added, “We suggest the images and you can draw your own idea of the evolution.” Like other Cirque shows, there are acrobatics, feats of strength and athleticism. Some of the acts include the fixed trapeze duo, devil sticks, hoops •See Cirque, Page 4C
Number of people that make up the team that maintains the costumes
Special Photos