Interview with Cirque du Soleil Artistic Director Bruno Darmagnac

Very soon, from 20 to 24 September, Cirque du Soleil will visit Riga again with the vibrant Varekai show. It will be the story of the ancient Greek hero Icarus, who, wounded, falls from the heavens into a strange shadow world of a forest. Audiences will be invited on an exciting journey through a forest at the foot of a volcano, inhabited by various fantastical creatures.

Readers of the iinuu.lv blog have a unique opportunity to get to know the show's artistic director Bruno Darmagnac's (Bruno Darmagnac, on the right in the image) account of how the show was created, his personal experience, and his outlook on life.

iinuu: The last time we saw a Cirque du Soleil show in Riga was four years ago. What distinguishes Varekai from the previous ones?

Bruno Darmagnac: The story. Varekai uses acrobatics, live music, unique costumes, and set design to tell a story and send a message of hope. The show's director Dominic (Dominic Champagne) used his real-life experience to create this story. During a rehearsal for another performance, he fell unsuccessfully and broke both legs. His life changed rapidly - he had to adapt to the situation. Varekai also begins with the main character falling from his heights. He lands in a forest full of strange creatures. To survive, he must adapt, trust some of these creatures, learn to walk again, not remain in the role of victim, fall in love again...

Our hero Icarus (with respect to the ancient Greek myth) achieves success. He teaches us that, regardless of what happens in our lives, we must overcome difficulties and be strong.

Another element that distinguishes Varekai from other shows is the costumes designed by Eiko Ishioka. The design is tailored to each artist's silhouette, using padded costumes that accentuate certain body parts. Also, in choosing the colour palette, inspiration comes from the tropical world. All of this has a powerful visual impact.

iinuu: The press release states that the Varekai company consists of 50 artists from 13 countries, including six singers and musicians, and another 50 people - coaches, physiotherapists, and administrative staff. Is there anyone from Latvia?

Bruno Darmagnac: Behind the scenes works an entire team that ensures the Cirque du Soleil performance. Varekai travels with 100 very talented people, including 50 artists and 24 crew members, all coordinated and led by the company director, artistic director, and production manager.

In each city we also hire local workers to help us with various tasks. To load all the show's equipment takes no less than 4 hours, while to unload it takes approximately 12 hours. We hire approximately 80 additional people on loading day and 100 on unloading day to assist the 24 crew members who travel with us.

Furthermore, our artists' wardrobe team is responsible for keeping costumes in order, which involves washing, steaming, ironing, cleaning, sewing, and many other duties. Our four-person team requires two helpers who assist with these tasks on a daily basis.

iinuu: What gives you personally the greatest satisfaction in directing this show which, to quote the promotional pitch, "inspires today's rough and sceptical person to believe in miracles, overcome despair, and not be afraid to ask for help when it is needed"?

Bruno Darmagnac: It's not a bad thing to be sceptical: Icarus does not consider himself to be punished, he will not accept his condition, he refuses to submit to the fate that forces him to endure this terrible moment in his life. That is why I encourage everyone to be sceptical and not to accept things as something inevitable. Directing Cirque du Soleil's acrobats is wonderful. They have this mentality: they don't accept limitations, they fight against gravity, and the true miracle is that they actually achieve what they set out to do.

iinuu: In your opinion, is the Cirque du Soleil show intended for children or for an adult audience?

Bruno Darmagnac: Varekai is a story about love and hope, where everything is possible. Each viewer who watches the show may understand something different, may be moved by something different. For children, adults, or retirees - everyone will have a different opinion. But everyone will be impressed. Varekai will take each person on a personal journey.

iinuu: Could you please share an example from your own experience when something made you believe in a miracle?

Bruno Darmagnac: I don't believe in miracles, but I believe in what I think is much more powerful: every person's own commitment and responsibility. That is also our Icarus as an example. He will fight, he will not succeed, but he will try again and again until he achieves his goal. He certainly does not wait for a miracle. That moves me the most: when someone fights for what they believe in.