Varekai
A magical tribute to the nomadic soul…
Article by Alejandra Enciso Guzmán
Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world – a world where something else is possible. A world called ‘Varekai’. From the sky falls a solitary young man, and the story begins… Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world populated by fantastical creatures, this young man sets off on an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of all possibilities, begins an inspired incantation to life rediscovered. Icarus is innocent and vulnerable; he finds himself wounded in an unknown world. His desire to live and overcome his fears will drive him to new heights and an eventual rebirth.
The word Varekai means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers. This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to the infinite passion of those whose quest takes them along the path that leads to Varekai.
This show came to San Diego in ‘Le Grand Chapiteau’ at Del Mar. This week more than 10 years later, it comes back in a different format set for arenas. The 2015 cast is younger then the ‘Chapiteau’ touring version. An impressive 45 artist ensemble entailing 30 men and 15 women with a representation of 19 countries. ‘Icarus’ is played majestically by Puerto Rican, Fernando Miró. A 27 year old man with an impressive resume that goes from Taylor Swift to David Lachapelle.
In this format, (that takes 100 people to put together) audiences will experience a more daring version with acrobats, jumps and contortions performed to a live soundtrack, signature by the Canadian company. A nice treat.
Varekai has over 600 costumes, shoes, wigs, hats and accessories. It takes a total of 250 hours a week to keep the costumes impeccable on tour. A team of 6 people clean, repair, iron, repaint the shoes, retouch the hats and so on. Self-applied, the artist’s make-up is so extensive it can take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half to apply.
Costumes at Cirque du Soleil – Facts:
All costumes are custom-made and the majority are produced at the Costume workshop in the International Headquarters in Montreal, Canada.
The only facility of its kind in North America, it has almost 400 full-time employees, including specialists in fields as varied as shoe-making, textile design, lace-making, wig making, pattern-making, costumes making and millinery.
Each year, the Costume Workshop produces more than 25,000 pieces and workshop artisans use close to 130 kilometers of fabrics from around the world. 80% of all fabrics are treated and dyed in-house by the artisans of the textile design team.
“With Cirque du Soleil, I’ve discovered a new creative universe, which I embraced right from the start. Together, we’re building a shared dream.”.- Eiko Ishioka/Costume Designer
Varekai is performing now at the Valley View Casino Center until Sunday March 1st. Tickets range between $35 and $115 dollars. For more information visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai or call: 1-888-929-7849
