LiveDesign: Michael Jackson ONE is the second collaboration between Canadian set designer Francois Séguin and Cirque du Soleil. At the outset of the project, Séguin began working with theatre consultants Auerbach Pollack Friedlander as they approached the renovation of the theatre, following the closing of Disney’s The Lion King. Unfortunately, not long after the conversations began, the project was halted for budgetary reasons for approximately six months.
3 comments:
I saw the Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour and I was actually really impress by the technical and design components. At first I really wasn't sure if I was going to like the physical image of Michael Jackson throughout the show, however the way they handled it in the show was actually quite specatular. I actually thought the incorporation of his body and silhoette into the show added a personal element that really did tribute him in a fascinating way. I know that this is not the first time that Cirque has done a show centered around a musican or band (LOVE or Viva Elvis), however this is the first one to center the design around the physical characteristics of the artist. When creating a show that is meant to be a tribute to an artist you are able to go either way. You need to really understand the artist and what he meant to the world of music. These things should definately effect your decision before moving forward in the design process.
I think Cirque has some of the most amazing scenic design in all of the entertainment industry. They have the added challenge of having to make their designs more interactive than any other show. The acrobats are not only interacting with the floor level of the sets, but they are in contact with all parts of the design. It was really interesting reading about the four moving towers and how that idea was developed quite quickly and the towers became the backbone of the show. The towers not only have to look good and act as a scenic backdrop, but they also have to be able to support all of the stress from the acrobats and the lighting. All in all, it is a complex and wonderfully realized system that makes all the cirque shows amazingly magical.
I have to agree with Albert on this, having seen a few Cirque shows I am constantly being blown away by the breathtaking sets that are laid before my eyes in these shows. The process that these two scenic designs undertook to achieve the final set for this show sounds difficult, and yet incredibly moving and emotional. A tribute of the King of Pop is no small feat and I am sure that this show captures it entirely. I hope that someday I can see this show.
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