Tested: We go backstage at Cirque du Soleil's traveling Volta show to learn how this "big top" production moves across the continent and sets up its massive performance venue. Sean Groves, the show's automation mechanic, runs us through the technology behind the scenes, and how modern tech works hand in hand with Volta's artists in this amazing show.
4 comments:
This video was minute after minute of having my mind blown. It is absolutely insane to hear that Cirque de Soleil brings so much when they tour and bring shops with them. It seems like the not most efficient, I wonder what the carbon footprint of this is. It was also incredible to see how much support the four poles have in the big top with all the equipment hung in the big top. I know that the Cirque stage managers have to memorize contingencies so I wonder if Sean Groves has to also memorize contingencies that they automation engineer could do if something went wrong or if they are told by the stage manager what to do. I also wonder if climate affects the big top at all and if things need to change with the altitude changes based on the location. This video was very cool lastly in showing how artistic the conversation about rigging and automation is at Cirque. It’s cool to see the production and artistic integration.
Freezing a show is a concept that is especially important in Cirque du Soleil. This video showed me exactly how much the performers and technicians rely on the consistency of the show. They keep as little to chance as possible. However, the fact that they keep improving the performance is also of great interest to me. I’m not too familiar with Cirque in general, but I do find it unique that the performers have a say in what continues in their act. The technician’s and managers accommodation of this shows the collaborative nature of the performance. Establishing this open environment where people can share their concerns, can ensure safety, as well as continue improving the product. This video also showed me the importance of a knowledgeable interviewer. When learning about complex technical systems, sometimes individuals do not even know what to ask. The fact that he had interest made the video more enjoyable to watch.
As I watched the video all I could think of was what would happened if someone sawed through one of the 4 vertical supports. The automation and such is endlessly fascinating because of the tricks that can be achieved, and the grace and smoothness of which they can be pulled off. The timing of that one particular acrobat is astounding because of just how wrong it could go if the timing is off by only a few seconds, and that is essentially what shows of these types rely on, that the audience is astounded on the basis of how horrible their night could turn if one of the performers went tumbling, ending with a splat. The automation ensures it is much safer than ye olde pulleys and rope, but it still never feels quite safe enough to the audience and it probably never should, it is there to let us vicariously live dangerously.
I clicked on this article because I have always loved Cirque du Soleil and because I actually know one of the performers in Volta. She is the baton twirler in the show and juggles three, sometimes four batons during her solo section. I used to do baton twirling and can definitively say that it is a very inconsistent sport. Some days certain tricks just do not work and you have to make adjustments. Considering how important it is for Cirque shows to stay consistent, for the sake of all of the tech involved, I can’t believe the would put a baton twirler in the show, it just seems risky. They’ve only had two or three in Cirque shows, ever, and they have all been multiple time world champions in the sport, so I guess they are professional enough to handle the pressure of the need for consistency, but the concept of it is just very stressful to me.
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