August 20th, 2012 
Cirque du Soleil returns to the metropolitan Washington area with “TOTEM“, its latest production, for a limited engagement under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at the Plateau at National Harbor. Written and directed by Robert Lepage,”TOTEM” is Mr. Lepage’s second Cirque du Soleil show and marks the 10th time a national Cirque show has come to the Washington, DC area since 1988.
(Photo Credit: cirquedusoleil.com)
The word “totem” contains the idea of the order of species and it’s with this in mind that “TOTEM” tells the story of mankind’s fascinating evolutionary journey. Francis Jalbert, publicist for Cirque du Soleil said, “TOTEM is an interactive and visually impressive expression of the human experience. Audiences will be thoroughly entertained and in complete awe and amazed by the 52 human beings that bring this show to life.” The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.
(Photo Credit: cirquedusoleil.com)
“There is something for everyone in this show. This show is filled with hope and amusement, live music and dance, gymnastics, and lavish costumes. Theater fans, gymnastics enthusiasts and music lovers from age 7 to 77 will enjoy this show,” said Jalbert. The show seats 2,600 audience members and is staged in the round, complete with surround sound and careful attention paid to every detail, creating an “intimate” experience for the spectator.
Mr. Jalbert, who has been on tour full time with the show since February 2012, likens the tour and its performers to an “artistic version of the United Nations.” With 52 performers representing 19 countries, it is referred to as a “Village on Wheels.” There are over 120 touring employees and 50 family members who travel with the show and it makes for a very energetic and dynamic living experience. There are a total of 23 children traveling with the tour ranging in age from six-months to 17-years-old. Currently the youngest tour member is 6-months-old and the eldest is 61, which is amazing!
(Photo Credit: cirquedusoleil.com)
English is the official language of the tour but Mr. Jalbert says that you will often hear over 11 languages being spoken on the tour including French, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, Russian, Dutch and Portuguese. This traveling “United Nations” also has a touring kitchen and an on-site school with three full time teachers to teach the minor performers. The tour is truly a thriving, miniature society on wheels.
(Photo Credit: cirquedusoleil.com)
“TOTEM” is an absolute must-see as it explores through visually arresting acrobatic and aerial performance the relationship between Man and other species and how this relationship causes him to pursue his dreams and strive to meet his fullest potential.
WHEN: August 15, 2012-October 7, 2012
WHERE:
Grand Chapiteau at The Plateau at National Harbor
156 Waterfront St
Oxon Hill MD 20745
TICKETS: Can be purchased online or at the Cirque du Soleil Box Office at National Harbor.
For more information about TOTEM and Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com
