La Nouba
Encyclopedia
La Nouba is a Cirque du Soleil
show, which, like most Cirque du Soleil shows, is a circus-like performance featuring acrobats, gymnasts, and other skilled performers. The show's creation was directed by Franco Dragone
, who also directed most of Cirque du Soleil's earlier shows. Its title derives from the French
phrase faire la nouba, meaning "to party" or "to live it up". La Nouba is in permanent residence in a custom-built, freestanding theater at Downtown Disney's
West Side at the Walt Disney World Resort
in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
.
.
La Nouba reached a major milestone on July 10, 2009 during its 9:00 P.M. showing—this was their 5000th performance. Similarly, on August 13, 2011 during the 6:00 P.M. showing, they celebrated their 6000th performance.
, and the architects of the Rockwell group of New York. It can seat a total of 1,671 people per show. The overall structure was created as a form of elegance, with the addition of fabric and tension reminiscent in that of the Grand Chapiteau.
The backdrop of the stage is a trellis measuring 60 by 200 ft (18.3 by 61 ) and made of PVC panels and scrim. The stage floor itself has five elevator lifts, each with a 3000 pounds (1,360.8 kg) load capacity. These lifts can move at a rate of 1 foot per second (0.3048 m/s) and rise to a maximum height of 16 feet (4.9 m). The center stage lift, in addition to elevating, can also descend 16 feet (4.9 m) below the stage on a second axis. Another movable set element includes the two téléphériques installed along the back wall which can transport acrobatic equipment, props, and scenery at a pace of 4 feet per second (1.2 m/s).
Another stage element includes the four retractable power track floors in the stage. Each floor weighs over 10000 pounds (4,535.9 kg) and can move up to 2 foot per second (0.6096 m/s). The trampoline bed is tighter and use second generation of spring, allowing the performers to jump higher and faster down the track which measures 60 feet (18.3 m) in length. As a Cirque du Soleil first, the trampolines are longer, wider, and woven together of two overlapping tracks as seen in Alegría. The entire stage deck is layered with impact resilient Mondo Sport Floor over wood in order to avoid injury.
The theater's immense height (ground level to fly height is 100 feet (30.5 m); ground level to top of the masts is 152 feet (46.3 m)) allows the scenic and acrobatic equipment to be stored in the ceiling. As yet another Cirque du Soleil first, the trapeze net is installed mechanically with no visible stagehands as it is lowered into place from the ceiling.
to epitomize the urbanites.
Many of the performers undergo a metamorphosis which is indicated by often dramatic costume changes. This is shown in the urbanites whose outfits begin in dark, muted blues, reds, and greens and end in white, fairy-like outfits. Lemieux also employs other techniques in the various performances. In the German Wheel, she accents dark colors with fluorescent fabrics to provide a high-contrast with the black lights used during this act. The performers were designed to appear as marionettes and to emphasize human anatomy. The costumes designed for the Flying Trapeze are tribal and androgynous. They are elaborated with complex collars, head ornaments and tutu skirts for the males. Les Cons were inspired by the Pierrot
, with simple, white outfits to depict their innocence.
For all Cirque du Soleil productions, plaster head molds were created to make certain that all wigs, masks, and headpieces fit perfectly. Four different wig designs were created for the show and each wig took one person approximately seventy hours to complete.
. The CD album of La Nouba was originally released in 1999 and re-released in 2005, and it features most of the music played during the show.
Below are the tracks in order as they appear on the CD. Listed after each track title is the act associated with the track.
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil , is a Canadian entertainment company, self-described as a "dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment." Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and located in the inner-city area of Saint-Michel, it was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy...
show, which, like most Cirque du Soleil shows, is a circus-like performance featuring acrobats, gymnasts, and other skilled performers. The show's creation was directed by Franco Dragone
Franco Dragone
Franco Dragone is a Italian-Belgian theatre director. He is known for his work with Cirque du Soleil.-Early life:Dragone was born in Cairano, Italy, and moved to La Louvière, Belgium at age seven. In the 1970s, he studied theatre at the Belgian Royal Conservatory of Mons...
, who also directed most of Cirque du Soleil's earlier shows. Its title derives from the French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
phrase faire la nouba, meaning "to party" or "to live it up". La Nouba is in permanent residence in a custom-built, freestanding theater at Downtown Disney's
Downtown Disney (Florida)
Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Downtown Disney is open to the public, requires no admission fee, and offers complimentary parking and transportation to all Disney-operated Walt Disney...
West Side at the Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort , is the world's most-visited entertaimental resort. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida ; approximately southwest of Orlando, Florida, United States, the resort covers an area of and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels Walt...
in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Florida, United States. It is mostly known for being home to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is one of two Florida municipalities controlled by The Walt Disney Company, the other being Bay Lake....
.
History
In 2007, 12 members of the power track act performed a routine during the half-time show of Super Bowl XLISuper Bowl XLI
Super Bowl XLI was an American football game that featured the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League champion for the 2006 season...
.
La Nouba reached a major milestone on July 10, 2009 during its 9:00 P.M. showing—this was their 5000th performance. Similarly, on August 13, 2011 during the 6:00 P.M. showing, they celebrated their 6000th performance.
Set and technical information
The theater housing La Nouba is the first freestanding permanent structure built for Cirque du Soleil. The theater was designed by Michel Crête, Michel Aubé of Scéno Plus, Walt Disney ImagineeringWalt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering is the design and development arm of the Walt Disney Company, responsible for the creation and construction of Disney theme parks worldwide...
, and the architects of the Rockwell group of New York. It can seat a total of 1,671 people per show. The overall structure was created as a form of elegance, with the addition of fabric and tension reminiscent in that of the Grand Chapiteau.
The backdrop of the stage is a trellis measuring 60 by 200 ft (18.3 by 61 ) and made of PVC panels and scrim. The stage floor itself has five elevator lifts, each with a 3000 pounds (1,360.8 kg) load capacity. These lifts can move at a rate of 1 foot per second (0.3048 m/s) and rise to a maximum height of 16 feet (4.9 m). The center stage lift, in addition to elevating, can also descend 16 feet (4.9 m) below the stage on a second axis. Another movable set element includes the two téléphériques installed along the back wall which can transport acrobatic equipment, props, and scenery at a pace of 4 feet per second (1.2 m/s).
Another stage element includes the four retractable power track floors in the stage. Each floor weighs over 10000 pounds (4,535.9 kg) and can move up to 2 foot per second (0.6096 m/s). The trampoline bed is tighter and use second generation of spring, allowing the performers to jump higher and faster down the track which measures 60 feet (18.3 m) in length. As a Cirque du Soleil first, the trampolines are longer, wider, and woven together of two overlapping tracks as seen in Alegría. The entire stage deck is layered with impact resilient Mondo Sport Floor over wood in order to avoid injury.
The theater's immense height (ground level to fly height is 100 feet (30.5 m); ground level to top of the masts is 152 feet (46.3 m)) allows the scenic and acrobatic equipment to be stored in the ceiling. As yet another Cirque du Soleil first, the trapeze net is installed mechanically with no visible stagehands as it is lowered into place from the ceiling.
Cast
As in every Cirque show, in addition to the performances, there are several distinctive characters that participate in the show sometimes as performers and sometimes as spectators. In La Nouba, these include:- Green bird: She is a flightless bird, out of her cage, and is very marionetteMarionetteA marionette is a puppet controlled from above using wires or strings depending on regional variations. A marionette's puppeteer is called a manipulator. Marionettes are operated with the puppeteer hidden or revealed to an audience by using a vertical or horizontal control bar in different forms...
sque in her actions. - Cons: The "nuts", dressed in all-white, are the ever present fools of the show.
- Titan: A mysterious "muscle man" who confronts everyone on stage while contorting his body in unusual poses. He performs in the trampoline, power track act.
- Walker: Dressed in grey pinstripes, with a small bowler hat atop, he strolls around stage à la Charlie ChaplinCharlie ChaplinSir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, KBE was an English comic actor, film director and composer best known for his work during the silent film era. He became the most famous film star in the world before the end of World War I...
. - Acrobatic pierrot: This PierrotPierrotPierrot is a stock character of pantomime and Commedia dell'Arte whose origins are in the late 17th-century Italian troupe of players performing in Paris and known as the Comédie-Italienne; the name is a hypocorism of Pierre , via the suffix -ot. His character in postmodern popular culture—in...
appears as a red acrobat. He's the adversary of the Titan until he joins him in mutual admiration at the end of the show. - Dancers: The Romeo and Juliet of the show. One is a Pierrot clown where the other is a lost ballerinaBallerinaA ballerina is a title used to describe a principal female professional ballet dancer in a large company; the male equivalent to this title is danseur or ballerino...
. - Clowns: Balthazar and Sergei provide comic relief in a world of comedy.
- Cleaning woman: Also referred to as Petite Madame, is shocked to be in this world and astonished by what goes on around her, she sweeps and dusts nonetheless until her dream becomes a reality.
Acts
The shows consists of the following acts:- Jump ropeJump ropeJump rope or skipping rope is the primary tool used in the game of skipping played by children and many young adults, where one or more participants jump over a rope swung so that it passes under their feet and over their heads...
- High wireTightrope walkingTightrope walking is the art of walking along a thin wire or rope, usually at a great height. One or more artists performs in front of an audience or as a publicity stunt...
: The entire act takes place on a 90 feet (27.4 m)-long high wire. Wire walkers ascend to a height of 34 feet (10.4 m) above the stage. Supported by a half-inch steel wire. - DiaboloDiaboloThe diabolo is a juggling prop consisting of a spool which is whirled and tossed on a string tied to two sticks held one in each hand. A huge variety of tricks are possible using the sticks, string, and various body parts...
s - Cycles: Includes 2 BMX cyclists performing tricks on bicycles.
- Aerial cradleCradle (circus act)The cradle is a type of aerial circus act in which a performer hangs by his or her knees from a large rectangular frame and swings, tosses, and catches another performer. The aerialist being swung is referred to as a flyer, while the one doing the tossing and catching is referred to as a catcher...
: The aerial cradle looks like a door and is the setting for a perfect example of equal-opportunity strength and agility. This display features elements of traditional circus aerial cradle, but adds a unique twist: the male and female artist take turns supporting one another 34 feet (10.4 m) above the stage. - Aerial ballet in silkSilksAerial silk is a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a special fabric...
- JugglingJugglingJuggling is a skill involving moving objects for entertainment or sport. The most recognizable form of juggling is toss juggling, in which the juggler throws objects up to catch and toss up again. This may be one object or many objects, at the same time with one or many hands. Jugglers often refer...
: Features a juggler juggling balls, rings, and clubs. - Flying trapezeFlying TrapezeThe flying trapeze is a specific form of the trapeze in which a performer jumps from a platform with the trapeze so that gravity makes the trapeze swing....
: Four pendulum-like swings, on two different levels, carry a team of perfectly synchronized aerialists 53 feet (16.2 m) above the stage. - Power trackTumbling (gymnastics)In gymnastics, tumbling, also known as power tumbling is an acrobatic sporting discipline which combines some of the skills of artistic gymnastics on the floor with those of trampolining. It is practised on a 25 metre long spring track...
and trampolineTrampolineA trampoline is a device consisting of a piece of taut, strong fabric stretched over a steel frame using many coiled springs. People bounce on trampolines for recreational and competitive purposes....
: This high-energy spectacle has performers literally bouncing off the walls and through the windows and roof of a three-dimensional building. This seven-and-a-half minute act includes athletes performing 394 flips and 62 twists.
Retired acts
- German wheelsWheel gymnasticsWheel gymnastics is a form of gymnastics which originated in Germany.Wheel gymnasts do exercises in a large wheel known as the Rhönrad, gymnastics wheel, gym wheel, or German wheel....
: Two performers turn and spin within giant wheels consisting of two metal hoops measuring six-and-a-half feet in diameter and joined at six points. This act was replaced by the jump rope routine. - Balancing on chairs: Features a solo performer hand-balancing on eight chairs stacked on a table. The chair stack rises 25 feet (7.6 m) in the air. The area below the chairs and table rises via a platform raising the performer a full 41 feet (12.5 m) above the stage. This act was replaced with juggling.
Costumes
Costume designer Dominique Lemieux created thirty different costume concepts and drew up at least ten different designs for each concept. Lemieux mixed historical and traditional circus ideas with contemporary fashions in her designs, and ten special technicians were employed in order to custom dye fabrics, real and synthetic hair, feathers, horsehair, and leather materials used on the various costumes. In the eight weeks she was given to design the costumes (October 24th to December 23rd, 1998), she created two drastically different styles to separate the urban people from the circus people. The circus people don bright, neon colors while the urbanites are represented by black, gray, and muted tones. Lemieux used natural, textured fabrics such as hempHemp
Hemp is mostly used as a name for low tetrahydrocannabinol strains of the plant Cannabis sativa, of fiber and/or oilseed varieties. In modern times, hemp has been used for industrial purposes including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food and fuel with modest...
to epitomize the urbanites.
Many of the performers undergo a metamorphosis which is indicated by often dramatic costume changes. This is shown in the urbanites whose outfits begin in dark, muted blues, reds, and greens and end in white, fairy-like outfits. Lemieux also employs other techniques in the various performances. In the German Wheel, she accents dark colors with fluorescent fabrics to provide a high-contrast with the black lights used during this act. The performers were designed to appear as marionettes and to emphasize human anatomy. The costumes designed for the Flying Trapeze are tribal and androgynous. They are elaborated with complex collars, head ornaments and tutu skirts for the males. Les Cons were inspired by the Pierrot
Pierrot
Pierrot is a stock character of pantomime and Commedia dell'Arte whose origins are in the late 17th-century Italian troupe of players performing in Paris and known as the Comédie-Italienne; the name is a hypocorism of Pierre , via the suffix -ot. His character in postmodern popular culture—in...
, with simple, white outfits to depict their innocence.
For all Cirque du Soleil productions, plaster head molds were created to make certain that all wigs, masks, and headpieces fit perfectly. Four different wig designs were created for the show and each wig took one person approximately seventy hours to complete.
Music
The music of La Nouba is performed live by six musicians and two singers, and composed by Benoît JutrasBenoît Jutras
Benoît Jutras is a Canadian composer known for his unique style of music, which usually includes erhus, bagpipes, and other exotic instruments. His most widely known works are the scores he has written for Cirque du Soleil, including O, Mystère, Quidam, and La Nouba...
. The CD album of La Nouba was originally released in 1999 and re-released in 2005, and it features most of the music played during the show.
Below are the tracks in order as they appear on the CD. Listed after each track title is the act associated with the track.
- Once Upon a Time
- Opening, german wheel (1998-2010)
- Opening, jump rope (since 2010)
- A Tale (Aerial ballet in silk pt. 1)
- Porte (Aerial cradle)
- La Nouba (Parade)
- Distorted (Cycles)
- Liama (High wire)
- Queens (Flying trapeze)
- À la Lune (Balancing on chairs)
- Rêve Rouge (Aerial ballet in silk pt. 2)
- Urban (Power track, trampolines)
- Propel (Interlude)
- Jardin Chinois (Diabolos)