Toruk pays homage and is inspired by James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster film, Avatar, by telling a story of the blue Na’vi people long before the events take place in the movie. Toruk’s tale finds the Na’vi threatened by natural causes ranging from earthquakes to the ominous beasts of the Pandora world, and even the mighty Toruk (a giant flying harbinger of doom) itself. To save their world and people, two Na’vi warriors set flight on a memorable quest to obtain five sacred objects that can only be located and obtained by taking the audience on this amazing journey.
If you’re a die-hard Avatar fan, or just simply one who appreciates what we've come to expect in a Cirque de Soleil performance, this show will certainly entertain you. From start to finish, the show draws the audience into that fantasy world of creatures and showcases the best capable feats of the human body in a circus-style atmosphere (without live animals or the traditional clown-like comedy).
Instead, and true to form, acrobats, dancers, jugglers, aerial artists and contortionists team together to dazzle and amaze all the wide-eyed audiences both young and old. What I liked most was Toruk was they presented a plot-driven theatrical production that incorporated aerial skill routines, unique balancing apparatuses, and yet still manage to integrate all of this seamlessly with a technology-driven set. Even as a technology lover, I was super impressed by the design of the sets that utilized highly complicated video projections to bring the entire arena floor and stage alive.
I, myself, was privileged to take my 5 year old daughter...and while she may have been too young to fully understand the entire story, no explanation was needed when she saw all the jaw-dropping feats and artistry at every turn. She simply did not want the show to end, and even asked to stay in her seat during the 20 minute intermission just in case she was going to miss out on anything. In fact, she asked me whether or not we could return another night to watch it again.
For more info:
TORUK – The First Flight returns to Los Angeles at The Forum for six performances only from January 12-15, 2017.
Tickets are now on sale at https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk. 
