Toruk-The First Flight: Theatrical visionaries behind Cirque Du Soleil adapt film Avatar

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It's been almost a decade since the movie Avatar caused a sensation for its stunning visuals while offering an insight into a new world. This summer, the world's largest theatrical producer Cirque Du Soleil is taking a theatrical show about the Na'vi life to the stage in Beijing. Our reporter Li Qiong takes us to the performance and backstage to find out more.

Narrated by a "Na'vi Storyteller" and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set 3 thousand years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR.

Similar to the film, the show is about heroism and unity which are crucial in conquering disasters that might sabotage the place of living, but creators have tried to make it a different and unique story.

Costume Designer Kym Barrett respected the dress codes established by James Cameron's team, but didn't copy exactly what was done in the movie.

Barrett believes the costumes should look like they were made by Na'vi hands. The crew sought out materials that looked like they could be available to the Na'vi in their natural environment. Some of the materials are in reality cut-outs of loofah sponge or molds from cabbage leaves.

Backstage, we got a glimpse of some parts of the actors' costumes in the wardrobe. And we also found some important roles in the show.

LI QIONG BEIJING "I'm now at the backstage. These puppets simulate the creatures of Pandora on stage. The designers could easily have turned to animatronics, but they didn't. Instead, puppeteers breathe life into the creatures during the show."

The Pandorian animals are brought to life through large-scale puppetry. The 16 puppets are reverse string puppets, or 'lived-in puppets', or 'in-view puppets'. They are manipulated by 6 puppeteers.

And for some acrobats, the most challenging part is maintaining the Na'vi character.

The cast and crew is taking to the stage TORUK – The First Flight till August 12 in Beijing. After that, they are heading to Shanghai for another round till August 26. LQ, CGTN, BJ.