A Fearless Fusion of Acrobatics and Theatrical Vision
In the 25-years-and-counting production of “O”, the Bateau (French for “boat”) performance stands as one of the most compelling pieces of aerial choreography ever conceived. From the moment the giant, floating ship swings into view, its sheer scale commands attention, but it’s the marriage of acrobatics, technical design, stage vision, and artistry which truly captivates.
The Backstory of Bateau
Before becoming the centerpiece of the famous Bateau scene, the acrobatic apparatus you see now began as a simple revolving ladder concept: two crossing ladders connected by a single axle and suspended by straps… but as ambitious as the concept was, it simply wasn’t to be.
“It would be next to impossible to stabilize,” says Boris Verkhovsky, former Director of Performance, Design and Development. “Of course, we are Cirque du Soleil, so we need to do things much bigger… As much as we can pretend, we can’t change the laws of physics.”
Nevertheless, Guy Laliberté, Gilles Ste-Croix, and the Cirque R&D team worked tirelessly with specialists, gymnasts, and show creators to push the scene forward, making incremental changes to the design and interactivity of the set piece. More flyers were added. Parallel bars were elongated and repositioned. Catchers and fixed chairs were cycled in to find the perfect repertoire. The team tried a motorized version before making it entirely human-powered, and that’s when Production Designer Michel Créte had a vision: Instead of cables, what if we add a mast, and instead of mere parallel bars, what if we bring in sails to create the image of the boat?
Led by this vision, the colossal swinging Bateau of “O” would finally take shape.
The Power of Collective Performance
Bateau is a refreshing reminder of the beauty of ensemble performance. The act relies on more than just one or two artists; it’s the synchronized effort of the entire cast that brings this boat to life. Whether it’s executing flawless aerial stunts or controlling the oscillation of the apparatus, the athletes and performers on stage put on a masterclass in collaboration 474 times a year.
"That machine is a monster," reflects Verkhovsky. "The big bonus is that it's not just a scenic prop, it's actually acrobatic, and for me, it's brilliant."
"It's one of the hallmarks of the work. Very, very lengthy process. Incremental in some areas, quite aggressive in some areas. Indeed, a phenomenal opportunity from the ownership of the company, from the producers, allowing for that time allowing, believing, allowing the dreams to be worked on."
A Call to All Dreamers
Bateau is more than just an act; it’s a testament to the innovation and collaboration that happens within the walls at Cirque du Soleil. The creation process behind Bateau is one glimpse into a company that values not just acrobatic excellence but also artistic expression and innovation from every member of our team.
The fusion of relentless ambition with artistic vision is what sets Cirque apart. For any artist seeking to leave an indelible mark on stage, this is where the impossible becomes tangible. And for artists already immersed in the world of performance (even those within Cirque du Soleil), we offer unique opportunities to be part of something so much greater than yourself.
So the question is simple: Are you ready to take the leap?
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