Neelanthi Vadivel Interview – Cirque Du Soleil Totem
Welcome to Impulse Gamer Neelanthi and how have you been enjoying Australia?
Thanks! As it is close to 30 below 0 back home in Canada… I am enjoying the Australian sun of course!
Is it difficult being away from your home country?
Being far from family is a part of the touring life, but the rewards outweigh most things.
Besides Australia, what other countries has Totem visited and what is your most favourite place in the world (besides home)?
Totem has visited Canada, USA, Netherlands, England and New Zealand. But I have been touring as a performer and director for the past 20 years and have visited approximately 67 countries so far. It would be hard to choose one place as a favourite- each place has been special for different reasons- that’s the joy of travel- it all depends on your attitude at the time, the weather, the people you are with and your willingness to learn.
The big question that I’m sure most people want to know is how did you become involved in Cirque Du Soleil?
I joined Cirque du Soleil as a dancer in the production Dralion. In 2009, I hung up my dancing shoes to transition into management as an assistant to the Artistic Director. In 2010, the company handed me the reins of the production Saltimbanco and I have not looked back since.
What is your role in Totem?
I am the Artistic Director of the touring production Totem. My role is to maintain the original intent of the creative director, Robert Lepage, within the high quality standards of Cirque Du Soleil. I also manage the 46 artists in the cast and continuously challenge them to improve and grow.
Can you tell us a little about Totem and what the audience can expect?
Totem is a visual feast of high level acrobatics displayed within a lush scenic environment created with interactive projections and colourful costumes. It is a non-chronological journey through man’s evolution from swamp creature to cosmonaut.
What is your favourite part of Totem?
Definitely the music and the way the entire show makes you feel when you leave the tent- which is generally euphoric.
In creating Totem, what do you feel was the most challenging aspect?
Robert Lepage was the original creator of Totem and the challenge with any new creation would likely be in striving to offer innovation in content, storytelling and technical creativity- In Totem, he has succeeded in all of the above.
Most rewarding?
Robert was inspired to work with top level acrobats and artists. On a return visit to see the show last July, he was pleased with the outcome and left us with high praise.
You’re a dancer by trade, is it easy to transfer your skills and experience to new performers?
My dance background has prepared me for the long hours, discipline and focus required in this position. It also lends a level of credibility when working with artists when I can draw from actual events to set examples of what I am expecting.
Besides Totem, you were involved in Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour which we thoroughly enjoyed, which product do you feel was more challenging to create?
MJ Immortal was a monster of a project in both scale and ambition. The artists were also from wildly varying backgrounds, but the love-letter style approach of the show to Michael’s fans left you with goose bumps every night.
What do you think has made Cirque Du Soleil so appealing to millions of people from around the globe?
Cirque serves up innovative entertainment and joyful experiences every time. Its signature is not culture-specific; we emotionally touch people of all ages wherever they are from.
Thanks again Neelanthi and all the best for the Melbourne tour of Cirque Du Soleil Totem!
Photos: OSA Images / Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2010 Cirque du Soleil Inc.
For more information on Totem, please visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/tickets/melbourne.aspx
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