A chat with puppeteer Rob Laqui of Cirque du Soleil’s ‘TORUK – The First Flight’

Cirque du Soleil’s TORUK – The First Flight, inspired by James Cameron’s film Avatar, has been wowing crowds across North America since opening to rave reviews last November. The events in TORUK predate the events in Avatar. Not only are the Na’vi people represented in the film, so are the animals of Pandora, acted out by actors and large-scale puppets. One of the puppeteers, Rob Laqui, dreamed about working for a Cirque du Soleil production for nearly ten years, but it wasn’t until TORUK started to come to life when the Minnesota native finally got his wish.

I spoke with Rob Laqui about the TORUK experience in this OUT FRONT Colorado exclusive interview.

Are you excited to bring TORUK – The First Flight to Denver?

I am absolutely thrilled. Denver is one of my favorite cities in the country. We’re actually going to have to show up even earlier to acclimate everyone, especially the dancers and acrobats, to the higher altitude. I keep telling people, the altitude really will hit you! I’ve been telling cast members to make sure to hit the treadmill before suiting up and attempting the ropes.

How did you become interested in puppets and puppeteering?

When I worked with the dance troupe MOMIX, I became acquainted with a lot of Michael Curry puppets. He’s a well-known puppeteer and has even made some puppets for Cirque shows, but he’s probably best-known for The Lion King. I didn’t consider myself a puppeteer at the time, but a year after I left MOMIX I auditioned for War Horse. There I got to work with so many fun puppets as well as the puppeteers who made them. The puppeteers were from South Africa and I really admired their handiwork and their dedication to the craft. All that — coupled with my dance background — set this particular career path into motion.

What drew you to Cirque du Soleil as a company you wanted to work for?

One thing I really like about Cirque is that they don’t rest on their laurels. Even during our North American tour, we’ve ended up tweaking the puppet movements to make the show run more smoothly. I like that the process is collaborative and the props, puppet team, and puppeteers all work together to make the best show possible. They love being creative and so do I. Bringing a show like this out on the road is a complicated process, but Cirque is so great because … this is what they do — and they do it well.

How much of an Avatar fan were you before joining the production of TORUK?

I know I’m definitely immersed now. There have been times where I’ve been distracted, in awe of the show, and then I remember I need to make my move across the stage with my puppet! But when I first got the job? I don’t know, I liked the movie for sure, but I wasn’t going to any conventions or anything like that. [laughs] I’ve definitely grown an appreciation for Avatar, James Cameron, and the world of Pandora as time has gone on. I even understand lines in the Na’vi language! I’m proud to be a part of the “Pandoran family”, as it were.

Looking at the show as an observer and as a puppeteer, what is your favorite aspect of it?

As a puppeteer, working with a puppet team of six other people, we try our hardest to marry all of our movements in tandem so the audience realizes there is hard work put into this show by puppeteers, but not so much so that we’re the constant thought in their minds. We’re “the shadows.” As a viewer, I was completely blown away by how vibrant the show is. It really does take you to another planet. That, coupled with what we’re doing as performers and artists, will bring the audience to a completely different world.

What would you say to ensure that people buy a ticket and see the show?

If you’re on the fence, let me tell you that this production is unlike anything you’ll ever see, and probably not like anything you’ll ever see again. The mix of special effects and dancers and illusions and puppets … it really is an impressive undertaking for a live arena show. I’m still blown away by some of the things I see. I feel like I work with superheroes and I don’t think that’s too hyperbolic to say. The whole team exhibits excellence every night on stage and it is something to see.

You can see the story of TORUK – The First Flight unfold at the Pepsi Center in Denver beginning Thursday, July 21 and running through Sunday, July 24. Tickets start at $40 per person, and VIP ticket options, including a cast meet and greet, are also available.