Cirque du Soleil's 'Toruk' to Feature Special Effects By Md. Light Designer
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Some of the world's top acrobats, gymnasts and circus performers will take the stage in Baltimore as Cirque du Soleil's "Toruk" comes to the Royal Farms Arena this week.
The show is set to bring it's mind-bending acrobatics and special effects.
The story line is a prequel to James Cameron's "Avatar."
"It takes place 100's of years before the events in the film and follows three teenagers on their quest to save Pandora," said Laura Silverman, a spokesperson with Cirque du Soleil.
But bringing the magic of the film to life is a lot of work.
Twenty-seven trucks packed with equipment need unloading and setting up.
The show is a special one for Maryland native Josh Mowczko, who's been running lighting with Cirque du Soleil since 2008.
He makes sure the intricate lighting design and 40 video projectors are in sync.
Though he's traveled the world, the Frederick native is glad to be back in Maryland.
"It's an honor to be able to be with a show of this caliber and to be able to present it to Baltimore and to my hometown," said Mowczko.
What sets this Cirque du Soleil performance apart from others is new lighting and video technology and it's using the entire arena floor as the stage.
Though Mowczko is behind the scenes, he says the long hours of planning and work make the arena come to life.
"Seeing kids faces as they're watching the show as they see the giant puppets coming out and that sense of wonder in their eyes," Mowczko said.
You can catch "Toruk" at the Royal Farms arena from Thursday through Sunday 12th.
Currently, there are 18 Cirque du Soleil shows performing around the world.
