This article is about the 2019 reinterpretation of the show production Alegría. For the original 1994 show production, see Alegría. For the 1999 film adaption based on the Alegría story, see Alegria: The Film.
Alegría: In a New Light, also known as Alegría: The Return of an Icon, or simply Alegría, is the 2019 remounted reinterpretation of the 1994 show production Alegría directed by Jean-Guy Legault. Known as one of Cirque Du Soleil's most iconic production, which paved the way for Cirque's signature style and expansion, Alegría: In a New Light premiered on April 18, 2019, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada under the Grand Chapiteau for the 25th anniversary of Alegría.
Changes from the original production
With the new revision of the 1994 show, Alegría: In a New Light has produced new costumes, a new stage design, a renewed Cirquish vocabulary, and new musical arrangements for the 2019 production.
Even though most of the characters from the original show have been brought over to the new production, the characters of Tamir and Little Tamir have been omitted.
Even with the slight changes to the new show, Alegría: In a New Light still retains its themes of "the quest for power", "the thirst for change", and "the triumph of light over darkness".
Set and Technical Information
Unlike the previous incarnation of the show, which had a giant dome, decorated columns, and balustrades to represent, the new Alegría stage is modelled after a giant spiked crown. The stage is covered by an old tapestry with an old emblem on it to represent the previously abandoned kingdom. It is represented by a salamander: a symbol of the French Resistance and inspiration for the original set design for Alegría.
The stage is separated into three sections. The upper part of the stage represents the closed off World of the Monarchy. The middle part represents the Royal Court, and the lower half of the stage represents the Streets of Alegría.
Characters
The characters in Alegría comprise people of three separate groups: the Aristocrats, the Bronx, and the Angels.
Mr.Fleur: Following the mysterious disappearance of the king, Mr. Fleur pictures himself as the legitimate heir to the throne and clumsily tries to impose his authority. The old king’s fool, Mr. Fleur is a conceited, manipulative and unpredictable character forever caught in a tug-of-war between reason and unreason, between an overpowering urge to charm and a desire to control.
The Main Aristocrats: Their once splendid attire has become threadbare. On their faces, strangely distorted by the passage of time, one can see the fear of progress and the selfish desire for power. They include Damerino, Dame Marina, Molocolo, Dorso and Mazocasta
The Aristocrats: Strange heirs to power in this dusty and timeless world, the Aristocrats seek to retain their privileges by siding with the Fool; they aim to maintain the status quo at all costs and so avoid being swept away by the winds of change.
The Musicians: They provide the show's live music, dressed entirely in blue. They are part of The Aristocrats group.
Nymphs: The Nymphs personify the purity of youth. Graceful and delicate, they navigate the space between heaven and earth. They symbolize the dual forces at play in Mr. Fleur’s mind—reason and unreason, but also empathy and apathy—which fuel his quest for power. The first Nymph is known as Red Nymphe and the second one Blue Nymphe.
Bronx: The Bronx spring forth from the street. Fiery and full of energy, they try vigorously to defy the established order. Together, they will shake the pillars of power, lighting the spark that will trigger changes in the very heart of the kingdom. The Bronx offers a glimmer of hope in a world of gloom.
The Angels: With the distinctive golden star their wear on their solar plexus, the Angels embody the intangible wind of change, the inner transformations propelled by the desire for a better world. Imbued with humanity, these beings from the afterlife carry on their bodies the scars of their earthly life. With their mere presence, the Angels generate celestial energy that lifts the soul.
The Singers: Opposite yet complementary forces, the Singers in Black and in White are paragons of resilience. Together, they become an unstoppable, inspirational force in this realm longing for light and hope:
White Singer: The Singer in White is naïve, yet wise in the face of adversity. She is part of The Aristocrats but unlike the rest of her family, she wants the kingdom to change and improve.
Black Singer: The Singer in Black embodies commitment, tenacity and the indomitable power of hope. She has been tested and abused in life and is part of the Bronx family.
Clowns: At first Mr. Fleur’s allies, the Clowns also have fun at his expense. Brothers in humor, this pair of zany Aristocrats is at ease in this crazy environment and make light of any situation. Wielding the power of imagination and friendship, they both witness and comment on the profound changes at play in their world. Performed by:
Pablo Gomis Lopez, Pablo Bermejo Medina (2019-Present)
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