Euro wings vol. 1 by Ken Futamura

EuroWings! no.1 London February 2006 -

Cww--14114*.t In this edition Old and New Faces... Welcome to the Pubic Services Team! 60 Seconds With... Visiting the McLaren Technology Center Premiere in London Food for Thought The End of Romanticism Sodoku CLASSIFIED In and Out London Congratulations To The Last Page

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Euro Wings! Team: Ken, Charlie, Matt, Cecile Contributors: Matt, Charlie, Ron, David P., Maui, Marco, Ken, Marie-Josee, Arthur. Photos: Irina, Martha, Marco, Gaston, Tamir, Ken, Anson, Cecile

From the Editor Welcome everybody to the first edition of "EUR 0 Wings !" Yes we are in

Europe, Although Japan was a great experience, the cities were long and 10 shows a week was a little rough... anyways we survived it and we are here in London for our first city of the European Tour. This is the city where Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Sex Pistols, Genesis and lots more made a trend in the world of music. It was cool when I saw the building with 4 stacks of chimneys (BatterSea Power Station) where Pink Floyd took the photo with the huge inflatable pig on top of the building for the cover of their album "Animals". The big eye opening moment for me was the amount of bikes that were stolen. It's funny because on our first Tapis Rouge, Simon specifically told us to watch out for the thieves, and I was thinking to my self "It can't be that bad..." and what happens: 5 bikes get stolen during the first week and 10 in total even with the locks. Some say that in Amsterdam, professional thieves walk around with blow torches, so if they like your bike...just say good bye!! But anyways, all this aside, London was great, especially having 6:15 show call 3 times a week because we had plenty of time to walk around the beautiful city or to sleep in late. At night the dance scene was amazing also. One thing is for sure, London people know how to party!! With their 'rubbish' weather, I guess they have to release their stress somehow. To complete the experience, performing in the beautiful architecture of the Royal Albert Hall was a privilege. Can you believe it...a building existing for more than 130 years, it's as old as Canada. London people, We Will Be Back Next Year!! Our next stop- Milano!! Here we come, the fashion mecca of the world. The premiere of Milan will be very interesting with all of the famous fashion designers and models walking down the red carpet. Can't wait! Well hope you enjoy this issue and if you have anything that you want to share with us, photos, anecdotes, articles, send your stuff to " cirque_alegria@hotmail.com " Have a good week off and see you in Milan.

Old and New Faces... Welcome to the Pubic Services Team! As you all know, we will soon move to a new city, a new market as well as a new Big Top. With all those changes come new people. When you get to the site in Milan, you will notice a lot of new faces. So, in order to make life easier for everyone, these are some of the new faces that you will be seeing during set up and afterwards since they are part of the Public Sales department. Some of them you already know, some of them you have met in the past and some you've never seen them! So, let me introduce you the new Public Sale department for the Alegria European Tour.

Genevieve Deslandes - Public Sales Director Who am I? That's a very good question... I like: my bath, my Mac and my bed. I love: Australia, raw fish, the ocean, my surfboard and loud music. I dislike: disrespect, driving a car, heights and mornings. Above all, I love traveling and meeting as many people as I can. I also have a secret desire to become a singer...

Martyn Jones Box Office Manager Someone recently described me as an enigma and I think I kind of agree. I am usually calm, compassionate, caring, easy to get on with, (but don't take bullshit), Gemini, a dragon, an only child, funny, a snob, a day person, a life coach, a lomilomi massage therapist, a Reiki healer, respectful... I can also be sarcastic, stubborn, sad, hot headed, afraid, doubting myself... I now feel almost totally naked. There is much more, but being an enigma, I/you will have to work it out...And I didn't mention work once. Hope that's enough for now.

Lloyd Wilson Food Et Beverage Manager So who is Lloyd Preston Wilson...? What I usually say is that I am from the island of Aruba, in the Caribbean. But actually I grew up on the Dutch Antilles, which are part of the Netherlands. I was born on Curacao, grew up on Bonaire, and studied on Aruba. All these islands are within 20 minutes by plane of each other. I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, going to the gym, listening to music, working hard; dancing...movies...whatever brings joy to life... My suppliers in Spain call me Wilson as they cannot pronounce my first name Lloyd...well. Some friends of mine call me Preston... (Did you know there is a city called Preston in the UK?) I've been there and it's nice. Oh well, the rest you can ask me when we meet or whenever. For now, see you guys soon on Alegria. Ciao!

Adrian Thompson Hospitality Et Special Events Manager I'm 33 years old and I was born in Harare Zimbabwe, but I lived most of my life in Melbourne, Australia. I have worked for Cirque for 5 years, originally with Saltimbanco as a Cirquador and then, Alegria permanently. Therefore, I look forward to returning to the show I started my career with. My favourite food is chocolate and my favourite drink is Vodka.

Stephane Emond Merchandising Manager First of all, these are the things I like: Sushi, martini, good wines, eat well, traveling, sail, the beach, hike, and ski. I love to play tennis and hockey. I like to go out to lounges with chill out/lounge music, and I like bistros with candle atmosphere type. Massage and Spas are always welcome! Movies, as often as possible! I am not complicated, I am easy going, I lack patience (sometimes) but I am quite friendly and sociable, honest and when I do something, I give my best!

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Sybille Darino House Supervisor My name is Sybille and I am 31 years old. I grew up in Germany, lived in Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands but originally I'm Italian! Looking forward to meet all of you...

Jaime Ferrer House Supervisor My name is Jaime, pronounced "High-me" not "yaime" and I will be one of the Head Hosts in Alegria. I am from the Canary Islands in Spain. I'll turn 29 this year and spent the first 17 in the Canaries, been traveling ever since and love to do so. I have been with Cirque almost 6 years; the first two years as Warehouse Sup in Quidam, the following three as Ha/Warehouse Sup in Saltimbanco. The last 8 months I've been the Head Host in Corteo. I love to deal with the Cirquadors and the customers. I got married this year in November and you'll get to meet my lovely half Dutch/half Portuguese wife Jessica. I love animals and team activities such as soccer, ultimate Frisbee, basketball and beach volleyball. I love a challenge but without it I get bored and lose focus. I like a good party and if you invite me over you better have good vodka (no Smirnoff or Eristoff; preferably Russian) and Red Bull. By the way, I've never watched Alegria, but I really want to. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Genevieve Denis Box Office Supervisor My name is Genevieve Denis; you can call me Gen (much easier and less damaged!), and I am the box office supervisor. I was born in Ottawa, lived in Quebec but adopted Montreal a long, long time ago. I have been on tour for four years, I travel with 9 suitcases and I've been clinically diagnosed with the "shoe madness". I am also mother of a cute little boy named Milan. On days off, I like some quality time with my family. We'll play, discover or shop, depending on the weather. I have three passions in life that I don't passionately practice enough, which are: photography, yoga and sushi. And here is what I look like on a very good day: Like a rock star would say: "see you on tour!!"

Bridget Givan Merchandising Supervisor I worked for Cirque for a year on Varekai as the PS Coordinator. I started as a local employee working in VIP and House. Before Cirque, I have experience working in show environments in positions such as computer graphics creator and operator, directing three live-cameras and my favorite, producing. Non-worked experience stuff: Playing volleyball, black and white photography (film and digital), contemporary and impressionistic art.

Marie-Josee Pelletier Food Et Beverage Supervisor Hello, my name is Marie-Josee and I will be the new FetB supervisor. I was born in Quebec City but definitely prefer Montreal. I was a teacher for 12 years and afterwards, I decided that I wanted a change. I like to travel, to bug Jaime (after only 3 days), to laugh, to shop, and to wear bright socks.

Ceur-Truto

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60 Seconds With... Shawn Tucker

by Charlie

Miss Tucker was born and raised in the "Wild West" and is rumored to have wrestled bears and lived with the Indians before she was catapulted into the modern world of electronics and computer gadgetry. So, how did this Montana mountain girl get to be our Assistant Technical Operations Director and what else do we not know about her inquisitive lifestyle? Well boys and girls, our lucky lady is about to spill the beans... So, what WERE you doing that day in Japan when I saw you down on your hands and knees in the musician's dressing room wearing a nice dress skirt and high heels? I was plugging in the electrical for the lodges. Work doesn't stop around here regardless of what you are wearing. And you were the person who asked me to do that by the way. Were you appointed as the Technical Director when David Dovel left? When David left I stepped in as Interim Technical Director while the company searched for a replacement. Now we have our new David so I have stepped down and become his assistant. Did you like that? It was nice of the company to trust me to do that but it was a lot of work and I wasn't able to have much fun for the last few months in Japan. Are you the type of woman that likes to be in charge of the situation all of the time (i.e. - a control freak)? No, I am happy to let other people take control. I only step in when I think that someone needs help. I know that you enjoy reading a lot. What are some of your favorite books and authors? That is a difficult question; I have read so many different books. I like non-fiction such as biographies of Jane Goodall or outdoor adventures like Touching the Void, but I also enjoy Clive Cussler as an author just for pure entertainment. Any other hobbies? I still figure skate when I can find the time, I buy antiques that go home and into my storage locker and I paint and draw. If you were to suddenly 'bust a move' on the dance floor what would you most likely do: a) the robot b) the electric slide c) some break dancing d) line dance I can't say that I have performed any of those moves. And if you find any witnesses I will deny it. Mac or PC? I have one of each. Pussy cat or puppy dog? Cat because they are more independent. I would have a dog if I had enough land for it to run around on. Outdoors or in the city?

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I appreciate both. I love being in the city and enjoying what a city has to offer but eventually I always have to return to the mountains. What kind of music do you fancy? I don't stick to one particular type of music. I know that is pretty vague but I find different music that I like all of the time. Beer, wine, or hard liquor? No beer, I never could develop a taste for the stuff. Where are you from and where are you going (eventually)? I am from Montana, and I have no idea where I am going. I am still touring after seven years because I can't decide where I want to settle down.

M.J.

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Hometown? Donnacona, near Quebec City Birthday? January 18 How long have you been on tour? 6 years and ... Favorite cities on tour? Mexico City, Miami, Auckland (NZ) Why? Auckland...the beach, the weather, the people; the country itself is so beautiful and also, it was my first city on tour. I started in Biloxi, Mississippi and Alegria was a permanent show in a casino at the time so Auckland was kind of my first city on tour; it was all new. Mexico city and Mexico...la gente, la masica, la comida, la historia, el idioma, la playa, El Diu} de los Muertos, Teotihuacan, Zocalo(s), Palenque, Oaxaca, Pied de la Cuesta, Puebla, Taxco, San Cristobal de las Casas, Isla Mujeres, etc...Mexico was very educational and just a lot of fun! Miami... Salsa, beach, Salsa, beach and Salsa. Old job on Alegria? Teacher New job on Alegria? Merchandise supervisor in London and FEtB (food and beverages) supervisor in Milan and the following cities... I'll be in charge of the popcorn. Why change? Why not...How about "career reorientation?!" It was time and I am If you could wear any costume in Alegria what one would it be? And Why? If I had to: Piotr's costume...no make up, no wig...a mask and a big suit...and you don't need to wear too much underneath. City you are most looking forward to on the European tour? Mmmmm, I will have to say...I don't know... all of them! How about Prague?! Maybe we could go there. Any pets at home? No How many brothers or sisters do you have? One older brother.

fano-Wuto!

Visiting the McLaren Technology Center

by Ken Futamura

Honestly, I am ashamed to say this but before going to the MTC I did not know much about F1 racing. I wasn't really a big fan either but I had seen the racing cars doing laps a couple of times around the circuit on TV. However, after having the privilege of touring the McLaren Technology Center and seeing thousands of people working together to achieve the highest speed with a confined specification (F1 racing regulation for a motor) for one machine, I got hooked. We (about 15ppls from Cirque) were picked up from Woking station by two Mercedes-Benz Vans and drove about 10min where in the middle of nowhere appears this beautiful and impressing building. It was designed by the famous architect Norman Foster. It took about 5 years to plan it and 2 years to build it before opening its doors in 2004. It was named as the 3rd favorite modern building in the UK (in a poll held by the construction Industry training board) and won the Grand Award for the best landscape at the BALI National Landscape awards in 2005 so I guess that speaks for itself. They first built the wind tunnel (to test the aero dynamicity of a vehicle) which is THE most important part of the MTC and is made of 400 tons of steel, which cost around 30 million euros and then built the rest of the structure around it. To get in to the MTC you pass through a huge glass automated door and the first thing that struck me was the openness of the structure. The next thing that caught my eye was the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. WOW! What a beauty! Equipped with a 5.5 liter-engine, 626hp constructed using the latest McLaren techniques and technologies. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/hr in 3.2 seconds and with its super brakes made of carbon fiber ceramic disk, stops in 3.2 seconds from a speed of 260km/hr. Just imagine the G-force on you. If you dream of having one: the basic price is around 450 thousand euros and you will have to wait 1 to 2 years after you make the down payment. The super car is made at the MTC and you could observe through the glass window, people assembling it manually which takes about 200hr to be complete. Their plan is to make 3.5 thousand cars in 5 years (700 units a year). An interesting fact, their first ever built Mercedes-Benz SLR was auctioned in New York and a lady won it for 2.1 million dollars. Then we were guided towards the collection of F1's that have won different races throughout the history of the McLaren Group, drove by the Legendary Allan Prost and Ayrton Senna. The most recent F1 is the master piece, MP420 Mercedes-Benz driven by the Finnish Kimi Raikkonen and Colombian Juan Pablo which won 10 grand prix and scored 18 podiums in 2005. It has 120 sensors throughout the car which monitor the wind friction, during the race and data is stored for future improvements. It is so precise that they are able to tell all of the driver's maneuvers, acceleration in the corners, the movement of the engine's pistons, and the subtle turning of the steering wheel etc. The other amazing feature is that McLaren is the only team to send the data real-time to their home base in London. So if there is a race in Japan for instance, all the data is studied at that instance and if the boss wants to talk to the driver, with a push of a button, they are able to communicate. The chassis under the engine is coated in 24k gold to reflect the tremendous heat that the engine releases and to prevent the paint from peeling off the chassis. They actually have a deal with NASA and use the same material that is used under the shuttle. Each time that they transport the machine they take it apart (which takes about 4 hrs) and 2 days to rebuild on site. 1968 was their first win and at that time the team consisted of 6 people. Today they travel with more than 100people (2 drivers, 30 technicians working on the machine and others who are in charge of hospitality, PR, etc.). With 15 to 20 races a year, I guess we (touring show) could relate to them a little. Then we had the privilege entering the top secret F1 lab where they were doing final adjustments to the machine for next month's race. The kids (Timofey and Igor) where allowed in the cock pit, I wish I was a kid that day. After the tour we were served a delicious lunch, wine and a desert. As we were thinking that you can not get better than this, to add the cherry on top of the cake, Ron Dennis the Chairman and CEO of McLaren Group, shows up greeted us and offered his precious time to take some group photos. I would like to thank the people who had organized this trip and the McLaren Group for their hospitality. It was an amazing experience.

Giur-14141..t!

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Premiere in London

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Food for Thought The End of Romanticism

By David Pelletier

When I joined Alegria back in March 1999, I realty had the feeling that I was running away with the circus. I had landed in a romantic, fantastic world, full of "cool people" and immediately felt right at home. Yes the company was probably mismanaged at the time, money was spent erratically, budgets went over predictions, but we had the impression that it didn't matter. We were cool, progressive and fearless. We were doing our thing. Those who have been with us for less than three years have probably not felt like I felt when I joined. I can testify that things have gone downhill since then. Health benefits, COLA, kitchen... Recently, the icing on the cake has been the elimination of contract negotiations for artists, and massive job cuts, insecurity, re-organization of tasks for non-artists. This big clean-up of the company may be viewed by some as a necessary thing to ensure a profitable future, but for me, as a front liner, a soldier, an ambassador, a representative of The Dream, it leaves me with a sour taste. 'They' are killing the romanticism, the magic. "They" are slowly but surely destroying the feeling that we were (once) part of something really special. A world where each individual involved in the Big Project was important, valued and respected. Cirque du Soleil is now blindly following the business trends of globalization, world trade and what not. Where will it end one may ask... Sadly, we have truly become the McDonalds of circuses. But don't get me wrong. I still love my job and the show, and will keep performing in a professional manner, with enthusiasm and integrity, for as long as I'm with Alegria. I have been aware from the start that I was working for a big company and always accepted it. I am convinced it is possible for such a company to still induce profits whilst respecting its workers. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case with CDS. I will now choose to focus on our little group, our "family", our village named Alegria and try really hard to forget about Big Brother back in Montreal. I just wish I could still feel the wonderful sensation that i had in the beginning. The magic. The romanticism. I want to feel like a true "saltimbanque" again. Don't you?

Deepest Thought

By Maui

I had this all figured out when I was surrounded by nobody. Now the thoughts don't form as easily. Also my writing is sub-par. Just have to make do. So here it is; the Unofficial Study of SLEEP, DREAMS, and TIME (the idiot, short-hand version). Like to sleep; developed a taste for it. Don't dream normally. Always notice the time flying by. Not lately though. Sleeps gone crazy; dream, like a person that's been knocked out. And time is not playing fair. Running when I need; and taking a vacation when I don't. Can't think no more, it's time to work.

Don't worry - be happy!

I'm finally getting around to writing something for this prestigious publication. So what to write about? Well, we've just begun the European tour, we're in London in January, and... The premiere was good even if the critics rammed us. Of course what do you expect? The London critics are probably some of the toughest in the world, maybe even worse than NYC, and I don't remember if they even bothered to review us there. I guess Randall's Island was kind of far. So my advice is 'Don't let the critics here get to you'. After all, it's London in January and you don't want to stress out like about taxes!

Undercover Clowns in Action

1_ SAKIK Uu,eicTEez Page 8

By Ron Feather

On E Bay

Classified

Starting bid

US $0.99

Time left

1 day 20 hours

Start time History Item location Ships to Ship. costs

21-Jan-06 10:18:49 EST 0 bids Kissimmee, FL United States

Current bid

GBP 250.00 (Reserve met) (Approximately US $447.13) 1 day 17 hours 7-day listing, Ends Jan-27-06 06:42

Bikes for Sale Eight bikes of all shapes and sizes, most without seats. The loss of out of town suckers, who only locked there bikes up outside. If only they knew to put them inside, or had someplace inside to put them before it was too late. Recommend not riding the bikes in the Hyde Park or Bayswater areas until the show Alegria has left town. Will have more bikes for sale same time next year. Call my cell 44 070 98 (SIMON)

(Approximately C $1.14)

7 - day listing, Ends 28 - Jan - 06 10:18

United States, Canada US $2.80-US Post. Service 1 0 Class

Time left

Help wanted

Start time History High bidder Item location

Jan-20-06 06:42:40 PST 3 bids (GBP 180.00 starting bid) aiohn3620 ( 28) London, London United Kingdom

Ships to Shipping costs

Worldwide GBP 3.85 -- Royal Mail Special Delivery

Sodoku The Famous Sodoku from Japan that created a big fad around the world.!

(Rule: Insert numbers from 1 to 9 in each Horizontal and Vertical lines. But each 3X3 block has to have numbers from 1 to 9 also. Good Luck!)

Problem # 016 - Super Hard 3

Problem # 017 - Super Hard 2

6 1

9 8

8 9

6 1

7 5

4 2

4 7

2 8

1 6

5 5

9 2

eakultruwil

Touring show looking for a hard working dedicated worker who has a vast knowledge spelling, printing from a computer, and using a laminator. You will slave for several months making European tour Identification. We would like someone who has used scissors before to avoid any nasty accidents. Also the laminator can get hot, so this is a high risk job. We need someone to start the job now, many people are forgetting each others names, and are having troubles getting past security at work. Singles I'm a single male age 50, I work in the exciting job of a bus driver, usually my bus is full of loud obnoxious circus freaks who have no respect for me or my complicated driving schedule. I'm looking for a girl who is always on time, likes karaoke and lives on a relatively wide street. I have to be off the road by 11:10pm so there is no time to mess around. I will be at your door and if you're not sitting on the curb waiting for me I'm out of here, and it's your loss.

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In and Out London In

Out

Location

Weather

Kitchen

Shower in apt

Performing at the Royal Albert Hall

Stolen bikes

Hyde Park

48 people surveyed... Compiled by Arthur Do you miss Japan?

Internet connection in apt

Football

Light bulb in dressing room

Shopping

Pub closing early

Beer

Very expensive

Cuba Bar

Rude and terrible customer service

Biking

■ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Yet

Musicals

Congratulations To...

The Youngest member of Alegria... Kherlen!

The Newlyweds

Tamir Et Oyuugerel Davaatseren With Baby Kherlen Born on November 23 rd , 2005 in Nagoya

Marcos Et Talita December 16th, 2005 -Brazil

Aliaksei Liubezny for having this photo published in the January 2006 issue of Men's Health Magazine (and also Anatol' for his debut as Super Model)

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Answer Problem #016

Answers Problem # 017

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The Last Page

Eat to the Beat... You Rocked Our World!

Mucho Mojitos... Por Favor

The EuroWings! needs You. Please contact us at Cirque Alegria@hotmail.com

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