Razzle-Dazzle

It’s not the fact that the French/Canadian performer is in a different city weekly as part of Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam.”

“There are 52 performers and 18 countries are represented,” he says during a phone interview from Grand Fork, N.D. “Every day, I get the opportunity to interact with my colleagues and learn more about their culture and habits. It’s a great way to learn about the world and such an adventure for me.”

	Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, Thursday, Jan. 17 and Friday, Jan. 18; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 WHERE: Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center NE, Rio Rancho HOW MUCH: $38.75-$98.75 at www.comcasttix.com or 888-694-4849

Viens has been with Cirque du Soleil for two years. His journey into the company was unexpected and happened quickly.

While studying kinesiology at the University of Montréal, he joined the Verdun Circus School. He quickly became versed in the Spanish Web, an aerial circus skill that consists of a long braided rope that has been covered by a soft cotton sleeve (a “web”) and is suspended by a gimbal at one end from overhead rigging. Toward the top of the apparatus, a small loop is attached to the main rope through which a performer will secure an ankle or wrist and be able to hang freely.

“I had taken it up as a hobby,” he explains. “I was going to college during the day and at night was doing circus school. After our student showcase I was approached and encouraged to try out for Cirque. It’s flattering that I had a company as prestigious as Cirque pursuing me.”

“Quidam,” follows Zoé, who is bored. Her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her and her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world – the world of Quidam – where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.

“Quidam” had its world premiere in Montréal under the Big Top in April 1996. Since that time, the production has toured on five continents and been experienced by millions.

The show does not take spectators to an imaginary realm of fanciful, larger-than-life characters. Rather, it is an examination of our own world – inhabited by real people with real-life concerns.

In “Quidam,” Viens has worked his way up to playing Boum Boum, an aggressive and physically fit character. And yet, he is lifeless, as though his body lives on only because his soul refuses to leave it.

He says Boum Boum is the bad guy with the boxing gloves and is super interesting. He admits because he doesn’t have a theater background, doing the character work was a challenge.

“Boum Boum comes off as a bad guy,” he explains. “He’s really not. He’s an excited character and wants to make an impression. We have a lot of the same qualities. People always think that I’m a mean person, but once you get to know me, it’s different. I live one day at a time and enjoy each moment.”

Aside from Zoé and Boum Boum, there are other characters such as Mother, Father, John, The Aviator and The Target, all of whom interact with Zoé throughout the play.

Viens says it’s also the first Cirque du Soleil show to use everyday clothing – though adapted – in its acrobatic acts. The basic material used for all the costumes is stretch linen and there are more than 250 costumes for the entire show.

“I wouldn’t want to be in charge of all of the costumes,” he says. “There are so many things that could happen, it’s just amazing that we get the show off every night.”

A typical week for Viens consists of having Monday and Tuesday off, then training a half day on Wednesdays. Then it’s off to make up for a couple hours and then time for the show.

“It can take a lot out of me because I’m always busy,” he says. “I always do a post-show workout because I need to do more cardio. I usually get about seven or eight hours of sleep a night, which is always good and keeps me healthy.”