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Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within

Season 1 2003 - 2004

  • 2003-11-30T05:00:00Z on CBC Television
  • 25m
  • 6h 30m (13 episodes)
  • Canada
  • English
  • Documentary, Family
This 2003 13-episode television series offers an intimate look into the dreams, trials and aspirations of a core group of performers involved in the creation and launch of "Varekai" by Cirque du Soleil. Fire Within begins eight months prior to opening-night when it remains to be seen how the performers, who have come from around the world, will survive the enormous physical and emotional demands placed upon them. Throughout the captivating series, cameras document the human experience - the drama and comedy, the victories and setbacks-and, above all, the desire to succeed that burns within these extraordinary individuals.

13 episodes

Series Premiere

2003-11-30T05:00:00Z

1x01 New Arrivals

Series Premiere

1x01 New Arrivals

  • 2003-11-30T05:00:00Z30m

A group of new artists from all over the world arrive at the international headquarters of Cirque du Soleil in Montreal. The adventure begins with the creation of the new show.

1x02 Behind Closed Studio Doors

  • 2003-12-07T05:00:00Z30m

The character's stories begin to unfold as the focus turns to their personal lives. One artist is already on his way back home...does he plan on returning to Cirque du Soleil?

Within the creation process of Varekai, artists prepare the first presentation of their acts to Guy Laliberte, President and CEO, Founder of Cirque du Soleil but who is also, more importantly, the Creative Guide for the show. Today, the triple trapeze act is the unfortunate focus of Guy's attention.

2003-12-24T05:00:00Z

1x04 Shooting Stars

1x04 Shooting Stars

  • 2003-12-24T05:00:00Z30m

is officially time for the artists to join Cirque du Soleil and the initiation into the Cirque family begins. Questions are raised as certain artists review the terms of their contracts. The name of the new show is finally chosen.

2003-12-28T05:00:00Z

1x05 Christmas

1x05 Christmas

  • 2003-12-28T05:00:00Z30m

The holiday season brings a more intimate look into the characters as they reflect on their lives and relationships outside Cirque du Soleil.

2004-01-04T05:00:00Z

1x06 New Blood

1x06 New Blood

  • 2004-01-04T05:00:00Z30m

For the first time, the entire cast is assembled together. Rehearsals begin and the artists endure their second presentation to Guy. Can the triple trapeze shape up to Guy's expectations?

2004-01-11T05:00:00Z

1x07 Pushing Acrobats

1x07 Pushing Acrobats

  • 2004-01-11T05:00:00Z30m

All the characters feel the pressure and intensity of the approaching world premiere. Insecurities are revealed as they push themselves to meet individual expectations.

2004-01-18T05:00:00Z

1x08 Moving On

1x08 Moving On

  • 2004-01-18T05:00:00Z30m

Rehearsals progress and the Grand Chapiteau is mounted. Make-up is designed, costumes fitted, and the show's visual identity has evolved.

2004-01-25T05:00:00Z

1x09 The Grand Chapiteau

1x09 The Grand Chapiteau

  • 2004-01-25T05:00:00Z30m

The first rehearsal under the new blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau takes place. An emotional upset occurs as two of the artists deal with a harsh blow. Back at Cirque du Soleil, it is time to present the new show to the press.

2004-02-01T05:00:00Z

1x10 The Lion's Den

1x10 The Lion's Den

  • 2004-02-01T05:00:00Z30m

The artists will perform Varekai for the first time in front of an audience consisting of Guy and a select audience of 500. This event is called the "Lion's Den." Tensions are high as the artists feel the pressure to perform at optimum level. Will all the artists continue onwards to the premiere?

2004-02-08T05:00:00Z

1x11 Countdown to Premiere

1x11 Countdown to Premiere

  • 2004-02-08T05:00:00Z30m

As tensions mount even higher, the final details are tended to. Guy and Dominic Champagne, Director of Varekai, try to calm the artists' nerves as the world premiere approaches. The last dress rehearsal is performed.

2004-02-15T05:00:00Z

1x12 Opening Night

1x12 Opening Night

  • 2004-02-15T05:00:00Z30m

An episode devoted entirely to the dynamic, colorful evening of the world premiere of Varekai.

Season Finale

2004-02-22T05:00:00Z

1x13 The Aftermath & Departure

Season Finale

1x13 The Aftermath & Departure

  • 2004-02-22T05:00:00Z30m

Following the premiere, a series of dramatic adjustments to the show and to the artists' lives as one process ends, and another begins. The artists now prepare for three years of touring. A new world opens that holds as much discovery, difficulty, and excitement as the one they are leaving.

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