Varekai 太陽劇團：魔幻森林‏

The circus is coming to town, but don't expect to see lions, elephants, or traditional trapeze1 artists. Instead, prepare yourself for a performance like no other. Cirque du Soleil, the internationally famous circus that combines culture, music, and acrobatics2 into a story, is bringing "Varekai" to Taiwan. From the end of January to the beginning of March, "Varekai" will take viewers into an extraordinary world filled with fantasy and adventure. 　 馬戲團就要進城表演了，不過您可別期待能看到獅子、大象或是傳統的空中飛人。您反而要準備好觀賞一場無與倫比的精彩演出。揚名國際的太陽劇團將文化、音樂及雜技表演融合成一篇故事，為台灣觀眾帶來《魔幻森林》這部作品。從一月底到三月初，《魔幻森林》將引領觀眾進入一個充滿幻想與冒險的奇幻世界。 　　The story centers around the journey of a young man who is parachuted3 into a magical forest filled with fantastical4 creatures. Despite being wounded, Icarus struggles to overcome his fears in this unknown world and is reborn. He is guided by The Betrothed, an exotic creature that attracts him with her beauty, and The Guide, a wise old man trying to bring about change. 整篇故事圍繞在一個年輕人的旅程，他從空中墜入了一座充滿各式各樣奇異生物的魔幻森林。儘管自己身負重傷，伊卡魯斯仍努力克服身處這個未知世界所帶來的恐懼，並且還獲得重生。旅程中，碧崔兒蒂這隻以自身美麗吸引著伊卡魯斯的奇異生物，以及領路者這位不斷嘗試帶來改變的睿智長者都紛紛指引著他。 　　In this world called "Varekai," which means "wherever" in the language of the gypsies5, anything is possible. For those with nomadic6 souls, all paths lead to "Varekai" because this production7 pays tribute to that spirit. Cirque du Soleil mixes drama, acrobatics, and original music to guide you on your own quest to "Varekai." Varekai在吉普賽人的語言裡代表『無處不在』，而在這座稱為Varekai的《魔幻森林》世界裡，任何事都是有可能發生的。對那些有著游牧精神的人們而言，所有道路都通往《魔幻森林》，因為這部作品正是要對那種無處不在的精神致敬。太陽劇團揉合了戲劇、雜技表演及原創音樂，要帶領您追尋屬於您自己的《魔幻森林》。 Building Your Vocabulary   1. extraordinary　a. 非凡的，特別的 As soon as the actress entered, her extraordinary beauty caught everyone's attention. 這位女演員一進場，所有人都被她的傾城之美給吸引住了。 2. fantasy　n. 幻想 After reading so many fairy tales, the kid couldn't tell the difference between fantasy and reality. 這個小孩讀了太多童話故事，因此分不清幻想與現實的差別。 3. exotic　a. 奇特的；異國風情的 The most exotic place I have ever visited was Bali. 峇里島是我去過最充滿異國情調的地方。 4. original　a. 獨創的；新穎的 Compared to those from Hollywood, independent films have more original storylines. 相較於好萊塢影片，獨立電影的情節較具獨創性。 Phrases for Learning   1. struggle to + 原形動詞　　努力∕拚命…… Carla struggled to raise three kids on her own. 卡拉獨自努力扶養三個孩子。 2. bring about...　　帶來∕導致…… The heavy rains brought about a severe flood. 一連串的豪雨導致了嚴重的水災。 3. lead to/into + 地方　　通往∕進入某地 This hallway leads to the emergency exit. 這條長廊通往緊急逃生門。 4. pay tribute to...　　對……致意；向……表示讚揚 The manager paid tribute to his employees for all their hard work. 經理對員工們的辛勤工作表示讚揚。 Extra Words   1. trapeze　n. 空中鞦韆（本文中作形容詞用） 2. acrobatics　n. 雜技表演 3. parachute　vt.（用降落傘）空投（多用被動態） 4. fantastical　a. 奇異的 5. gypsy　n. 吉普賽人 6. nomadic　a. 游牧的；遊移的 7. production　n.（戲劇、電影等的）作品 Tips In Use   ...because this production pays tribute to that spirit. （……因為這部作品正是要對那種無處不在的精神致敬。） 　　"pay + 名詞 + to..."表『向……表達∕給予……』，除本文的"pay tribute to..."之外，尚有下列類似用法： 1. pay homage to... 向……致敬 2. pay respects to... 向……表達敬意 3. pay attention to... 注意∕關心…… 4. pay lip service to... 空口說…… 5. pay a call/visit to... 拜訪…… 6. pay a compliment to... 讚許…… I plan to pay a visit to the Flora Expo. （我打算去參觀花博。） Some people only pay lip service to gender equality. （某些人主張兩性平等都只是空口說白話而已。）