Adam Savage's Mind Blown by This Show's Rigging

Adam Savage visits the set of Cirque du Soleil's 'Echo' to understand the complex safety systems behind their aerial performances. He interviews Mitch, the head rigger, who explains that all rigging supporting live performers uses a 10:1 safety factor - double the typical industry standard of 4:1 or 5:1. The show uses synthetic lines instead of steel cables for weight savings during frequent touring, though these materials present unique challenges as they expand and contract with humidity and temperature changes. The crew performs daily measurements of every rope from reference points, sometimes finding two-inch differences in length due to 30% humidity changes. The tent structure itself moves and breathes with weather conditions, requiring constant adjustments. Mitch describes how new performers are gradually integrated into the complex systems, starting with basic movements before progressing to full performances. The performers wear communication devices to hear stage manager calls during acts for safety coordination. Mitch shares his personal journey from seeing Cirque du Soleil at age 14 to making it his life goal to work for the company. He emphasizes the multi-departmental trust system that allows performers to take creative risks safely, knowing all technical aspects are professionally managed. The conversation reveals how Cirque du Soleil's institutional knowledge sharing between multiple head riggers across different shows enables continuous innovation in seemingly impossible aerial performances.