11:11:52 ... In this moment imbued with simplicity and poetry, an artist uses only his fingers to tell a story that is filmed and projected in real time on a hot-air balloon that serves as a screen. The finale of the tiny characters’ adventure unfolds in the audience!

The tempo slows following the energetic Acro Net performance with a scene denoted as “Hands Continent”. The mechanical hand seen earlier returns accompanied by a hot-air balloon reminiscent of The Cloud from Varekai. The hot-air balloon used in this scene is made of fabric and has a built-in blower system. The gondola is made of metal and tulle.

It serves as a projection screen 4.3-meters in diameter, which Nico the Accordion Man uses to show us his fantastic finger puppetry. Using his fingers as the puppets legs for walking, Nico takes us along a smaller-scale (literally and figuratively) journey of friendship and success. Our small puppet companion begins to travel, meeting a partner along the way. The two travel together, overcoming small obstacles, reminiscent of the first half of the show.

As the puppet show progresses, our “two-legged” protagonist portrays another type of journey, presumably held very close to the hearts of all Cirque du Soleil performers – a journey from humble beginnings within their respective specialist (in this case, dance), through trials, and resulting in a coveted role in a circus show. From then on, the puppet act extends into the audience via a small hot-air balloon carrying our protagonist. The camera, now hand-held, leads the balloon into the audience, where our puppet friend settles into a relaxing life in a beach setting – atop the (un?)fortunate head of a probably-balding audience member. Complete with beach towel, umbrella, and his long-traveled companion, arm-in-arm, our small character interacts with the audience in what very much resembles something you would expect from Blue Man Group - quirky, and successfully breaking the 4th wall in a way only a stage show can.