This article is classified "Real"
One thing a hitchhiker just has to see when the tour brings it around to
his/her vicinity [1] is the Cirque du Soleil. This is something you are
sure to have never seen before elsewhere. After the show you always hear
the crowd whisper in awe: "unbelievable!"
Well, what is this Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun) then? Is it
comparable to the conventional circus you went to with your parents when
you were six, with an arena of sand, trained animals and their odour,
glittery suits abound, and clowns with red noses? Only slightly. Before I
explain, first a little history. Back in 1984, in Quebec, Canada, a bunch
of street artists decided to get together and have a festival. This turned
out to be so successful that they decided to stay together under one big
top. Because their circus didn't have any roots, they decided to think them
up themselves. They consequently succeeded in reinventing the circus. The
artists, the "building blocks" of it all, are dedicated to breaking down old
ideas and preconceptions and creating an extraterrestrial world (and they
succeed!) This circus of the future eventually became a combination of
street performance and theater, with homages to more conventional circus.
The show I went to, Saltimbanco, showed me that Cirque du Soleil offers
a fusion of traditional circus acts [2] with a light show, original rock
music, singing, dancing, and acting. Every act is performed by some of
the in-house troupe of surrealistically dressed "circus creatures" in
a specially designed set. Several other members of the troupe, which
effectively is the heart of the show, hang around during the acts to take
care of the requisites. At the same time they amuse the audience by
dancing, acting, and general clowning around (although not in the
traditional sense [3]). Meanwhile, a good beat or a sensitive song [4]
is played, and multiple coloured lights are directed towards the scene.
The acts themselves, involving for instance tight rope walkers, jugglers,
snake people, strong men, and aerial artists, have been perfected and
have been given a new dimension in such a way that your jaw actually drops.
There is also a very special audience participation, that I won't reveal
just now: it is something to experience. There was a remarkable intimacy
between the performers and the audience.
To catch the feeling of the show I visited, it reminded me in some aspects
of the grand opening of the Winter Olympics in France a few years ago.
Alien circus acts as described in SF novels also have a similar atmosphere
to them.
Cirque du Soleil at first glance doesn't seem to be cheap, but after having
been there you will agree with me that it was well worth it. Remember,
though, to order your tickets well in advance, because the show is
absolutely sure to sell out. It is truly the next generation of circus.
If you want to read more about them, the circus has its own web site at
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/. Currently they are touring the world with
different shows: Quidam (North America, 1996-1998)
Alegria (Asia 1996)
Saltimbanco (Europe, 1996)
Mystere is the show stationed in Las Vegas, USA, where another show will
also find its home. Berlin will in several years also have a residence of
Cirque du Soleil.
[1] It is definitely worth a day's travel.
[2] like acrobatics, juggling, etc., but without the animals
[3] I haven't seen a red nose anywhere.
[4] Don't try to understand the lyrics: you won't succeed.