Not your daddy's circus
By Kris Howell |
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There are millions of great ideas floating around in conversations at the bar, eating away at artists in their studios, and percolating deep within the average park stroller's mind, but luckily, there are people out there who commit their lives to seeing these ideas through: these are the Cirque du Soleil performers. Thankfully, we common folk can sit comfortably in our chairs and live vicariously through them.
When you burrow into that seat at Nationwide Arena this month, you'll see things that will make you question your chosen path in life. You'll see men and women flying through the air in a bungee cord ballet, you'll see them hurled from a Russian Swing. Think summertime: you're eight years old and certain that you can jump off the swing into the top of that tree. You couldn't. They do. You'll see jugglers creating midair pictures in a blinding display of speed and concentration. All of this and far more, framed in a lavishly crafted fantasy that is simultaneously recognizable and more fanatically peculiar than your most warped fever dreams.
Two things you might not know about Cirque Du Soleil:
1. They are not from France
2. They might not be mere humans
Cirque du Soleil performers hail from more than 40 different countries, and speak 25 different languages, but the company originated 25 years ago in a small town outside Quebec. Cirque du Soleil, or Circus of the Sun, was originally founded by a small band of street performers who, among other feats, walked nearly 60 miles on stilts in order to garner enough attention to receive funding from the Canadian government. If that seems superhuman, consider what it takes to put on a show like Saltimbanco, the upcoming performance in August.
Photos courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
I caught up with the artistic director for Saltimbanco in between performances for a quick interview. Michael Ocampo has been with the company since 1993 - first as a performer, then as a coach, and now as the go-to man both for performers and curious civilians at large. He said that everything used in the show is created in-house.
"Every performer is sent to Montreal to have their measurements taken," Ocampo asserted. "Every costume is individually handmade for each person."
This is impressive in itself, but take into consideration that one costume requires 2,000 sequins to be hand-glued, and it's obvious that the presentation of Saltimbanco is only a small part of the story.
"Every element of the performance is designed by specialists in their field," he continued. "The light show, the live music - and every performer receives rigorous dance, voice, and drama training."
Many of the 19 different shows Cirque du Soleil will present this year have specific stories, but Ocampo said that Saltimbanco is a departure from most presentations. "Saltimbanco is taken from an Italian phrase which means 'to jump on a bench,' like a street performer," Ocampo said. "The show is a general investigation into city life, but it's open to interpretation."
Unlike traditional circuses, there are no animals in any of the Cirque du Soleil shows.
"Saltimbanco has more traditional acts that are presented in a non-traditional way; it's more theatrical," he went on. "Each individual troupe has room to improvise on stage, to develop their own character as the show progresses."
Beyond the absolutely superhuman capabilities of these performers - whose performances include feats of gymnastic prowess such as climbing up vertical poles, backwards, using only their hands, and quickly - Cirque du Soleil stands out among other entertainers for their ability to break down the barriers between performer and audience, to lure you into their world while simultaneously commenting on yours.
Saltimbanco will be performed at Nationwide Arena from August 12 through August 23. Tickets are on sale now at www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Originally Published: August 1, 2009
