Canadian-born Guy Laliberte had been fascinated by circus performers since childhood. After he finished school, he went on to become a street performer in Quebec City. There he encountered other buskers with amazing talents such as fire breathing, juggling, and dancing. Guy envisioned a circus that incorporated these rare and often bizarre human feats. In 1984, he turned it into a reality known as Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun).
Today, Cirque is a cultural phenomenon and a worldwide sensation worth billions. Presently, there are 22 unique shows being performed simultaneously around the world, and more than 100 million spectators have attended a Cirque Du Soleil performance.
The troop’s latest creation, “Totem: The Odyssey of the Human Species,” is based on evolution and is currently at the Marine Industrial Park on Boston’s waterfront. Scenes from the show alternate between primitive and modern themes, often with the two mixed together.
Featured characters range from Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, primates and 21st century men in suits. The performers are physically dedicated to their roles. Their bodies are ultra-toned and the flexibility and strength they exhibit is almost inhuman.
In one scene, a trapeze duo performs a courting skit while suspended (without safety harnesses) over the main stage. At one point, the male and female characters are connected only by their intertwined ankles—he attached by the other foot to the trapeze bar and she hanging precariously upside down. The whole act is done so effortlessly that it seems quite natural. That is until you snap back to reality and remember that you are not dreaming.
To say that Cirque du Soleil is a spectacle is an understatement. It is an emotional, physical, and psychological evocation. The creators expertly blend the performers who represent 50 nationalities and speak 25 different languages. Many scenes involve artists who have no common language, but the audience would never know. The show is carefully choreographed to include characters who seem to be bystanders in scenes. When you least expect it, they morph into the main event. A prime example is that of the character of Charles Darwin. He finds his way into every scene wandering around in the background. Then suddenly he appears center-stage inside a giant beaker with eight to 10 light-blinking colored balls that he manages to keep rotating around and around the vessel at lightning speeds. All the performances in the show are enhanced by a live band that blends seamlessly into the background. Their music is created from traditional instruments and from props used during the show. One such tune is a combination of guitars, test-tubes, and sticks.
“Totem” is featured in Boston through Aug. 5. There are several levels of ticketing availabl. Tickets and more information can be found at cirquedusoleil.com or by calling 1-866-624-7783.
