Susan Granger’s review of “Totem” (Cirque du Soliel – 2013)
Canada’s Cirque du Soliel has set up its trademark blue-and-yellow tents, celebrating the sensuality of spring, at Citi Field (Lot C), where its spectacular new production will dazzle audiences through May 12, 2013.
Conceived and staged by theater/opera director Robert Lepage, “Totem” traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Inspired by an international variety of myths illustrates, though a visual and gymnastic language, the evolutionary progress of mankind. The show begins as a sparkling Crystal Man descends from above, as an unfolding disco ball, launching various creatures on their journey as they venture out into the primordial ooze from the skeleton of a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.
Seamlessly transitioning from science to mythology, 11 acrobatic acts perform in an ever-changing environment. Through the magic of virtual images from various parts of the world, the tilting set becomes a swamp, a river, a marsh, a lake, an ocean, a volcanic island, a pond and a starry sky. It’s an ingenious, aquatic concept, combining the titular totems, Darwin’s theories, Gnosticism and other creation stories, augmented by lively music – incorporating various percussion instruments, flutes and a didgeridoo – along with dazzling, eye-catching, exotic costumes.
Highlights of the awesome 2½ hour show include five young women pedaling unicycles who toss-and-catch silver bowls perched on their heads, a captivating trapeze seduction, intrepid balance-beam artists, high-flying acrobatics and death-defying spins on roller skates.
There’s a thematic connection with the circle of life, utilizing symbolic hoops and rings. As always, the somewhat amusing clowns, often venturing into the audience and teasing various patrons, punctuate the production, including an Italian ‘tourist’ and a ‘scientist’ who whirls illuminated ‘atoms’ inside a giant glass container.
“Totem” is an astonishing extravaganza of acrobatic anthropology – perfect for family, friends and foreign visitors, since knowledge of the English language is completely unnecessary.
For the complete New York schedule and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem.