By Dominique Viney
I invite you to embark on a journey that will transform the power of your imagination and allow you to embrace an exciting experience of endless curiosity. The renowned circus company returns with a collection of remarkable, breathtaking acts performed by a collection of otherworldly characters. This mixed bag of circus all sorts contains international thrill-seeking creatives including one.
3-foot 3 Australian pocket size marvel who is one of the smallest people in the world!
Cirque Du Soleil stages their 35th creation KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities under Moore Park’s big top where this kind of spectacle belongs. Written and directed by Michel Laprise whose unparalleled creation has continued Cirque’s reputation of defying predictability. Opening night invited the guests and Sydney’s elite celebrities and television personalities to roll up in style and poise. Eccentric robotic characters interacted with the audience as they took their seats facing the giant clock appearing as 11.11 creating a mesmerising central focal point. VIP patrons entered via a suspension bridge over the stage. They seemed to enjoy this unique experience to their seats, however, the deconstruction of the bridge by the stage crew contributed to the show’s tardiness commencing twenty minutes late.
Kurios introduces us to the Seeker whose curio-cabinet opens up our minds to access a world of wonders. We witnessed sheer exhilaration by mind boggling contortionists, trampolinists, illusionists, perfectly synchronised acrobats, an impressive aerial bicyclist, a flawless juggler and a master of time twirling his two yo-yo’s at incredible speed. A crowd favourite was the fearless Rola Bola challenging our perception to how many apparatuses one can stand on to achieve extraordinary balance. Whilst these astounding acts received praise and amazement from each point of the tent, the less dynamic performances such as the ringmaster’s poetic transformation between animal and human using visual demonstration and sound effects, didn’t result in the audience being as strongly responsive.
The exceptional work behind the scenes must also receive credit where credit is due. Kurios has proved to be one of Cirque’s largest scale shows with 426 props contributing to a world on the stage where possibilities really are endless. The costumes that complimented these courageous acts were electrifyingly attention grabbing. Complimenting the overarching theme of curiosity, the wardrobe throughout the show exemplified the creative beauty inside this parallel universe. I’d personally love to have one of the trampolinist’s sea creature inspired costumes in my size for the next aquatic themed extravaganza!
I encourage everyone with a hint of curiosity to summon their inquisitive other on a runaway rendezvous to the circus. Massage your cheeks because you are in for a jaw dropping, ear to ear smiling, eye popping expedition. Give yourself permission to ‘open your minds and unlock the door to a world of wonders’.
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All opinions and thoughts expressed within reviews on Theatre Travels are those of the writer and not of the company at large.