Last week IDOL went to see Totem, Cirque Du Soleil’s new production from Robert Lepage’s at the Royal Albert Hall. A celebration of evolution, the show traces the journey of the human species, from amphibian to man through an assortment of mind-boggling acts with trapeze, unicycles and manipulation to name but a few.
The show starts with a gloriously glittering figure descending down on to the stage, acting as the life source to performers below. Stretching out from a foetal position as the pounding music gathers pace. The amphibians burst out of the carapace on centre stage and launch themselves in air from bar to bar. Odd yelps of glee from the audience ensued and the other acts followed, with devil sticks, trapeze, antipodism and hoop dancing. Having practically downed a glass of wine during the intermission, the show became more perplexing and a feeling of enchantment overtook. I found myself watching gormlessly as oriental unicyclists balance on one leg and flip bowls on to each other with their second leg. All I kept thinking was, 'I wish I could do that'. I literally found myself gasping – out loud – at the perches act, acrobats climb and spin atop a long pole resting on the shoulder of a man below –as confusing to explain, as it looks. The acts appear so self-assured, you feel bizarrely calm, and believe that nothing will go wrong.
And luckily it didn’t. The show ended just as it began, with the glistening creature descending again and bowing to the dazed and amazed audience.
IDOL heavily recommends. Cirque Du Soleil should be experienced.
Cirque Du Soleil: Totem runs until 17 February at the Royal Albert Hall, so check it out fast.
For more information visit: www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/cirque-du-soleil/default.aspx
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