REVIEW – ‘TOTEM’ by CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
If you have been following our social media posts this week you will KNOW how much we LOVED the new CIRQUE DU SOLEIL opening night production of TOTEM on Tuesday night! Premiering at the Entertainment Quarter at Sydney’s Moore Park, the event was both star-studded and spectacular with seemlessly stunning performances!
Guests included: Guy Sebastian, Jamie Durie, Manu Feildel, Claudia Karvan, Rob Mills, and many more Sydney celebs!
There are simply not enough adjectives to describe the level of brilliance of this show!
Over the course of the past few years I have slowly become a complete Cirque ‘junkie’, witnessing incredible feats of human skill and physical wizadry across several productions. This show ties so many of my favourite Cirque Du Soleil characteristic elements all in to one smashing show that has the audience enthralled from the very first moment. From the physical comedy, audience teasing, sensational acts and incredible vocals to the stunning costumes, original soundtrack and sets, the production is thrilling on all scores.
TOTEM is a fascintating journey into the evolution of mankind as symbolised through various acts throughout the production. On an island-shaped set evoking the shape of a giant turtle, TOTEM traces mankind’s incredible journey – from our original amphibian state to our ultimate quest for flight. Along the way it also explores our dreams and infinite potential and hte ties that bind us to both our collective animal origins and to the species that share the planet.
Just when you think each act can not possibly get any more intricate, difficult or stunning, IT DOES!
The opening aerial act is both skilled and executed in one of the the most spectacular Cirque costumes I think I have ever seen. With over 4,000 small mirrors sewn onto his unitard, the aerialist represents the celestial beginnings and connections to our earthly journey. A fabulous amphibian-esque display follows with gymnasts enthralling the audience with incredible feats of unison and gravity defying stunts.
Without giving too much away about the production, some of my favourite moments came in the Chinese female unicyclists’ act. These ladies’ ability to not only cycle so effortlessly but to throw and catch metal bowls on their heads – yes WHILE cycling – were astounding! Another favourite was the extraordinary American-Indian roller skating duo atop a large drum whose speed and skill had the audience drawing breath in deep astonishment. So many moments of brilliance it is hard to describe – you will just have to get along and see it for yourself!
TOTEM is completely family friendly and promises to thrill all ages. Featuring a cast of 46 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers, TOTEM is an uplifting array of athleticism, comedy, heartfelt emotions and surprising visual effects. If opening night is any indication, this show is sure to have a standing ovation after every performance!
TOTEM is currently performing for a limited engagement at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park in Sydney, before visting Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. For complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – TOTEM – 2014/2015 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Sydney – Showing now at the Entertianment Quarter, Moore Park
Melbourne – From January 21, 2015, Flemington Racecourse
Brisbane – From April 10, 2015, Northshore Hamilton
Adelaide – From June 11 2015, The Plateau in Tampawardii
Perth – From July 31 2015, Belmont Racecourse
CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL TOTEM SHOW TRAILER – CLICK HERE
ALL PHOTOS BY Matt Beard, Costumes Kym Barrett, 2014 Cirque du Soleil
