The Gen XY Lifestyle
Cirque du Soleil TOTEM Review
Tracing the fascinating journey of the human species, Cirque du Soleil TOTEM presents a combination of sensational visual effects, comical circus acts and gripping acrobatic feats.
When it comes to theatrical shows that you do not want to miss, Cirque du Soleil TOTEM is definitely top on the list. Taking place under its signature Big Top, the highly anticipated show takes the international audience by storm with its dazzling display of costumes and lights, accompanied by a digital stage and phenomenal live band. There’s little wonder why the Quebec based company draws quite a crowd wherever it goes.
TOTEM features a visual environment centred around the organic world; and opens with a large turtle shell taking the main stage to represent the origins of life on Earth. Watch as the giant turtle shell morph into a skeletal substructure, unveiling a community of “amphibian-like” acrobats. Be blown away by the creatures’ fluid frog-like movements as they leap from one bar to another and launch themselves mid-air with a series of playful acrobatic jumps.
As the skeletal structure slowly whisks away, a solo Amerindian hoop dancer makes his entrance with a narrative dance, executing swift movements through a bunch of tiny hoops to create images and shapes of various animals.
One thing to applaud about Cirque du Soleil would be its special visual effects. The stage seamlessly transforms from one environment to another with the help of magical moving images projected on the surface. The next act sees the stage turning into a beach, with two topless “Beach Boys” competing against each other on rings suspended in the air. A lady with a stunningly muscular physique steals the limelight with her entrance and shows the boys how it’s done through her skilfully executed movements. Accompanied by Bollywood-inspired music, the Rings Trio act depicts a modern day twist of the mating game.
One of the main highlights of the show would have to be the five talented ladies balancing on unicycles with metal bowls atop their heads. Be kept on the edge of your seat when you watch the graceful unicyclists display a mix of agility and synchronised control as they effortlessly toss bowls with their feet and catch them with their heads.
Another highlight of the show centres around a couple decked in bright yellow, perched precariously on a trapeze in a story of youthful flirtation. Watch as the duo playfully intertwine their bodies and execute a series of riveting lifts that will leave the audience captivated from start to end.
The act that would leave you with your heart in your mouth is the Red African couple on roller skates. Donned in beautiful white costumes, the scene illustrates a wedding ceremony with the couple spinning and whirling at godlike speeds atop a tiny platform with nothing but a neck brace. What’s beautiful about this act is that you can almost feel the strong connection between the two as they engage in a graceful exchange of trust.
The show ends off with a bang with a Russian Bar act that illustrates the human desire to fly. Watch as a troupe of artists donned in luminous South American-inspired costumes launch into the air and fly weightlessly from one bar to the next with sheer agility and precision.
TOTEM also fits in some circus acts and narratives in between its acrobatic performances for a bit of comic relief. While these may disrupt the general flow of the storyline, they do serve as breathers and TOTEM still manages to throw the audience off their seats with the perfectly executed acrobatic feats presented in every act. Together with its array of brilliantly designed costumes, stunning visuals and thoughtful soundtracks, Cirque du Soleil TOTEM is in all, a definite must-see.
Cirque du Soleil TOTEM is showing in Singapore from now until 6 December 2015 under the Big Top at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets are starting from SGD 98 onwards and are available for purchase at SISTIC.
