My three and a half year-old niece Cheska clung closely to her mom as we sat in pitch darkness inside this enormous tent. "I'm scared", was all she could mutter. In her young mind perhaps, she was thinking about creepy, crawly creatures that will suddenly come out once the lights were turned on. This after all was a show about insects, or as Cirque du Soleil puts it - "an immersion into the teeming and energetic world of insects". When the lights did turn on and the larger-than-life characters came onstage, she was smiling and clapping, sitting contentedly on her booster seat next to her mom. Welcome to the world of Ovo.
Ever since I saw my first Cirque du Soleil show ("Mystère") in Las Vegas several years ago, I have been a fan. Succeeding visits to Sin City allowed us to watch "O", "Ka" and their collaborative work with Celine Dion in "A New Day". There are other shows I have yet to see but I don't think I'll be traveling to Las Vegas soon. I'm just glad Cirque du Soleil is able to bring touring shows to New York - the latest being "Ovo". Since my sister from LA is in town with her young daughter, I thought of bringing them to see the show (now playing until June 6 next month in New York's Randall Island before moving on to Hartford, Boston, Washington DC, and Atlanta).
Like its resident shows in Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil's latest offering follows a central theme. Ovo, translated from Portuguese, means "egg" which is the very core of this journey into a forest floor teeming with entymological colors. We are therefore brought into the life of bugs, crickets, ants, fleas, worms, spiders. Or creepy, crawly creatures that we humans would rather not think about. As the insects deal with daily struggles to live, they find themselves in the midst of this one strange egg. What this egg suggests as it weaves in and out during the entire 2-hour program is a joyful validation of their cyclical existence.
What's remarkable (as with all Cirque du Soleil shows) is that NO LIVE ANIMAL is ever used, something which makes the production really all about human skill and artistry. The flawless acrobatics - representing various insects playing, working, eating, fighting or even searching for mates - present itself with astonishing vitality and fluidity of motion. And when you add hypnotic live music, vibrant costumes, nifty lighting and impressive sets, they all help create a very memorable entertainment for all ages. Even my young niece is smiling, her little hands clapping. Another Cirque du Soleil show really worth watching.
looks awesome! do you have any more pictures from this event? i love colorful theatrics like this.. haven't ever seen circque de soleil yet but would love to. though, i can understand why it would be scary to a child.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen it either. I'm not into these things :(
ReplyDeleteI watched this in Dubai last year. Fantastic show. I had very few decent photos though taken during the show, phototaking not allowed. =( The tent set up was very similar.
ReplyDeletei love the outdoors but ironically, i hate bugs lol. but i will definitely enjoy this show. :)
ReplyDeletewow, napanood mo na ang KA?
ReplyDeleteamazing KA talaga,dennis! =)
i dream of watching cirque du soleil's KA in vegas (namili pa ng venue, haha!) correct me if i'm wrong, but KA has oriental appeal, right? i really admire their spectacular world class acts!
I've always wanted to see a Cirque du Soleil performance. But even as a dollar earner in Canada, it was still pricey. Now that I'm back in the Philippines, I'm thinking I should have spent the money. Good for you Nomadic Pinoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Floreta,
ReplyDeleteLike all shows, strict "no photography" was enforced once the show started so I only managed to take photos prior. You should see at least one Cirque du Soleil show.
Hi Photo Cache,
I actually had the same thoughts when I heard initially that they're a "circus act" but boy, they do go beyond that.
Hi Witsandnuts,
Wasn't the finale with the trampoline just spectacular? For sure Dubai will see more touring Cirque shows.
Hi Lawstude,
Hahaha! These Cirque bugs were definitely a joy to see performing onstage.
Hi Docgelo,
In a way "Ka" has oriental appeal because some of its acts involve martial arts. It's still on @ MGM in Las Vegas.
Hi Lonerider,
Talking about ticket price, I'm glad I got discount coupons so it wasn't as expensive as the shows in Las Vegas (a hundred bucks+, ouch!).
Spectacular show! Would definitely watch this someday, if it permits me. hihi
ReplyDeleteKainggit! Ü
really great shots dens. but i like the idea of not using animals as people are good enough to entertain the people.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I just saw the trailer and was utterly fascinated! I should get the chance to see one of their shows, as I haven't seen any!
ReplyDeleteYap I know that once I'm there (pag may nakapilit) I would enjoy it. Mahilig ako sa colorful stuff eh.
ReplyDeleteI saw Cirque de Soleil in macau. It was mesmerizing :D
ReplyDeletethat looks interesting! reminds me of the movie the vampire's assistant!
ReplyDelete