For two hours, prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer talent of a group of artists that consistently defy natural laws. Cirque Du Soleil‘s infamous acrobatic troupe recently made it’s arrival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a four-week run in a show that traces the evolution of mankind. Totem seeks to explore the various facets of evolution, including those proposed ties between humans and other species, through scientific principles and urban legends.
As is characteristic of the company that merges circus arts and street entertainment, a series of jaw-dropping acts are woven together through a loose story line and set to live, emotionally-driven music. Totem opens with a colorful, dimly lit, fog-laden stage, much of which is covered by a turtle shell. The turtle, according to Cirque Du Soleil, represents the earth’s origins in many ancient civilizations, and thus becomes the point (totem) from which the artists emerge and retreat.
Staying true to the theme of the show, each act seeks to depict the progression of the human species through movement. The captivating first act is colorful and energetic and features the artists dressed as amphibians and fish leaping, swinging, and flying in precise, organized chaos.
While I always find myself speechless during the trampoline act, it was during the “Perches” act that I caught my breath a number of times. A team of ten “businessmen” work together as the acrobats climb higher and higher on flexible metal “perches” held by the porters below. Did I mention these men are balancing the metal poles on their shoulders and on their heads? Such a complex act requires precision, strength, flexibility, and trust.
Another act that will have audiences on their feet is “Unicycles and Bowls,” which features five women on unicycles balancing and tossing metal bowls…to each other…with their legs…caught on their heads! Despite the complexity of such an act, the artists’ performance was synchronized, controlled, and graceful…seemingly effortless.
Each Cirque performance features a recognizable structure, which includes a set of “circus” acts set to live, performed music. In between acts, audiences are entertained and amused by “the clown.” (In Totem, there are two, a sad fisherman and an Italian tourist). Totem features a more robust cast than many of Cirque’s other shows, most noteworthy being Crystal Man, who opens and closes the show and Amerindian dancer who traces the evolution of the species. The Amerindian dancer performs two acts, one of which is a seemingly effortless narrative dance in which he uses hoops to create shapes and patterns symbolizing the circle of life.
Also unique to Totem is the use of projection technologies on-stage, which depict swamps, lakes, volcanoes and various natural environments. These dynamic images appear to be in sync with the artists movements and add depth and dimension to the set and scenes.
Every aspect of Totem is cohesive, from the costumes and set to the music and acts. The show celebrates and elicits an appreciation for the natural environment while exploring man’s ancient origins.
Cirque Du Soleil’s Totem is currently touring the country. You can see it in Del Mar, California through May 27th. In June the show will move to Boston and Washington, DC in August. If you live in the San Diego area, you can receive two tickets to Totem when you present $300 in receipts from at least two stores (excluding department stores) at Westfield Horton Plaza. For additional information, visit their Facebook Page. Additionally, when you join Cirque Club, you’ll receive access to exclusive advance ticket sales, the latest Cirque news, and downloadable content.
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to preview the show and media tickets were provided.
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