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| Target (Ardee Dionisio) Photo: Matt Beard |
AIS Arena, Canberra, until 20th December, 2015
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
One of
Cirque du Soleil’s earliest shows, “Quidam” premiered in Quebec in April 1996.
After nearly 20 years touring the world, it commenced its final Australian tour
in the AIS stadium in Canberra on 10th December 2015. Following
seasons in Wollongong, Hobart and Newcastle, it will move to New Zealand where
it will have its final performance in Christchurch on February 26th,
2016.
One would
think that after almost 20 years touring, “Quidam” would be a bit frayed around
the edges. However, it’s as shiny as a new pin, and even in arena format,
“Quidam” remains an astonishing spectacle.
Written and
directed by Franco Dragone, “Quidam” contains all the hallmarks of the
ground-breaking Cirque du Soleil style which, with its merging of theatre with
circus performance, changed modern circus forever.
A huge cast,
stunning acrobatics, brilliant costumes, superb lighting, breath-taking staging
and meticulous presentation are all on display as the show follows the
adventures of Zoe, a little girl who, ignored by her parents, dreams up a
whimsical world peopled by surreal characters including a headless man who carries
an umbrella, a strange ringmaster called John, a graceful sprite called Target,
and a mysterious Frankenstein-like creature called Boum-Boum.
In this
world urchin-like characters continually appear and disappear, while highly
skilled acrobats perform astonishing feats either on the huge revolving stage,
or high above the heads of the audience, to a thrilling score performed by a
superb live band and singers.
Among the
brilliantly performed specialty acts, the incredible strength of the statues, Natalia
Pestova and Alexander Pestov, the grace and flexibility of Julie Cameron
performing high above the stage on silks, the panache of Wei Liang Lin with his
diabolos, and the breathtaking stunts of Cory Sylvester and his German Wheel
stay etched in the mind.
Personal
favourites include the amazing ensemble skipping-rope routine, and the
extraordinary Banquine finale in which fifteen extraordinary acrobats flipped,
tumbled and tossed each other every which way.
Some might
miss the Grand Chapiteau experience, but “Quidam” works remarkably successfully
in stadium mode. It’s worth travelling to see this show. You’ll kick yourself
if you miss this final opportunity to experience this Cirque Du Soleil classic.
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| The Banquine Finale Photo: Matt Beard |
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 11th December 2016.