THEATRE REVIEW: Cirque De Soleil’s TOTEM

Shane | 6 August 2015 | Reply

THEATRE REVIEW: Cirque De Soleil’s TOTEM
Perth, Western Australia – Friday 31 July, 2015
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar

With its themes of indigenous cultures and the wonders of nature, Totem by Cirque de Soleil is the very epitomy of New Circus – yet if you delve deep beyond the super-hi-tech staging, there’s a strong traditional feel to the production as well.

With the only animals in sight being performers dressed as monkeys and frogs, the focus here is on human skills, and the lakeside setting plays host to a myriad of staggeringly talented gymnastic, acrobatic and juggling acts, as well as clowns – after all, a circus without clowns is no circus at all.

Among many highlights were the four stilt-unicycle riders who kicked metal bowls onto each other’s heads – insanely well done, and insane. I mean, who thinks “I can do something like that?!?”; an aerial acrobatic ballet which evokes the courtship of a young couple as they flirt and fight their attraction, with love ultimately triumphing; the incredible caterpillar-like entry ramp that contorts this way and that, ultimately doubling as a speedboat for a skit with the clowns; and a native American couple who redefine what can be done with a little gymnastics and two pairs of rollerskates.

Throw in a live band and a concert light show that makes Totem more a live music event than theatre, a couple of Neanderthals who take five to rock n’ roll, and an all-in dance finale that is enormously joyous fun, and there’s little more anyone could ask for in a great night out.