Review: Cirque du Soliel’s Totem

Running away to join the circus, is not necessarily a plausible alternative for most folks. Yet after witnessing the eye-popping spectacle that is Totem, Cirque du Soliel’s latest offering, undoubtedly more people are entertaining the notion. In actuality however, we regular folk could never hope to attempt, let alone finely execute, any of the feats that comprise any Cirque show. That is why we the audience, sit in our seats, awe-struck, as it should be.

Written and directed by Quebecer extraordinaire, Robert Lepage, Totem is the 27th show for the circus troupe since its inception in 1984. Billed as “a fascinating journey into the evolution of mankind”, the show explores humanity’s storied history from single-celled organism to flying cosmonaut.

“I wanted to do something that would be about evolution. Evolution is about the body, how you go from a nucleus to an amphibian to a mammal to standing upright and eventually flying. There’s enough space in that idea to go into the origins, go into the past, talk about the present and project ourselves into some sort of poetic ideal,” explained Lepage.

Totem commences, as a frantic Balinese Kecak Monkey dance is unveiled inside an oval frame, representing a turtle shell. A “silver mirrored” individual descends from the rafters, immediately inciting a frenetic, frog-hopping acrobatic number Choreographer Jeff Hall, and set and props designer Carl Fillion truly outdid themselves. Likewise, costume designer Kym Barrett (best known for her designs of The Matrix trilogy) brings it all together with nearly 800 costume pieces adorning the performers.

The audience is taken on a thrill-ride for the senses, back and forth through time in parallel universe that defies definition. As with all Cirque shows, elementally it is the jaw-dropping performances that provide the real magic, that “wow factor”. Aboriginal performer Nakotah Larance does a traditional hoop dance, displaying why he is world champion of the form. Acrobats Louis-David Simoneau, and Rosalie Ducharme essentially reenact the Kama Sutra, on a fixed-trapeze that is suspended high in the air. A quintet of Asian girls riding bamboo framed unicycles, whilst tossing metal bowls from their feet, and catching them with their heads. Again, jaw-dropping.

Ultimately, Totem is grandiose spectacle for those less inclined towards such things as “Ultimate Fighting”. Although admission is a tad pricey, and perhaps running-time a bit long at 3 hours (including a 30 minute intermission) for some kiddies, it will definitely not disappoint. The numerous standing ovations throughout the show ought to be demonstrative of something.

Totem plays at the Grand Chapiteau, Port Lands in Toronto until Oct. 9, 2011. For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/totem/default.aspx.