Going off the notion that a circus is the greatest show on Earth, Cirque du Soleil presented Kurios to Melbourne with a troupe of 47 talented performers under the Grand Chapiteau at Flemington Racecourse. The cabinet of curiosities theme continued to spread Cirque du Soleil’s message to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world. A magnificent and whimsical story line set in a steampunk universe, the clock strikes 11:11 as the magical tale begins, and the outlandish characters pull into the station and pour out onto the stage.
What happens under the Big Top can only be seen to be believed. The two hour show has everything you’d expect from a circus, mixed with a range of situations you never expected to see in your entire life. A strongman throws his acrobatic partner back and forth in the air, effortlessly throwing and catching her entire body as she twists and turns. A lady rides past you upside down, pedaling in the aerial space, and an invisible circus (with its own invisible lion) manages to entertain the crowd with the assistance of a dramatic clown. A dramatic chair balancing act to reach a chandelier makes for an entertaining dinner party. A clown barks at a grammar-phone, and a pilot balances on a series of stacked cylinders in a variety of daring configurations.
Act II ramps up with trampolinists leaping and diving around like fish in water, with the performers reaching heights that no ordinary person could. A clown goes on a date with an unsuspecting female member of the audience; who is serenaded by a bird, a T-Rex and a cat! Muscular acrobats soar through the air in a synchronised dance, and a yo-yo master captivates the audience with his skills. A highlight of act two was a hand puppetry performance deserving of a film festival award, simply based on the emotions felt by such a hilarious and heart-warming performance. As the show comes to a close, a range of acrobats delivered a myriad of dances, pyramids and somersaults around the stage. Launching one of the acrobats 4-people high, the act will certainly stick in your mind for years to come.
Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios delivers an incredibly immersive experience with imaginative props, costumes and talented performers. Part circus, part way of life, let yourself fall down the rabbit hole and book your tickets today. Prepare for the unexpected – you will not be disappointed.
Disclaimer: Due to recent events, Cirque du Soleil is hoping to reschedule all future Melbourne performances. Current ticket holders are advised to hold onto their tickets and contact their original point of purchase.