If there was one show on Singapore’s events calendar that I’ve been looking forward to all year, it is Cirque du Soleil’s TOTEM, which opened on Wednesday night under the Big Top next to Marina Bay Sands.
Cirque du Soleil probably needs no introduction. As we told our wide-eyed son, it is “only the best circus in the world”. With Cirque du Soleil, the fact that you will be wowed by the amazing circus acts showcasing feats of agility that will leave you breathless is a given. But more than that, you know that you’ll be treated to a spectacular theatrical production like no other. Death-defying acrobatics, innovative set design, creative lighting, cutting edge digital effects and live music all come together to present a show that is uniquely Cirque.
It’s been years since my I last caught a Cirque du Soleil show — O at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, possibly the best show I’ve ever watched — so it was with great excitement that we approached the iconic blue and yellow Big Top for TOTEM on its gala premiere.
When we stepped inside, we found the arena abuzz, with performers like The Tracker and Valentino interacting with and warming up the audience.
The Tracker and Valentino. Catch them in action before the show starts!
And then, very quickly, it was showtime.
The Crystal Man who descends to open and close the show.
The story of TOTEM is one of the evolution of the human species, drawing from different cultures and legends as it traces the journey through evolutionary theory, from amphibian state to its desire to fly. The storyline (and I use this term loosely) draws from different cultures and dips in and out of different time periods and presents a rather diverse look at this progression.
That classic image of evolution!
If you’re wondering about that storyline, the one thing I’ve learnt from the various Cirque du Soleil shows that I’ve been to is that the “story” is more of an artistic concept than a narrative. Go looking for an cogent tale and you’ll might end up feeling rather confused. Instead, the show should be enjoyed for what it is — some pretty amazing circus artfully drawn together by an idea more than a story, which allows the show to flow seamlessly.
And what a show it is!
“Frogs” swinging on the carapace of a giant turtle.
From the get go, TOTEM was full of pulsating action, with the artists taking to the bars and launching themselves with swings and flips in a playful act that had the audience gasping and bursting into spontaneous applause. That structure was really some else too, meant to represent the carapace of a giant turtle which in turn represents the origins of life on earth. It certainly set the stage for the acts to come.
If you’re familiar with circus acts, or if you watched Le Noir previously, you might find some of the acts familiar, like the Fixed Trapeze Duo and Roller Skating act, for example. Always crowd pleasers, they are here perfectly executed and given the Cirque du Soliel touch. I commented to the husband as we watched the Crystal Man descend from the ceiling to place the chair for Foot Juggling act that in Cirque, there’s no such thing as someone just walking in with a chair!
Two lovebirds who tease and play on the trapeze.
Roller skating on an impossibly small platform that always has me with my heart in my mouth. I really loved their costumes too.
Each of us had our personal favourites. For the husband it was the Rings Trio. All three performers were incredibly buff and when they got into action it was very clear why! The incredible strength that they displayed, holding impossible positions and making it look effortless was awe-inspiring. The coordination required, not just between the trio, but also with the technical crew as the artists soared and swooped was also amazing. We had great seats in the centre section and it was breathtaking as the artists swung into the audience, nearly over our heads. Very cool.
The lady showing the men how it is done!
Oh, just hanging around…
My favourite act were the Unicyclists with Bowls. These ladies were amazing. On unicycles, balancing bowls on their heads, they proceeded to toss more bowls onto their heads, with their feet. Then they tossed bowls on to each others’ heads. Then they tossed multiple bowls in quick succession while cycling around. Then they even tossed bowls backwards while cycling around. Such overachievers!
Perfectly poised.
Noey on his part enjoyed Manipulation, essentially a very cool juggling act performed in a funnel by the Scientist. With brightly lit balls encircling him, it made for a visual spectacle. I also loved the musical element in this act with the other performers playing tunes by blowing over test tubes and on tapping on beakers of coloured water.
I can’t end without also mentioning the artists on the Russian Bars, who once again had me at the edge of my seat with their stunts. With perfect coordination, they leaped, bounced and twisted, landing time and again on such a narrow strip it seemed all but impossible. It was a fitting end to a jaw-dropping evening.
Walking on air. I particularly loved how their outfits glowed in the UV light.
Impossibly high and perfectly in-sync.
After the show, Noey sat transfixed for quite a while, and when he asked him if he enjoyed the performance, he gave a firm nod. I think he was a bit overwhelmed by the awesomeness of it all! To tell the truth, I felt a bit that way too.
I don’t need to say it, do I? TOTEM is a must-watch. Make sure you grab your tickets before it’s too late!
TOTEM by Cirque du Soleil
Ticketing and Show Information
Season: 28 Oct to 6 Dec 2015
Venue: Under the Big Top at Bayfront Avenue next to Marina Bay Sands
Performance Times: Tuesday to Friday 8pm; Saturday 4.30pm & 8pm; Sunday 1.30pm & 5pm
Ticket Prices: $98 through to $188, VIP tickets at $308 and $328 (first row)
Duration: 2 hours 25 mins (including 25 min interval)
Booking Through Sistic: http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/totem1215
Booking By Phone: +65 6688 8826
* We were privileged to attend the gala premiere of TOTEM on a media invite. All photos are copyright of Cirque du Soleil except for my personal photograph, and all opinions remain, as always, authentically my own.
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