As soon as you enter the Royal Albert Hall for this year’s Cirque du Soleil production ‘Corteo’, you’re drawn into an immersive Baroque wonderland, surrounded by the ethereal sounds of the company’s distinct blend of jazz/world music.
And that’s just the start of this feast for the senses, a truly beautiful theatrical experience that delighted and enthralled the most diverse audience, coming together to enjoy this magical show.
We were lucky to catch one of company’s first London shows in a big top on London’s South Bank, decades ago, when briefcase-carrying raincoat clad ‘late members of the audience’ dived beneath a misty stage and emerged as glittering performers.
Cirque du Soleil’s evolution, transforming our idea of circus into a fabulous art form, now focuses on one of its most challenging subjects yet – death.
In ‘Corteo’, we’re invited to the funeral proceedings of Mauro, the dreamer clown, an exquisite performance by Stephane Gentilini who provides the central narrative to draw together each strand of the show before finally cycling off into the heavens on his father’s bike.
Drawing on the Italian Baroque aesthetic, angels in Raphaelite blue float about the set, and the light and dark painting techniques of Italian chiaroscuro masters are used to shroud and highlight performances.
And then there’s the music. Cirque du Soleil’s scores and musical performers are fundamental rather than incidental to the show – and every individual excels here.
There are multiple delights, from the amazing aerial acrobatics of Mauro’s female companions literally hanging from the chandeliers, to his childhood friends bouncing on beds in a way that seems to defy gravity.
Everything looks superhuman, from performers on Cyr Wheels to those delivering beautiful balletics on the high wire, from Mr Loyal the Ringmaster and whistler to The Clowness and her astounding helium dance.
Every individual part of ‘Corteo’ is worth the ticket price alone – together, it’s an awe-inspiring, wonder-inducing must-see piece of theatre.
Cirque do Soleil’s ‘Corteo’ at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which runs until March 2, has accessible seats, hearing systems, and other accommodations for people with disabilities.
Visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/united-kingdom/london/corteo/buy-tickets for further information.
Comments