Cirkopolis

by Sean Leber-

Having never seen any previous performances by Cirque Eloize, I did not know what to expect.  I deliberately didn't do any research as I wanted to see the show without any expectations. The talented ensemble of 11 performers transform the classic film Metropolis into a virtuoso circus-dance performance, bringing the story to vivid life. Creative director and co-director Jeannot Painchaud envisions Cirkopolis as the crossroads between imagination and reality, individuality and community, and between limits and possibilities.  The show is driven by the poetic impulse of life, the physical powers of the circus and the humor, at once serious and lighthearted. Entering Cirkopolis is all about letting go and allowing yourself to be borne aloft by hope.

The group delivers powerful performance throughout the show with one of the highlights being a pas de six with a woman and five men who are magical to watch. The show is definitely intended for a family audience and kids will be thrilled. Cirkopolis is similar in feel to Cirque du Soleil shows but stripped down with a smaller cast and without elaborate makeup and sparkly costumes. Also the affordable price of tickets that range from $39-$99 is a definite plus for a broad audience. As for the male performers, there are definitely a few hotties to look at, with few of but not enough of reveals.

Cirkopolis is enhanced by an original musical score and video projections, these performers live in a world where fantasy defies reality, where the veil of anonymity and solitude is lifted and replaced by bursts of humour and colour.