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    Cirque Du Soleil’s TOTEM, a not to miss creation story that awes

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    Everyone, of course, knows the name “Cirque Du Soleil.” The company began in Montreal nearly thirty years ago and has rapidly expanded within the last twenty years. Tonight marks the Columbus opening of their newest touring show, TOTEM, and it surely cannot disappoint.

    TOTEM illustrates the evolution of humans from our amphibian origins to our present dreams, including the desire to fly. The troupe combines a plethora of origin stories, myths, and imagery to move this tale along. By using their signature acrobatic techniques, the group weaves an engaging tapestry demonstrating the height of artistry.

    Technically glorious and visually stunning, I could not recommend this more. TOTEM defines collaborative and integrative design through its set, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup and projections. Truly, the projections alone almost make a show. Not only do these elements interact with each other, but the performers engage with them too. We see water move as the tramp clown rows his sad, little boat. The stage transforms into a beach and beach-goers react to the encroaching tide. Simple, but elegant moments create this show.

    TOTEM offers a wide range of acts and spectacles too. The Crystal Ladies symbolize the creation of earth in their jaw-dropping foot juggling elegance. The grace and poise of these performers astounds. In a more sensual moment, two lovers emulate a matrimonial ceremony while rollerskating and intertwining on a six-foot raised platform. Throughout the show, we witness extraordinary hoop and bar feats, juggling, comedy, dance, outstanding singing, and non-stop original music by a very talented band.

    During the intermission, one can listen and hear a few murmurs of insecurity among the awe, but really the show does not promote that. Instead, it focuses on the celebratory reason of existence and humanity as a whole. By delving into various creation stories and viewing the progression of humanity, the audience experiences the wonder that is life—the utter awesomeness of humankind. We see the capabilities of the body: strength, agility, balance, yet also the magnitude of stress that it can withstand.

    All of the performers exude talent and years of work ethic to master their craft, but the amazing part is that all people can do this and many do. No, not everyone can rock a trapeze or ride a unicycle with one leg while catching bowls on our head, but all of us can excel at our duties whether that be nurse, salesperson, writer, baker, parent, or lover. Therein lies the expanded creation story; obligate your passion and drive and explore, as the troupe calls for, your “dreams and infinite potential.”

    Totem is in town through Sep. 15 at the Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave. More information can be found by contacting Cirque Du Soleil at 1-800-450-1480 or at [email protected]. Visit Cirquedusoleil.com. Photos via Cirque du Soleil.

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    Lisa Much
    Lisa Much
    Lisa Much is a recent transplant to Columbus as of June. She comes from Chicago having freelanced as a stage manager and prop designer. She holds a BA in Sustainable Theater from Green Mountain College in Vermont.
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