This past Sunday I took a road trip up to Portland,
ME to see one of the final performances of Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai. This touring production usually
plays about a week before going to a new city and as I walked towards the arena
I counted almost twenty 18-wheeler trucks ready to start packing up the show
once it closed Sunday night. The story of Varekai
is that of a white bird named Icarus who after losing his wings learns to trust
fate. His wings are broken and he falls into a forest of colorful creatures
including a beautiful creature of the earth whom he learns to trust and love.
This show drew the audience in from the first moment the lights dimmed and the
music began. This being my second Cirque show, I was eager to see what acts
would amaze me this time. One of the first that really got the excitement of the
arena going was that of the Icarian games. These acrobats would bounce & flip
each other through the air. Often there would be multiple people being tossed
about all in perfect unison. How they are able to accomplish it I do not know.
But they must spend hours and hours practicing. Later in the show was a
slippery surface act. These water creatures would slip and slide all over this
blue mat that was attached to the stage. These acrobats would balance on one
another and get pulled across the stage at the same time. It was beautiful to
watch. As usual the Aerial Straps routine was amazing. The amount of strength
and agility the performers need to have while at the same time moving with such
grace is amazing. But my absolute favorite routine was the last one, Russian
Swings. These acrobats would stand on small swinging platforms and catapult
themselves across the stage, bounce off of hanging fabric and land back on the
stage. It was incredible! I, as well as the rest of the audience, were on
the edge of our seats the entire number. Overall, this show was colorful,
athletic and a lot of fun to watch. I look forward to my next Cirque du Soleil
show!
