Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Cirque du Soleil, the legendary Canadian contemporary circus company, has been dazzling audiences around the world for over three decades with its innovative and spectacular shows. One of its early and most successful productions, Alegria, first premiered in 1994 and has since been seen by more than 14 million people in 255 cities across five continents. Now, to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Alegria has been reimagined and revamped as Alegria: In a New Light, which is currently playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London until March 3.
Alegria, which means “happiness” or “joy” in Spanish, is not a typical circus show with a linear narrative and a clear protagonist. Rather, it is a loosely woven tapestry of scenes and characters that reflect the contrasts and conflicts of a changing world. The show is set in a kingdom where the old order of the aristocracy and the clergy is challenged by the emergence of a new generation of rebels and visionaries, who seek to overthrow the status quo and create a new society. The show also explores the universal themes of power, greed, oppression, freedom, hope, and love, as well as the energy and resilience of youth.
The show features a cast of 62 performers, including clowns, acrobats, aerialists, fire-knife dancers, musicians, and singers, who showcase their incredible talents and skills in a variety of acts. Some of the highlights include the acro poles, a combination of Russian bars and banquine, where the performers execute astonishing flips and jumps while balancing on poles held by their teammates; the aerial straps, a graceful and sensual duet of two lovers who fly and spin in the air, supported only by straps around their wrists; the balancing and contortion, a mesmerizing display of flexibility and harmony by two women who bend and twist their bodies in perfect synchronicity; and the fire knife dance, a thrilling and dangerous act of a man who manipulates flaming knives with his hands and feet.
The show also features some stunning visual effects, such as the snowstorm, which engulfs the entire auditorium with confetti and wind machines, creating a magical and immersive atmosphere. The costumes, designed by Dominique Lemieux, are also a feast for the eyes, ranging from the elaborate and colorful outfits of the aristocrats and the clowns, to the simple and elegant garments of the rebels and the lovers. The music, composed by René Dupéré, is a fusion of different genres and influences, such as pop, rock, world, and classical, sung in a made-up language that evokes emotions rather than meanings. The music is performed live by a band and a choir, led by the powerful and charismatic singer Francesca Gagnon, who reprises her original role as the voice of Alegria.
Not all of the acts are equally impressive or engaging. Some of them, such as the fire knife dance and the synchronised trapeze, lack the intensity and the climax that one would expect from a Cirque du Soleil show. The chemistry and the connection between some of the performers are also not very convincing, especially compared to the passionate and expressive duo of the aerial straps. Moreover, the show does not have a clear direction or a coherent theme, as it jumps from one scene to another without much explanation or transition. The plot, if there is one, is vague and confusing, and the characters are not well-developed or memorable.
Nevertheless, Alegria: In a New Light is a remarkable and enjoyable show that showcases the mastery and the creativity of Cirque du Soleil, as well as the talent and the dedication of its performers. It is a tribute to the original Alegria, but also a fresh and modern take on it, that appeals to both new and old fans of the circus company. It is a show that celebrates the joy and the beauty of life, as well as the challenges and the changes that come with it. It is a show that invites the audience to join the circus and to share the Alegria.
