Review: ALEGRÍA BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL at Morinomiya Big Top [Osaka]

The world-renowned circus entertainment group, Cirque du Soleil, presents their legendary show "ALEGRíA," which is an all-time Cirque du Soleil classic reimagined for a new generation to fall in love with. With flying trapezes, the  fire knife dance, aerials, their true ability’s acrobats, and more, this show step towards resuming international performances after the pandemic.

The opening featured aerial artists soaring from out of nowhere with powerful vocals by singers. The lighting and live music, which conveyed a sense of unease, heightened the anticipation of what they would showcase next.

Act 1 started with "Acro Poles.” Two big men called porters put the ends of a pole which typically used in pole vaulting, on each shoulder. Then, flyers utilize the pole's flexibility to bounce like a trampoline, perform backflips, and jump back and force between the pole and the porter freely. What’s more, a porter stood on top of the pole, and another artist stood on the porter's shoulders, with a third artist performing a one-handed handstand on the second artist's head. Their energy didn't stop there, as flyers leaped onto the standing porters’ shoulders by backflips.

Amidst the resonating bass of drums, a fire knife dance artist appeared, holding torches in his hand. He grabbed the flames from the torch with his bare hands and ignited the other end. He also took another torch, and with a confident smile, spun the flaming torches around their body like baton twirling. The flames that touched the ground spread across the stage. He lifted his back like the bridge gymnastics, bring torches beneath his back, and even seared himself for a few seconds. The audiences felt his professionalism with the hotness of the flame.

In the clown's segment, snowflake confetti piled up on the stage, whipped into a frenzy by strong winds that made the crowd hard to keep their eyes open and left them in awe. It was a simple yet unforgettable presentation.

"Aerial Straps" began with the appearance of two aerial artists, a man and a woman. Relying solely on each other's support, they gracefully danced in mid-air, separating and changing their handholds while suspended. The tension in the air prompted continuous gasps from the audience, making it a perfect opening for Act 2.

Next, ”Powertrack” begins. The stage transformed into a cross-shaped trampoline, accompanied by thundering drums and violins. Fourteen artists flew one after the other, crossing in mid-air on the one-meter narrow trampoline. Creating a breathtaking spectacle as they intersected from all four directions at the same time, and soared to a height of four levels. Even Mr. Fleur, who initially appeared to be a bent elderly man, displayed stunning acrobatics, leaving the audience astonished and applauding in amazement.

While singers performing live, a net was meticulously woven. A palpable tension filled the bigtop as the ominous atmosphere signaled the beginning of the "Flying Trapeze." The spirited shouts, almost akin to battle cries, heightened the tension. Two sets of swings were each positioned at ten-meters high and arranged on both sides. Eight flyers on the right swing leaped one by one to each catcher awaits on the left swing swinging, then jump back to the right swing. They were not just leaping but also flipping, fully splitting their legs and showcasing stunts, with the audience applauding and cheering for each breathtaking move. It was a performance befitting the grand finale.

The continuous display of astonishing skills beyond human capabilities.  Coupled with enchanting live singing and music that makes you want to experience it again and again. Cirque du Soleil, the world's finest, has truly lived up to its reputation. I highly recommend experiencing this pinnacle of entertainment while it's in Japan*.

*”Daihatsu Alegria in a new light” will be running in Japan (Osaka Morinomiya Big Top) until October 15, 2023.

Photo Credit[Cirque du Soleil 2021 / Costumes: Dominique Lemieux]

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