After seeing the original production in 1994 Petra Shepherd is still inthralled by the magnificence of this wonderful show
Undeniably the most iconic Cirque du Soleil, Alegría is an all-time classic having mesmerised over 14 million spectators in 255 cities across 40 countries in over 19 years of touring.
Now reimagined for a new generation to fall in love with, I recently caught the latest production, Alegria: In a New Light at London’s Royal Albert Hall, 30 years after I saw the original production when in premiered in 1994. Cirque du Soleil (French for Circus of the Sun) is a hybrid of circus, acrobatics and dance performance and it you haven’t already seen a show, this is the perfect first dip into an uplifting immersive experience.
Think spectacle, sparkle, ethereal music and above all incredible feats that will have you on the edge of your seat. Alegría whisks audiences away to a mystical world sprinkled with visual poetry and acrobatic extravagance. At the heart of a once-glorious kingdom that has lost its king, Alegría witnesses the power struggle at play between the old order and the youth in strive for hope and renewal. As the court jester clumsily tries to take the throne, a growing desire for change emerges from the street to defy the status-quo and bring joy to the world.
However, I wouldn’t focus on the plot but instead sit back and be wowed by an unforgettable soundtrack, exciting acrobatics, surreal costume designs, vibrant sets, and playful humour. Reenergized by a cast of 64 acrobats, clowns, musicians and singers, Alegría (joy in Spanish) remains timeless with a joyous magical feeling. Its Grammy-nominated soundtrack, featuring the iconic title track “Alegria” is still the most purchased and streamed Cirque du Soleil album to date.
It’s difficult to single out specific acts as they are all quite simply jaw dropping but a few of my top picks. Snowstorm in which the clowns tell their own story of loneliness, love-lost and despair through poetry and physical comedy within a surprising windstorm of paper snowflakes. I’m not going to give too much away but I do feel sorry for the poor Albert Hall cleaning staff! The grace, strength and flexibility within the hand balancing and contortion act is quite extraordinary, with an acrobatic technique rooted in the Mongolian art form of contortion. Meanwhile in Hand-to-Hand a young acrobat balances on top of her partner’s hands, shoulders and even feet, before being flung into the air and caught with remarkable precision. In Hula Hoops, using all her limbs, indeed her entire body an acrobat spins and twirls a multitude of hoops, something I could never have imagined in my 1970s hula hoop phase. The fire knife dancer doesn’t simply juggle with fire, he is fire. He eats, breathes and touches the flames while his twirling knives become virtual extensions of his body. Finally, everyone’s favourite “The Flying Trapeze”. Set 10 meters above the stage, four trapeze artists perform incredible leaps, requiring flawless coordination, skill and timing, culminating with impressive jumps into the net and gasps from the audience.
The production was easily as good as the one I’d seen in 1994, the acrobats at the top of their game and the circus skills world class. It’s not just the acts that take your breath away but the costumes are another feast for the eyes. The lavish costumes of the characters representing the old order of “Alegria” – Fleur, the Old Birds and the Singers evoke the flamboyant costumes worn by the aristocracy at Versailles and other European palaces of the period. This lavish show is a complete joy and if you’re looking for a quintessential Cirque du Soleil spectacle suitable for all the family, then Alegria: In a New Light is the one to choose.
The Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore
London
SW7 2AP
AboutMyGeneration 