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Press Release.pdf

“Saltimbanco represents the challenge we have in today’s world: respecting each other, living and working together, despite our differences. We have to believe in a better world, and believe that we can play a role in it.” Guy Laliberte, Cirque du Soleil founder. Saltimbanco’s Creative Director is Gilles Ste-Croix and the show’s Director is Franco Dragone.

I went to see Saltimbanco as a teenager in 1999 with my Aunt who was a performer for many years. I remember the anticipation of going to see “the world’s best circus.” Saltimbanco has been revamped, but retains the original charm.

Cirque du Soleil is an entertainment empire franchise to be reckoned with. The founders of Cirque du Soleil went from working the street crowds of Quebec for a living as street performers in the 1980s to employing 5000 people worldwide and running 22 resident and touring circus shows in 2011.

Saltimbanco is an unashamedly joyous, celebration of life in technicolour. The show’s band is reminiscent of David Bowie and performance routines demonstrate the human ability to do absolutely amazing things. Saltimbanco is influenced by Steampunk, Commedia dell’ Arte, Baroque and international circus techniques and gymnastics - from the Chinese poles, Russian Swing, Bungee and beyond. The show is a fusion of cultures, eras and styles, well balanced with personal interactions between the characters and audience. Fabulous sequences showcase the talent of the highly skilled performers.

The opening sequence of cheeky characters stealing front row seats and sampling random audience member’s beverages is a crack-up. In the first Act, the Chinese Poles are sweat inducing as the performers free fall; head first at break neck speed – literally. Ivan Do-Doc made his clowning Artistic Bicycle antics look easy and Ariunsanaa Bataa’s contortion routine was red hot.

The second Act has a darker edge. Twin sisters Julia and Ele Janke where awesomely sweat inducing during the Trapeze Duo. Martin Pons clowning with mime and voice/sound mimicry was a highlight adding an intimate touch to the show. Darren Bersuk and Etienne Deneault’s Hand-to-Hand sequence was beautiful and a little bit queer. The Bungee performance was perfectly timed. I was worried that the performers would bounce off the ceiling, they were flying through the air so fast and high.

There were definitely a number of bottom-on-edge-of-seat moments during this totally Deadly performance. I’m happy to say I support this super successful modern circus in their expansion throughout the entertainment world. Cirque du Soleil bring high quality performance, with a positive message of tolerance and to celebrate diversity, to audiences the world over.

Review by Fern York - July 2011.