CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: TOTEM, A Spellbinding Circus Production With History, Humor and Heart

Performers tumble, swing up & down, suspended in mid air, straps, trapezes and hoops, gasp-worthy stunts- all inside one tent, happening in one night. Beautiful combination of athleticism and artistry showcased by Cirque du Soleil TOTEM. Bravo. 

Cirque du Soleil once again delivered a stunning show in the form of TOTEM. Focusing on the evolution of man, the show spoke to the audience with high class entertainment- as expected with every Cirque du Soleil signature spellbinding shows. TOTEM, combines pantomime, acrobatics, music, state-of-the-art costumes while blending talented international circus performers into a gripping circus-arts production. 

The stage crafting, charming costumes, lighting, acrobatic schemes are just crazier than ever. But more than the aesthetics, TOTEM provided a different experience. There were incredible display of balance, strengths and tactics; the stage layout, design and play of lights were all undeniably engaging. Cirque Du Soleil TOTEM performers possess amazing skills, the beauty of their costumes made them more beautiful and mesmerizing to watch. 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL MEETS EVOLUTION OF MAN

Cirque du Soleil describes Totem’s theme as the evolution of humanity from its primordial, amphibian state toward the aspiration of flight, taking inspiration from many of humanity’s founding myths. The show was awarded the 2013 New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. TOTEM follows the human species from original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage, evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations. TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

Cirque du Soleil used interactive projection technologies to enhance and provide variety to the types of scenes created for Totem, including swamps, starry nights, lakes, volcanoes, and other natural environments. The kinetic images are created with the help of infrared cameras; the projection system can dynamically create projections, making it seem as if they are reacting to the artists’ movements in both real-time and pre-recorded sequences. One of the major elements for the set is the large turtle carapace, which functions as both a decorative piece as well as acrobatic equipment. 

Cirque Du Soleil TOTEM colourful set and costume designs work in perfect harmony with the performers flexibility and grace. As always, there is a continuous flow of artistry displayed by TOTEM. This is Cirque Du Soleil, after all. 

I find that every scene has just the right length; be prepared for the nail-biting and jaw-dropping acts- well, the clowns giving their own style of comedic relief is not to be missed one bit. You see, these performers don’t just risk their lives with every act they get involved with, they deliver artful illusions with emotional commitment. Even when they are donning those masks, I can see in their eyes the smallest flicker of thought crossing their faces; their passion to give honest entertainment.  The costumes will transport you to a different world; the gracefulness of the music used added to the extra oomph to these amazing feats.  TOTEM is produced with history, humor- and heart.