SPECIAL EVENT : Saltimbanco a ‘grass-roots circus’
Posted on Sunday, March 2, 2008
Sorting out the intricacies of Cirque du Soleil can be a daunting task, but to simplify it, just remember that the word “Cirque” is French for “circus,” and that there are some 15 Cirque troupes around the globe, plus five permanent shows in Las Vegas and one in Orlando, Fla.
Alltel Arena has twice presented the Delirium version, and now comes a new one to central Arkansas, Saltimbanco. One might expect a French name for a Montreal-based outfit, but saltimbanco is Italian for “to jump on a bench.” “To me, the title has a couple of meanings,” says Brooke Webb, artistic director of Saltimbanco. “First, that you’re in an urban landscape and you’re so happy, and second, that life is passing you by as you witness what’s happening in the show. It’s much more acrobatic than Delirium, which is more dance-oriented and relying on technology.
“ This show is a completely grass-roots circus that relies on the energy of the artists on stage. They are the heartbeat of the landscape. The show has no animals or children or, unfortunately, bearded ladies.” The show includes acrobats, bike riders, jugglers, a catapult act, plus a trapeze duo and a bungee performance, both described as “aerial ballet.” There are 53 performers and 32 more behind the scenes. The performers consist of Canadians and those from 20 other countries, including Russia, Ukraine, United States, France and the Czech Republic.
Characters include The Baron, Death, The Child, The Dreamer, The Ringmaster, The Cavaliers, The Town Crier and two types of “worms,” the multicolored and the masked.
First presented in 1992, the show toured for 14 years to 75 cities on five continents, but was structured for “the big top” circus environment. In 2007, the show was reconfigured for arenas, meaning smaller cities could now be visited.
Costumes are based on the premise that migration to the cities continues to rise, with cities being networks of interrelationships and paradoxes. Brightly colored, eccentric and eclectic characters appear in costumes mostly made of Spandex, but with some incorporating silk and cotton.
The music, created by Rene Dupere, is in phonetic sequences taken from languages that include Swedish, German, Arabic and one opera in 13 th-century Low Italian.
The tour requires 12 53-foot trailers to transport the 270 tons of equipment.
“Balance, strength and flexibility are some of the great elements of the show,” says Webb, an Australian who travels with the show. “I was never a performer, but always a theater director. These guys make it look so easy. I know I’d kill myself trying to keep up. There’s nothing like a very athletic 21-year-old to make you feel old.
“ And they have to be able to sing, dance, act as well as perform night after night in a very evolving environment.” A fitness regimen is second nature to the cast, Adams says.
“We have training, bring a gym, and discipline is very much a part of their life. I don’t think any of them have ever eaten cake.” Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco 7: 30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and 3: 30 and 7: 30 p.m. Thursday, Alltel Arena, East Broadway and Interstate 30, North Little Rock Tickets: $ 41. 75 to $ 91. 75 adults; $ 33. 75 to $ 73. 75 for children ages 12 and under (501 ) 975-7575 or www. ticket master. com or all Ticketmaster outlets
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