AMHERST – Tonight I saw Cirque Du Soleil – Saltimbanco! The athletes pictured above performed – as best I could tell – without safety rigging: no net, no tether (whatever it’s called), and no hand of God below, just the audience. I found myself feeling as if my own children were swinging 40 feet in the air, at times one hanging from the other linked only by clasped ankles and feet. Throughout most of the show the audience told the performers of their pleasure and excitement with hand claps and wordless exclamations, but when these gals ascended by ropes, mounted the trapeze, and danced a seemingly effortless duet, no one inhaled or exhaled for five minutes. I’m not sure my eyes have ever widened as much as then. How in heckarini do they do that! I swear I saw them chatting at one point near the end, not signaling or directing, chatting. My my my…
The music was live, artistic, and well engineered, i.e. not too loud and properly mixed. Each instrument was discernible, and never stepped on the other instruments. Its placement always accompanied the production constructively. For instance, in moments of great drama the music was more likely to recede or become subtle then to punctuate. It was never startling, overbearing, or in your face, yet it was always clear and crisp. Drums, electric keyboards, electric guitar, bass, saxophone, and a number wonderful wonderful singers.
Much much more must be said, but, I must sleep. Cirque Du Soleil, I shall see you again for sure, you are first class entertainment.
Tags: circus
