Kurios-er

On Saturday, I headed down to the Portlands to see the latest Cirque du Soleil spectacle entitled Kurios (Cabinet of Curiosity). It has been years since I've seen a show from this Montreal-based circus. They are known for having themed and well-choreographed acts.

Approaching the big-top, Kurios had a Victorian-era Steam-punk-esque vibe with its clockwork sign and an ornamented metal arch. Outside, a multi-geared contraption could be pedaled from an old-timey bicycle. Like most Steampunk affectations, it didn't actually do anything. Inside was pure 21st century consumerism though as booths after booths hawk wares from merchandise and souvenirs, popcorn, snacks, soft drinks, and booze. After passing into the inner flaps, we finally saw the set.

A mad scientist of sorts was conducting various experiments. His robot servitors wandered about under his directions doing chores like sweeping the floor. There were more Steampunk inventions including Victrola/typewriter hybrids. Finally, he and us was transported via his flying chair to some unknown location. A steam train rolled into view, and from its front, a gaggle of performers emerge to entertain the us and the absent-minded professor.

Judging from the audience reaction, the most engaging acts were the high-flying ones such as a troupe of fishermen, who revealed themselves to be some sort of gilled undersea creatures. They then proceeded to do ever higher and daring jumps and spins on top of a mesh trampoline that stretched across the circus ring. Those involving objects (juggling, yo-yo) did not get as much love. For the average viewer, it simply wasn't obvious how equally difficult these skills were. The juggler did get cheers for his final trick, as he juggled while suspended 50 feet in the air.

Similarly, the various balancing acts also got the biggest cheers when their tricks involved some height from the ground. One of my favourite was a woman being thrown upside-down and backward into a hand-to-hand handstand. Oh, yes, her partner was himself standing on the shoulders of a 2nd man ... who was standing on the shoulders of a 3rd. I don't think I could stand on one foot without falling over.

I was a bit disappointed with the design. Many performers wore Victorian-inspired costumes; the various "clowns"/handlers were dressed as odd contraptions or robots; and some set pieces were interesting such as the giant metal hand that served as the base for the contortionists. But given its theme, I was expecting some sort of phantasmagoric scene overflowing with gee-gaws. For example, the prop from the Canadian Opera Company's Cosi Fan Tutti, a 2-story giant cabinet of curiosity, would have added some needed oomph.