Childhood dreams come true in Cirque du Soleil's 'Saltimbanco'

Like many kids, I once wanted to be an acrobat. I even practiced on our spring form mattress, much to my parents' horror. Inspired by a TV advertisement, I would fall back on the bed, pretending it would turn into a pool.

 

But I wasn't exactly graceful or athletic, and I knew I wouldn't grow up to be an acrobat. So I abandonded my dreams of flying through the air, like most kids do. 

 

But some kids do grow up to be acrobats, and some end up touring the world, like the famed Cirque du Soleil. 

 

Influenced by art forms from around the world, this graceful, daring, and dexterous group of performers is composed of acrobats, actors, and dancers, captivating audiences with their imaginary worlds. There are around 50 members from more than 20 countries, including Filipino-Canadian Adrian Andres. 

 

In town this month, the multitalented group displays their skills in "Saltimbanco," which is from "saltare in banco," Italian for "to jump on a bench." Inspired by "the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants," "Saltimbanco" is like a giant game, and the rainbow-colored stage is their playground. 

 

The whole show is breathtaking—how could it not be, when the performers are doing things that seem to go against everything we know. As if leaping from a swing to a trapeze several feet above isn't impressive enough, they also do things like bite a pole—then bring their feet up straight above. It's like a headstand, except it's on a pole, and you're balancing with your teeth. 

 

Stunts like these had the audience clapping wildly, unable to keep from gasping or voicing their appreciation. Behind us, one guy couldn't stop murmuring, "Nice, bro," or "Wasak," while the little boy beside us was evidently in awe, wide-eyed the entire time. 

 

Others were not as impressed. As we left the MOA Arena, where “Saltimbanco” is being shown, a woman complained that it wasn't as exciting, because they had harnesses. It seemed the woman wanted a daredevil exhibition, and Cirque du Soleil is more than just that.

 

Artistry

 

What made "Saltimbanco" an extraordinary experience was its artistry. Despite some observations that the set was not as spectacular as others, the performers were brilliant. 

 

"Saltimbanco" featured the aerosport-inspired Adagio, the 25-foot-high performance on Chinese Poles, the gravity-defying Russian Swing, the mesmerizing Duo Trapeze and Bungees, as well as the infectious flamenco-influenced percussion act Boleadoras, the mind-boggling Hand to Hand, and the incredible Juggling act.

 

These acts were brought to life by a colorful cast of characters—The Baron, The Dreamer, The Ringmaster, The Cavaliers, Worms Multi-colored and Masked, The Baroques, The Child and La Belle. 

 

But it was the jester Eddie who stole the show with his clever inventiveness. A particular favorite was when a member of the audience became part of the show for a few minutes, following Eddie's lead, and eventually engaging him in a Western standoff.

 

In the "Saltimbanco" world, the language is gibberish, but the audience is able to gather meaning from the sounds and movements of the characters, as well as the live music, which was composed by René Dupéré; he also composed music for Cirque du Soleil's "Nouvelle Experience," "We Reinvent the Circus," and "Mystere and Alegria."

 

Also in full costume, the instrumentalists played in the shadows, but their music soared with every high-flying act. 

 

Watching "Saltimbanco" was, in a sense, a dream come true for me. I may not have become an acrobat, but at least vicariously, I could soar through the air, the lights glittering all around. –KG, GMA News Cirque Du Soleil's "Saltimbanco" has playdates from August 9 to 19 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. For tickets, log on to www.hoopla.com.ph and www.smtickets.com for details.