Totem

Reviewed by Paula Citron
August 11, 2011

Totem
Cirque du Soleil
Written and directed by Robert Lepage
Grand Chapiteau, Port Lands
Aug. 10 to Oct. 2, 2011

Totem is the new Cirque du Soleil touring show, and it’s another runaway success.

The concept of writer/director Robert Lepage is the evolution of humankind. Each of the acts supposedly says something about our evolutionary progress.

Now, does anyone attending Cirque du Soleil actually care about the artistic vision behind the show? Granted, the concept impacts on the sets, costumes and music, but in reality, we’re there for the thrills, chills and skills of the performers.

Breakdown a Cirque show and you will find circus acts (non animal, of course), interpolated with clown shtick. In other words, there is a formula at play, and after seeing a few Cirque shows, the basic structure is easily recognized.

On a visual and aural level, Totem is one of Cirque’s most beautiful creations. One can certainly try to match theme to act, but why bother? Just sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

Cirque du Soleil’s Totem continues at the Port Lands until Oct. 2.