One of the company’s signature and most popular pieces returns to the London scene in a revised production exuding even more thrills and enchantment than the first time. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this aerial display of talent was actually a flight of fantasy.
Very few times do we gift ourselves the chance to dream. To soar beyond the bounds of reality. And to discover the wonders of a world that holds so much grace within, but whose gates are only open for those who let themselves believe. An artist is, in fact, a smith of dreams. A keeper of the reveries that knock on our minds everyday. And a messenger connecting reason with the silenced corners of our hearts. A skill of lightning power, its print remains untouched forever. Instant but everlasting. Like a sudden rush of joy. Like a flash of life. Alegría…
Too often have we heard the expression ‘an oldie but a goodie’ used rather gratuitously in the theatre. And even more often, one can’t help but express distrust (if not concern) as for what to expect – especially, when it comes to production values. Shows that have been around for a while have proven their point as people-pleasers. And by no means does this translate into a necessary lack of artistic quality or integrity. However, nobody can escape the toll of time (Cher may be the only exception). And so, we find ourselves returning to montages that though once were able to wow us, today have become a burnt-out memory of what they used to be – bringing back that screechy, preachy voice into our heads, reminding us of the notion that there comes a time when you simply must let go.
The Cirque du Soleil is far from making those mistakes. They may have reused a past property, but certainly they haven’t given us the same. And if they have, its enticement is too compelling to show any cracks in it. Alegría honours every letter, thought and meaning of its title. It even sublimes it – just as it sublimes its romantic bedazzlement, through its ever-spinning wheel of consummate performing craftsmanship. It might sound as an overstatement, but it may actually be the opposite. The piece is nearly perfection. An immaculate display of technical and creative ability combined in melodious harmony, resulting in a robust, mesmerizing work which is as excellent as it’s pure – emanating the essence of the company’s defining identity, and reassuring their place as the most phenomenal, soul-gripping spectacle of their kind.
With a sumptuous soundtrack that, for decades now, has become the underscore for our personal remembrances, René Dupéré’s lavish chords wrap us under their mystic allure, as whole new universe of awe and illusion unfolds with galvanizing strength. Lights slowly dim as Monsieur Fleur, a mad hatter-looking clown, unravels the forces of the under (or perhaps, above) world – taking us, through a strike of whizz and surprise, into a realm of fairy-like flair and whimsical adventure. A place where marvels are the common features for their wanderers. And where astonishment is only the starting point.
Relying on incredible staging, magnificent costumes and a delightfully intricate and highly evocative lighting design, the whole scenography becomes one more lead character in this never-ending parade of jaw-dropping moments. Spotlessly paced by combining the highest forms of acrobatics in each of their genre with a story-cohesive thread of comic reliefs, the show builds excitement over excitement, by never putting the emotions down and achieving what just a very selective group of creators have reached: to ignite an outburst through the gentle touch of beauty.
A higher tour de force in comparison to its last year’s predecessor, Cirque du Soleil has returned the amazement that only true, turning-point experiences can bring along. A blast of bliss, pride and inspiration, Alegría is, in every aspect, that childlike thought that never matures – simply because its ability to captivate never grows old. Splashing its colourful palette of flair and fervour over the spirits of viewers and performers alike, its return to the Royal Albert Hall culminates a long list of triumphs, where the troupe has reclaimed (without really ever being deprived from it) its position as the highest ambassador in their field. It was the rage of love that made it live. But the winds of passion have made it immortal.
Alegría plays at London’s Royal Albert Hall until 3 March. Tickets are available on the following link.
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