What can you expect from this Cirque du Soleil show? A treasure trove of top tricks, dazzling characters, and powerful storytelling
I’ve always had a soft spot for circuses, despite Tim Curry’s portrayal of a monstrous clown that scarred my childhood (curse you, Stephen King). Regardless, I muster my courage every time Cirque du Soleil comes to Singapore. A Cirque du Soleil show isn’t your run-of-the-mill wonder-fest where jesters swallow swords and poodles do backflips; it’s much more refined than that. Not only does it often brandish a live music element and flabbergasting costumes, but they always – without fail – tell a story. That’s what makes Cirque du Soleil so magical, and Kooza is no exception.
Despite being its first run in Singapore – this is the fifth Cirque du Soleil production in Singapore – Kooza debuted way back in 2007 in Montreal, having clocked up over a thousand shows worldwide ever since. While its troupe is made up of 19 nationalities, they all come together as one family sharing a single story: The Innocent, The Trickster, The King, and a kaleidoscopic world of good and evil with themes of identity, fear and power. It’s storytelling conveyed with memorable, animated characters (despite the minimal dialogue), eloquent choreography, flamboyant costumes, a majestic soundtrack, and of course, tricks that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Not knowing what to expect is half the fun, so I don’t intend on bombarding you with spoilers. What I will tell you is this: Yes, there are death-defying tightrope walkers; there are Hula Hoop specialists; there are dancing unicyclists; there are bizarre contortionists, and even a giant dog mascot (beware if you sit in the front seat). Now if you’re thinking to yourself, “That doesn’t sound like much; I’ve seen it all before” – no, you haven’t.
With over three decades of experience, Cirque du Soleil knows this; they know there’s a likelihood of performing in front of a jaded audience, so they step it up. The tricks and stunts I witnessed on the opening night are unlike anything I’ve seen before, and I’d like to think that I’ve gone for my fair share of circuses. The tightrope walkers I mentioned earlier? Let’s just say they don’t just walk. The clowns? Top-class (they might just choose you to join their act, so stay on your toes). And the show-stealer? You’ll be losing your marbles over the gargantuan Wheel of Death act – my palms had never been that sweaty.
The word “Kooza” is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “treasure”. And whether you’re a Cirque du Soleil-chaser, or a first-time visitor to the Big Top, this show is, aptly, going to be one you’ll treasure for a long time.
Cirque du Soleil – Kooza, 13 July to 20 August, Big Top Tent, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956. Get your tickets here.
Looking for another production to watch? Check out our review of local theatre production, Boeing Boeing. Other big shows to watch out for are musicals, West Side Story and The Sound of Music.