Alegría: In a New Light review

This Cirque du Soleil offering is a reimagining of one of the most successful pieces in its repertoire – a show that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Its loose narrative traces the death of a monarch, and the chaos that ensues when the old fool Mr Fleur attempts to take the crown – but that story, of course, takes second place to the spectacular acts that surround it.

With revisions by Daniel Ross and direction from Jean-Guy Legault, this new tour balances eclectic clowning and breathtaking acrobatics with a haunting live score, featuring vocalists Sarah Manesse and Cássia Raquel. Mr Fleur mourns the passing of the late king, but feels he is able to take up the sceptre, prompting a series of play-offs between various tribes. These young, vibrant teams show off their prowess, in contrast to the tired, ineffectual courtiers who are clinging desperately on to the old guard.

There is the sense of a joust, as a thrillingly choreographed acro-pole routine has performers flying through the air and landing in pyramid formation. A trampoline power track raises the stakes, and tumblers double and triple backflip at breathtaking speed. This includes a doddering Mr Fleur, who is played by the skilled Ukraine acrobat Bogdan Zavalishyn. While these vast set-pieces impress, it is perhaps easier to appreciate the work of the individual performers such as Ghislain Ramage on the cyr wheel, swirling around the stage with an almost balletic grace, or fire-knife dancer Falaniko Solomona Penesa, who seems impervious to the naked flame as he balances lit batons on his feet.

Continues...