Mix Leonardo Di Vinci and Michelangelo, throw in a little
Picasso and a lot of Dali, and you have Robert Lepage – the
amazing, imaginative director and creator of Cirque du Soleil’s
newest masterpiece “TOTEM”.
Mix Leonardo Di Vinci and Michelangelo, throw in a little Picasso and a lot of Dali, and you have Robert Lepage – the amazing, imaginative director and creator of Cirque du Soleil’s newest masterpiece “TOTEM”. This artist paints with an enchanting brush and takes spectators on a journey. The works are stunningly beautiful and breathtaking. The old adage “it’s not what you do – it’s how you do it” applies here. Cirque du Soleil’s “TOTEM” has arrived in all its exquisite, serendipitous glory. Simply open the tent flap and be prepared to go to another dimension.
I have experienced just about all the Cirque du Soleil’s presentations. (I say experienced since you just don’t “go” and “see” the Cirque du Soleil, you “experience” it and become a part of it.) I have come to the conclusion that these are really not just theatrical presentations, but works of art.
The talented artist has taken a canvas and painted a seamless mural of delicious joy and glorious color, combining thrills and sounds from another planet that bombard the senses with an awareness that you are involved with something different and new. There is a sophisticated innocence within this production that simply makes you feel good to a point that you wonder if it’s legal. This time the artist called the masterpiece “TOTEM”.
This production, as with all the others, is unique unto itself. This is a more innocently sophisticated production then Cirque’s sensuous “Saltimbanco” and “Veraki”. None of this matters. It’s Cirque du Soleil and as I have always said it is like saying Rolls Royce and Rolex – you know there is commitment to quality and artistic discipline.
This production has a set that changes with special effects projections. One minute the artists are on dry land and the next they are in boats, rowing in a realistic lake that will turn into an erupting volcano and then into a pleasant beach. The costumes are stunning and from another world, the choreography blends everything into a seamless wonderland that keeps the senses alert and keeps the audience wondering what else can they possibly do.
If you go anywhere this season, take the kids and experience Cirque du Soleil’s “TOTEM”. I guarantee you will be delighted that you did.
‘TOTEM’
Where: Behind AT&T Park, San Francisco. Look for the blueand gold tent near 24 Willie Mays Plaza.
Through: Dec. 18 (with the possibility of being extended.)
Details: 800-450-1480.
