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The masters of circus arts, Cirque du Soleil, have returned to Atlanta with their new production “OVO.” At Atlantic Station through December 19, a world of insect performers live under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (or Big Top) in a symphony of colors, movement and sound.
OVO, or “egg” in Portuguese, thrusts its audience into a vibrant ecosystem where insects dance and play to a Brazilian beat. In the story, an insect called Foreigner appears carrying a giant egg, and the others are awestruck by the strange object. To the insects, the egg “represents the enigma and cycles of their lives,” according to Cirque du Soleil media. The show features a range of acrobatics, including 54 performing artists from 16 countries, beautifully choreographed by writer/director, Deborah Colker.
In one scene, performers are dressed as bright red ants, juggling large drums shaped like kiwi and corn. The feat climaxes when the ants juggle each other, as well as their food. During a trapeze performance, six fliers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind ever presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. The finale features 20 artists running and jumping up a 24-foot vertical wall.
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Every element of OVO is precise, from set and costume design, to music and choreography. Giant, mechanical flowers evoke nature while a floral scent is pumped through the big top. The stage has a curved design, mimicking the organic inspiration of an insect’s world. The costumes, designed by Liz Vandal, capture insects’ body structure without copying their actual anatomy. Vandal “interpreted [the insects’] morphology” by utilizing a permanent pleating technique developed by Japanese designer Issey Miyake, as well as printing on colored materials and eroding the fabrics.
Live Brazilian-inspired music plays throughout the show, composed by Berna Ceppas. The arrangements combine samba and electronic beats that transport the audience to the Amazon. The performers maintain enthusiastic facial expressions, dancing and leaping like real insects. Their impersonations are impeccable. With a comedic storyline, breathtaking acrobatic performances and a final spray of colorful butterfly confetti, OVO will leave audiences wanting more.
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“The Atlanta ‘OVO’ visit … is indicative of the long-lasting love affair between our tours and the city,” said Marie-Claude Asselin, publicist for Cirque du Soleil. “This love affair started almost 20 years ago with the visit of ‘Nouvelle Experience’ and has been going on since. We also love Atlantic Station, our Midtown Atlanta home since 2006.”
For information about OVO and Cirque du Soleil, click here.
To buy tickets, click here.