Photos courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
Story by Joseph Alexiou
To see extraordinary theatrics with an aesthetic that is best-described as other-worldly, there may be no better performance troupe than Cirque du Soleil. The Quebec-based circus group celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, playing 19 shows in diverse destinations around the world.
Kooza, the latest conception, started its tour in New York City on Randall's Island (reachable by car or NYC Watertaxi) and does not disappoint. Under the big red tent plays the colorful story of a boy, his kite, and a journey through a fantastical and comic kingdom—led by an intensely mute and magical MC in incredible striped suits. His dancing is so intense, and his kicks so high, that my drag queen date to the fabulous evening squealed in approval.
Every act is enthralling, but highlights include contortionists who execute with amazing speed and precision, and the wheel of death—a human-powered, spinning black metal monstrosity. Manned by acrobats with incredible strength and taste for tempting fate and gravity itself, this act is a heart-pounding carnival ride through Hades.
Conceived by 20 street performers in 1984, "Cirque" is known for its outlandish costumes, incredible music, and sheer inginuity as only les québecois can conceive. Allez-y!
