The Cirque du Soleil’s Message and Meaning
A friend lured me from my studio yesterday evening with a ticket for Kooza. What a gift!
Both the winter and summer holidays seem to have passed me by (almost) while I remain(ed) in hibernation to complete the Biennale exhibit collection.
To sit in the "grand chapiteau" was a thrill and delight—gave me a chance to marvel at real performance artistry—so much talent, skill development, surprise, and wonder. Memories of childhood and attending Billy Smart’s Circus in Liverpool!
From the three child gymnasts to the trapeze artists, to the unicycle couple, to the high wire quartet, to spinning wheelers, to the juggler, to the balancer, to the seesaw and stilt men, I was gasping and gulping. Then, in between there was the stuffed dog—and I won’t tell you what he did…or about the fun audience participation opportunities with the clowns.
My Biennale creations feel small compared to what the Cirque’s performers accomplish night after night. Humbled and energized, I’m ready to get back to my studio and approach the finale of the Biennale project with revived gusto.
Almost perfect was more than perfect for me—a real treat and reminder. The (thankfully stopped) fall on the last stilt stunt drew attention to the fragility of everyone and thing and the life-saving importance of seamless teamwork and camaraderie.
