Totem: Evolution as a colorful spectacle

The evolution of mankind explained in a colorful show. The Cirqe du Soleil is known for spectacle at the highest level. With "Totem", it goes back to the origins of life - and shows how creatively the circus world is constantly evolving.

Author and director Robert Lepage (60) explains the title: "Totem is the animal you feel inside you. Some people are more like bears, others like fish, others like monkeys," the Canadian theater director is convinced. "Humans are part of the whole chain." Evolution is the keyword. With "Totem", the audience embarks on a journey to the amphibious beginnings of humanity via the world of the Neanderthals to homosapiens and their dream of flying.

A scientist guides the audience through the plot of the evolution spectacle - and the artists embody the story of evolution with the acrobatics Cirque du Soleil is known for. Amphibians and fish come to life. They bounce up from a trampoline
and leap from one pole to the next. A young Indian dances to the rhythm of the drum, symbolizing myths, legends and the eternal cycle of life. Five unicyclists throw metal bowls into the air with their feet and catch them again with their heads. And in another scene, a pair of roller skaters whirl around at lightning speed on a tiny, drum-shaped platform.

"Totem" is pure life - here science is paired with show spectacle. A team of 46 artists, actors, singers and musicians create a colorful and thrilling evolution show. "Totem" offers eleven different acrobatic, juggling, balancing and gymnastic show sequences. The stage itself is reminiscent of a giant tortoise, and not by chance: it is regarded as the symbol of origin of many ancient civilizations.

of many ancient civilizations.

3D scan ensures perfectly fitting monkey masks

However, "Totem" would not work without the people in the background. In addition to the staff who take care of the physical well-being, designers are also on board the show. They guarantee that the outstanding costumes, some of which are hand-painted, always appear in all their glory. The custom-made costumes are washed daily and replaced every six months.

With the monkey costumes, Cirque du Soleil goes one step further: all performers receive a monkey mask tailored precisely to them, and a 3D scan measures the head to ensure a perfect fit. Totem" celebrated its world premiere in 2010 - since then, the show has amazed five million spectators in over 45 cities. A show on a grand scale: The circus tent around the turtle shell stage offers space for over 2500 fans.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - TOTEM
5.9 - 14.10.2018, Hardturm Areal Zurich
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