Cirque du Soleil has become a cultural giant, with 18 of the company’s shows currently touring the world. While the best take your imagination on a fantastical journey, Totem rarely reaches those dizzying heights. Sure, there are moments when breathtaking skills are on display (the ladies on unicycles really do need to be seen to be believed) and the stage is a piece of technical wizardry, but too many scenes fall flat, providing no momentum to the narrative. And let’s face it, clowning, of which there’s a lot here, has never really been the company’s strongest side.
Lulls in the pace can always be outweighed by some dazzling feats but the most disappointing aspects of Totem are the clunky racial stereotypes, cultural misappropriations and out-of-date sexism. In 2014 do we really need a female aerialist performing dressed entirely in pink, including the rings from which she effortlessly dangles? Or the inclusion of a sexy scientist’s assistant tottering around on high heels looking ditzy while the boys do all the serious thinking?
When so much of the company’s currency has been in delving into dreamlike worlds of childish wonder and celebrating their international cast and crew, these missteps are unnecessary and a distraction from the skills on display.
Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park to 4 Jan
