In Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, a clown dreams of his death, his weeping friends, his funeral parade, and flying lessons from angels. The show brings new life to what had become formulaic. The Cirque had felt affected, surreal for the sake of being surreal, in recent years.
Corteo explores a territory of loss, pathos, humor and friendship in a new way. The athleticism is still there. Three Olympic gymnasts are in the show. The strength, agility and precision of the artists were stunning. Most astonishing was Uzeyer Novrusov, who climbed an unsupported ladder and did things on it to rival Jackie Chan. This show is different from previous ones because the acrobatics and inventive moves were coupled with a tender reflection on mortality and the richness of life.
The most poignant act was simple. The Giant Clown and a little woman playing a child embraced. Then she flew away under giant white helium balloons. She wafted over the audience, subtly expressing delight, humor, apprehension, exploration. He watched with paternal care. As she sank toward the audience, she indicated she wanted a gentle boost for her feet. Audience members pushed her up and forward as one plays with a single balloon. The vignette seemed to talk about the tensions of parenthood—caring and letting go. It was suspenseful.
Some scenes were obscure. Why should people of different sizes cram into a house while a woman threw a tantrum on the roof? Why was she swinging that dove or chicken? Was it a tantrum or homage to punk?
Others were energetic and clear. The Sharks and Jets type rivalry between men on a seesaw crackled with excitement and near menace. The men kept sending each other higher in the air to turn more and more flips, glowering. When the contest of machismo was over, they threw arms over each other's shoulders and sauntered offstage.
The costumes evoked both Renaissance and Victorian richness. The angels who were coaching Mauro as he entered the afterlife grew more and more elaborate from beginning to end. At first they had white shifts and single layered wings, but at the end they were in richly layered lavender, gold and blue hoop skirts with ornate wings, like living (or immortal) ornaments.
Corteo, or Cortege, is touring the world. It is currently playing in Atlanta, Georgia.
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