Saltimbanco by Cirque du Soleil

Well after a very long period of doing all the same things, I have finally done something different...I mean how many times can you go to the mall, watch a new flick or have dinner.  Sometimes that seems to be all there is to do in Doha - or at least maybe all that I do anyway.  This week though, we have a world class show here in Doha called Saltimbanco - it's a Cirque du Soleil show that "explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms".

WOW!  There is no other word to describe this show.  It is an amazing display of strength, acrobatics, and comedy all rolled into one.  The choreography and visual displays of colour are stunning.

My favorite act was a performance by a guy who was swinging from two suspended straps.  He rolled himself up the straps to the ceiling and back down to the floor as well as doing some flips and acrobatics in mid-air.

The Russian Swing was another great act where the performers swung on a long board swing in a triangle frame and then flew off into a dismount and were caught by the performers on the ground.

Towards the end of the show were four bungee artists who twirled and plummeted to the delight of the entire crowd.  It was really amazing to watch the synchronicity with which they performed, even when one of the artists missed the trapeeze on one of the return bounces.

Now, I know most people don't like mimes...but this show had a great one!  He portrayed his actions with such exaggeration and impeccable timing with the sound effects, much to the enchantment of the audience.    The improv was great as well.  The mime and several other performers involved several audience members in the show even bringing them on stage in some cases.  It is easy to see the amount of preparation that is involved with this type of show and the performers sure do seem to love what they do!

To be honest I didn't expect to like it as it is not the sort of event I would normally be excited to go see.  All that has changed now for sure.  This will not be my last Cirque show.

I guess running away and joining the Cirque doesn't have to be a bad idea!