TOTEM by Cirque du Soleil

Media Invite

The last time I watched a Circus show was probably more than 20 years back. The images of red nose clowns running around providing laughter to the crowd, elephants and monkeys performing stuns to wow the people, high rope acrobatic moves, those were memories that never faded away since. Or I thought would remain unchallenged. Until this show by Cirque du Soleil with TOTEM.

Cirque du Soleil returns to Singapore after ten years with TOTEM, and you will not miss it with the long-awaited return of its trademark blue-and-yellow big top on Bayfront Avenue, next to Marina Bay Sands.

Since its 2010 World Premiere, more than 3.8 million people in 30 cities worldwide have been mesmerized by the intimacy and beauty of TOTEM, winner of the 2013 NYC Drama Desk Awards for Unique Theatrical Experience. Written and directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM features a cast of 46 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers from 17 countries performing an impressive collection of jaw-dropping acrobatic acts, in an uplifting array of athleticism, comedy, soul-touching theatrics and supporting visual effects.

The word “TOTEM” contains the idea of the order of species. We carry in our bodies the potential of all species, all the way to our desire to fly – like the thunderbird at the top of the totem pole. On an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Through a visual and acrobatic language, TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species that share our planet, his dreams and his infinite potential.

With acrobatic performances evoking selected scenes from the story of evolution, and featuring Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons, primates and men in suits, among others, TOTEM depicts a world of archetypal characters who, in their own way, witness and act out the perennial, existential, questions of life.

Alternating between science and legend, and peppered with aboriginal stories of creation, TOTEM explores the evolutionary progress of species, Man’s ongoing search for balance, and the curiosity that propels him ever further, faster, and higher…

 

Thanks to the media invite, a chance to be out for an unforgettable evening with wife and some close friends.

 

The first impression of the set up truly brought me back to my younger days. Everyone was happy (partly because there was no haze), taking photos with family and friends, waiting for friends to come before entering the Big Tent. This is what Circus should be like!

Inside the Tent, we were treated with free popcorn and wine. Totally spoilt for the evening.

 

Be seated early even when the show is not starting any sooner, cos you will be treated to some clown fun.

 

The starting performance set the mood for something spectacular. An acrobat dressed completely in reflective costume hanging upside down was lowered down onto the center of the stage. With the stage lights shining on him from several angles, the result was amazing.

Let the show begin!

 

  

 

  

One of my favorite act has to be the couple acrobatic show. The accompanied music was beautiful and how both the actors twisted and turned hanging on the trapeze 10 meters up, showing off some stunning acrobatic moves was simply mesmerizing.

  

However, the highlight of the entire show has to be the Russian Bars! Literally everyone in the tent was sitting on the edge of our seats, hardly breathing, maybe for fear that even a simple gash would disturb the performance. Witnessing the acrobats leaping high up into the air and landing perfectly in sync with on the flexible bars, sometimes flipping and twisting more than 3 rounds in the air before landing, this is truly ART.

  

It was a very wholesome performance, with breath-taking acrobatics, beautiful dances & music, humorous & funny segments (even though some conversations were in Italian), amazing bodies & toned muscles, spectacular stage & theatrics produce, TOTEM is one show you won’t want to miss!

Tips to enjoy the show
- Entry opens 1 hour before show time. So be sure to be early and enjoy the free popcorn and drinks available.
- The tent is air-conditioned, so you may bring along a light sweater. But I’m sure the show will keep your heart pulsating with warm and anticipation.
- No smoking is allowed within the tent. Be considerate, it’s a family show.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, walking up the metal stairs to your seats can be a challenge for the high heels.
- No video recording. Photography without flash is allowed. Just be sure your camera or phone is good for low light photography.
- IMPT! Restrooms are limited within the Big Tent. Best is to clear your bladder at MBS which is just 3mins walk away.

Ticketing and Show Information
You can purchase your tickets online at www.sistic.com.sg or over the phone at +65 6348 5555.
Corporate and Group bookings are available via Showbiz. Email corporate@showbizasia.com or call +65 6688 1029.

Event Period: 28 Oct 2015 – 6 Dec 2015
Ticket Prices (excl. booking fee): S$98, S$138, S$168, S$188
Show Times: 8pm (Tue-Fri), 4.30pm & 8pm (Sat), 1.30pm & 5pm (Sun)
Duration: 2.5 hours (incl. 30mins interval)
Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com