Quiet gems outshine setting Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios

The qualities that define Cirque du Soleil’s are the performers’ astonishing level of circus skills and the elaborate themed designs.

A performer in Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios. Picture: AAP

The two main qualities that define shows by Cirque du Soleil are the astonishing level of circus skills exhibited by the performers and the elaborate themed designs. The designs supposedly support a story but the brilliance of the individual and group acts is the main thing.

Performers are recruited from around the world, and that is part of what makes this mega-company so successful.

Cirque du Soleil has made dozens of shows since it began in 1984. Five are installed in purpose-designed theatres in Las Vegas. The marketing and pricing are awe-inspiring. In this show, the bar and merchandise foyer rivals the tent and stage in which the show is played.

This latest to come to Sydney is the 2014 show, Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities. It is based on a character called the Seeker who has a curio cabinet that is brought to life by some mysterious characters, including some robotic ones the Seeker has built in a steampunk kind of way. They all arrive and attempt to ignite his imagination and introduce him to the world of wonders of which he dreams …

That, at least, is according to the absurd guff in the program and publicity. If you hadn’t read it, you wouldn’t know what it’s supposed to be about.

The audience I sat with was simply impressed by the acts. There are excellent but familiar group routines, including one on a trampoline and a spectacularly acrobatic finale. There is a stunning contortion group, performing on a giant mechanical hand. The music is live and the band is active. The design is busy but with some fine set pieces. The costumes are varied and colourful, if sometimes a bit twee.

The designs include a figure with a huge belly that contains a tiny house with a little person living in it. It is a sweet moment, especially since the little person turns out to be so glamorous and feisty.

As with most Cirque du Soleil shows there are quieter, more individual moments and these are the best. There is a revolve that keeps bringing around the objects from the Seeker’s cabinet. There is an impressive aerial act on a bicycle. A standard chair-balancing act has a surprising and thought-provoking reveal. The best act is a brilliant yo-yo performer. Yes, you read that right.

Kurios. Cirque du Soleil. Written and directed by Michel Laprise. Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney, October 2. Tickets $50-$325. Bookings: online. Until November 24.