The topic and history of evolution has always been a hot issue in the media, but with Cirque Du Soleil’s take on the evolution of man in “TOTEM,” naysayers and believers can put their differences aside to enjoy one of the greatest visually appealing performances to ever grace the state of Georgia.
“TOTEM” is the 10th Cirque Du Soleil show to visit Atlanta since 2006 and will run until Dec. 10 under the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at Atlantic Station. “TOTEM” tells the story of man who works through worldly myths with the use of bright visuals, amazing acrobatics and live orchestral music, led by Charles Dennard, originally from Macon, Georgia.
The show consists of 10 acrobatic acts each describing a different aspect of mankind and the infinite potential of the human being in surprisingly artistic ways. “TOTEM” producers cast 52 different artists from 19 different nationalities and have been touring since 2010. Atlanta is the 16th city in the TOTEM tour.
“It takes about one year from the time an idea is presented until it is fully implemented on stage,” says Cirque Du Soleil artistic director, Tim Smith.
Following on the heels of the sleek, insect-themed “OVO” and the Michael Jackson centric “Immortal World Tour,”
“TOTEM” lives up the high expectations that Cirque Du Soleil continues to set for visual aesthetics and performance.
“There are brand-new acts that have never been seen before in Cirque, and the technology is so advanced, there are effects that we’ve never seen before either,” Smith remarks.
The opening of the show is set on an apparatus in the shape of a giant turtle, called a carapace, which is a symbol of origin in some ancient civilizations. The artists (performers) open the show with high energy, high flying acrobatics that even Gabby
Douglas herself would be jealous of, setting the tone for the rest of the equally amazing performances that would follow for the almost two hour experience.
“We always have a trainer on-site, and even though we travel the world, (the artists) make sure to stay healthy and adhere to our dietary needs to stay in perfect condition,” says Umi Miya, a Japanese Olympic caliber gymnast featured as one of the “frogs” in the opening sequence.
“TOTEM” is scheduled to run until Dec. 30, playing Tuesday – Sunday. Tickets and more information can be found at www.cirquedusoleil.com/totem.