Spellbinding Saltimbanco

25 Mar 2011

The colourful, vibrant, bustling urban metropolis of Saltimbanco is home to a myriad of interesting and crazy inhabitants, including lumo pink-and-green-striped creatures, bicycle-riding daredevils, whirling skyscraper acrobats, juggling magicians and a feisty Boleadoras slapping duo. I was lucky enough to be introduced to them last night at the GrandWest Arena at Cirque du Soleil's longest running show, Saltimbanco.

The inhabitants immediately welcome visitors into their acid trip of a world, playfully teasing certain guests. One young man had his shirt whipped off while a lady was ushered on stage and quickly somersaulted by two of the characters. After this quick introduction, the show begins and you are immersed into the rich technicolour luminous production, each act more breathtakingly brilliant than the next.

The only South African from the culturally diverse cast, Daniel Buckland, plays the pajama donning blue-tailed Sleeper, expertly weaving each act together and providing light comical relief throughout.

By far my favourite acts were the aerial ones. The Chinese Poles were towering skyscrapers with agile chameleon creatures expertly climbing, sliding and twisting amongst them. The Russian Swing had the house troupe somersaulting and flipping many many metres in the air; I got that little butterfly dropped-stomach feeling just watching this act. Marion Verd was spellbinding on the trapeze and, the last act of the night, the four-person bungee was so beautiful it could bring tears to your eyes.

This is definitely one show not to miss, so take a trip to the saturated city of Saltimbanco - you won't regret it.

Saltimbanco plays at the GrandWest Arena, GrandWest Casino, Cape Town until 3 April, 2011. For more info and to book tickets, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/saltimbanco/default.aspx