Back again after a successful run here two years ago, the critically acclaimed Cirque Eloize iD is back again to entertain and wow audiences.With a small crew of just 15 performers, these all-rounded entertainers are tested to the best of their abilities amidst tension as they battle trampolines, jump ropes, bikers and each other in “gang fights”.
Jeannot Painchaud returns to directing, resulting in Cirque Eloize iD, a modern interpretation of circus acts, infusing multi-disciplines like urban dance and multimedia. “Eloize”, which directly translates to lightning, very accurately describes the entire atmosphere; each act goes by in a flash, leaving you stunned at the debacle you’ve just watched.
Set in the bustling cityscape so as to feel relatable being city dwellers, the whole show attempts but fails to draw a storyline. It struggles at establishing two gangs and a few love lines in between key performers, and any semblance of a plot is gone once it’s time for intermission. Supposedly reflecting daily life, some of the acts are designed to look like various places in the city, like a construction site and busy streets. The backdrops are impressive, and have a surprise element as it hides secret doors that dancers pop in and out from seemingly nowhere.
Going instead for the wow factor, each of the acts kept audiences at the end of their seats, with applause punctuating the air quite frequently. From performers climbing a stack of chairs about six metres high to jumping over a nervous audience member on a bike, it was impossible to predict what was coming next. The performers kept the tensions high, enhanced by a soundtrack that bounced between energetic and suspension.
The specialty of the Cirque Eloize iD is the silhouette dance, where a lady revolves inside a hula hoop all over the stage. Another highlight that really stands out is the finale act, where the whole cast jump on a trampoline up the humongous backdrop. It looked as if they were just walking up the wall to the ceiling, and even though it was a simple act of just trampolining, it was mesmerising just to watch them bounce up and down so effortlessly.
It’s not just all tricks and stunts though; there were plenty of little gags here and there that relieved the tension from the dancers. From little bikes to a knowing wink as a juggler purposely dropped a ball, I felt almost like I was part of the show by understanding their jokes.
While some of the acts are quite ordinary, like the gymnastics and biking stunts, it’s still quite breathtaking to witness the acts in real life. The audience got an adrenaline rush from watching a guy plummet head first down a pole, halting mere inches from the ground, or the contortionist who interpreted a break-dancer’s moves in her own way (cue squeals as you imagine bending your body in gravity-defying movements). Performers are also pushed to their limits as they combine different talents from rollerblading break-dancers to bikers and a skipping rope. Mastering one talent alone is difficult enough, yet these performers seem to show off talent after talent.
Words cannot do justice to the performance, so I’d suggest you catch the performance at Marina Bay Sands for yourself. It’s guaranteed to wow you, or at least inspire with this modern act of dance fusion despite a few misses.
What: Cirque Eloize iD
Where: Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
When: Fri, 26 Feb – Sun, 6 Mar 2016
Ticketing: Tickets are priced from S$45 to S$125 and can be purchased online via SISTIC.
