Canadian Blog House was provided with media passes to attend the opening night performance of Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA. All opinions are our own.
Quebec’s entertainment leader, Cirque du Soleil, has brought their latest production, VOLTA, to Gatineau, in celebration of Gatineau 2017 & Canada 150.
From now until August 27th, under the big top at the Zibi site, Cirque du Soleil fans can once again delight in the spectacular acrobatics and antics of Cirque’s fantastic team of highly trained acrobats.
Mesmerizing performances that included incredible feats of human strength and athletic prowess, highly skilled, fast-paced Momentum BMX bike tricks in a full-blown BMX park, and comic relief from VOLTA’s Shood Kood Wood, kept all eyes fixated on the Cirque du Soleil stage for the entire 2 hour performance.
Find Your Free
“VOLTA tells a spellbinding story about the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing
your own trail. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of action
sports, the show weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring
melodic score.
VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true
potential, and the power of the group to make that possible. It celebrates freedom as a
movement.”
Last night’s sold-out opening night performance of VOLTA, left the crowd wanting more. An extended standing ovation, at the close of the VOLTA, left no doubt in our minds that Ottawa-Gatineau loved this action-packed show.
Welcome To Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil knows how to welcome an audience. Just the sight of Cirque’s big top tent stirs up the inner child in me.
As we entered the grounds surrounding the big top, we were greeted by performers passing out beverages, treats, and even red clown noses!
Artists were putting the finishing touches on their painting…
Performers were happy to stop for a photo or two…
But it was inside the big top where the real entertainment began!
The smell of popcorn was in the air, competing with the sight of the largest display of beautiful macarons I have ever seen.
The Cirque du Soleil Boutique offered a great selection of merchandise for the whole family.
Soon it was show time!
The VOLTA stage opens with lead character WAZ. His bedazzling costume is a sight to behold. In fact, the costumes worn by all the performers of VOLTA are stellar. Costumes run the gamut of bright coloured tribal wear, to beautiful ballet attire, sleek one-piece multi-coloured body suits, and futuristic techno-wear.
“Once a young boy full of dreams and aspirations, WAZ lost his way a long time
ago. Growing up as a child, he was mocked for being different: he has blue feathers
instead of hair.
He uses his fame as the host of QPQ as an armor under which he keeps his secret carefully hidden. As he hosts the 1,000th episode of QPQ, something is eatingup at him, and his tightly wound world is fast unspooling.
When WAZ retreats to the “Cube” – in turn his dressing room and his refuge – he is lulled by memories of his
youth. As doubts begin to creep in, he starts to realize that who he once was and what he has become are poles apart. His façade starts to flake away. WAZ finally realizes he can show his true face and shine once again.”
VOLTA IS A FEAST FOR ALL SENSES
See the brilliant colours. Smell the delicious aroma of carnival popcorn and treats. Hear the rhythmic sounds of the drums that compliment the invigorating musical score. Taste the celebratory beverages of Russian Vodka and wines. Touch the Cirque acrobats as they bring their performances into the audience.
Mind-boggling Acrobatics
As my partner’s mother said during the performance, the combination of great music, and mind-boggling acrobatics, makes it hard for audience members to stop moving in their seats.
VOLTA makes you want to get up and dance, clap, cheer…and for some fans – want to join in!
Part of being an audience member at a Cirque du Soleil performance is like playing a part in the show. The audience itself becomes a character in the performance, as the acrobats, sound, and lighting systems take over the entire big top.
Acrobats run up and down the aisles, soar over the crowd on the trapeze and rope, and thrill audiences by venturing perilously close the edge of the stage.
Just like other Cirque du Soleil shows, VOLTA is a wonderfully immersive experience.
Send In The Clowns
It wouldn’t be a Cirque du Soleil show without some comic relief.
VOLTA’s Shood Kood Wood did a stand-up job, keeping the audience laughing.
Small in stature but, huge in stage presence, Shood Kood Wood thrilled the audience throughout the night.
He had an epic battle with some washing machines…
Then there was Shood Kood Wood’s most unforgettable scene of the night..
Warning! Partial Nudity Ahead!
…and lots of laughs!
VOLTA’s stage gives the audience a fabulous 240-degree view of the performances. Every seat under this air-conditioned big top tent has a terrific view.
I have only touched on a small part of the story of VOLTA. Full of symbolism, a great story line, and a wide array of fascinating characters, VOLTA is sure to be entertaining Cirque fans for a long time to come.
Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA makes its home at the Zibi site in Gatineau, from now until August 27th. You can purchase tickets from the Cirque du Soleil website here.
Have you ever attended a Cirque du Soleil performance? What show did you see, and where did you see it?
Wanting more VOLTA? Check out these videos!
