The Experience of Cirque du Soleil Mystere

It has always been said that the arts can give insight into cultural and artistic expression in a way that histories and dialogues could not. This statement is exceptionally true when looking at the performance of Cirque de Soleil Mystere. Audiences make emotional investments in the characters and their abilities as they watch in bewilderment at the performances that are going on around them. The scene is not just a superficial film, but viewers are transported to another world by the artists that take the stage in this show. Because of this, it is important to separate the observations of these artists from the personal involvement that each viewer has staked in these characters; through the majesty of this show, there is a lot to be discussed about the intention of the creators and reaction of the audience.

To begin with, in the show there were a lot of vibrant colors and high paced acts. Heavy focus was placed on birds, lizards, and creatures that both had the opportunity to showcase bright colors and had a place in time from the beginning of Earth until now. The entire show had a very ethereal feel due to the acts that involved heights (such as the trapeze or trampoline), and the heavy emphasis on beauty and aesthetics. Excluding the Clown, the characters are all painted with heavy use of stage makeup; these designs are representative of something very beautiful and transcendent. The music of the performance helped impact this beautiful tale and twist it into something (oddly) more beautiful in the darkness that the music highlights. When hearing the drums, for instance, the audience looks upon the bright and transcendent set in a haunting light; the musical set attributes a dark angelic presence to the show.

Secondly, it is evident through the use of the above mentioned variables that the artist was attempting to create a tale in which human nature was being expressed. The characters were representative of archetypical human attributes; for example, the “Babies” are indicative of the natural human state. They are consistently attempting to fulfill their pleasure principle and obtain their own selfish needs and wants. Cyclical nature of the world is, as well, called into wonder within the performance through the urban bohemian feel that is attributed to it. There’s a natural beauty that plagues the stage and in the opening performances, we see an act that is reminiscent of the start of the world- in the case, symbolized by a loud and beautiful rendition of drums being hit. There is a non-linear feel to the show that doesn’t follow any set time period of humanity; however, with this muddle of time and people, the artist poses the question to the audience: Is the natural human state eternal?

The cultural components that are tied into this play are indicative of African representations. This observation is in part because of the vibrant and exotic characters that saturate the performance. Referencing the idea that this area houses the “cradle of life,” this makes sense within the context of the performance. Cultural differences arise in the heavy emphasis of the “natural state,” and the non-traditional display of beauty. While privileging beauty is heavily attributed to Western ideology, this show chose to aesthetically embrace the exotic by face paint and over the top, flowing costumes.

Taking this topic out of a purely observational and factual recount, it is safe to say that I loved watching this performance. Different from any other “circus” act that I have seen, I felt like I was transported to the psyche of humanity in this performance. Archetypal characteristics were highlighted in such a beautiful and well done way. I almost felt overwhelmed when watching everything that was taking place on the stage; there was no way possible for me to watch each individual element without losing sight of the big picture that was being presented. However, I don’t think this is a downfall of the production- I think it speaks to the brilliance of this show; everything was so fully thought out and detailed that there was never a dull moment.

The artist took me out of my own life and threw me into another reality; it was almost a supernatural occurrence to watch these performers. The Red Bird, especially, was my favorite character and his performance tugged at my heartstrings. Upset because he could never fully fly, it made me realize that we all are struggling against something that wasn’t innately given to us. I believe the artist challenges the audience to find something of themselves in every character that was crafted onto the stage. The juxtaposition between the different dynamics of human nature is expertly sewn into the storyline; for example, the dynamic between Belle and the Black Widow. These characters were both so beautiful to me, and they were representative of the horror and love that resides in both of us. I felt personally involved in the struggle between these two characters- this is just like the struggle that we have inside ourselves.

Overall, I would certainly recommend this show to anyone that asked me about it. It was a stunning performance by a multitude of gifted performers with a psychological message that interweaves all of humanity. I definitely, as well, would watch this performance again because I felt that I was so overwhelmed by the details and characters that I did not have time to take everything in that I was supposed to. I believe this would be one of those shows that are so well done and thought out, that a viewer would consistently find something new and exciting every time they watched it. Ultimately, I am extraordinarily happy at the opportunity to watch this performance and have a true appreciation for the wonder that is Cirque du Soleil Mystere.

Work Cited

Cirque Du Soleil Mystere. Dir. Franco Dragone. Chor. Debra Brown. Treasure Island, Las Vegas. Performance.