As a child, who has not dreamed of running away with a circus, may not have been a proper child. The „Cirque du Soleil“ brings back those dreams – and at the same time sets clear boundaries, because what the artists show is hardly from this world. It all started with a group of street artists on stilts in a small Canadian village near Quebec. Since its inception 40 years ago, the „Sun Circus“ has grown into a global empire and redefined the genre. Nowadays, more than 20 different shows with the popular mix of acrobatic sensations, magical poetry, sensual music, and a touch of humor are touring worldwide. And why „Circus of the Sun“? Because the sun symbolizes youth and strength, according to the creators.
With nine performances over five days, the „Cirque du Soleil“ is once again visiting Hamburg and presenting „Corteo“ at the Barclays-Arena. The Italian title means procession – the show starts with a funeral: Clown Mauro has died, and now everyone who knew him wants to bid him a grand farewell with a magnificent procession. A tearful funeral would not have been in his spirit, so the burial turns into a lavish goodbye.
The clowns try their hand at golf. But the „ball“ takes on a life of its own. All of the clown’s ex-lovers sway on swinging chandeliers – in a spectacular trapeze act. An oversized bed serves as a trampoline, where colleagues reminisce about Mauro’s fulfilled life in a literal sense of exuberance. A heavenly greeting floats in on giant balloons – whether from him or for the deceased, the audience may decide.
The exuberant celebration lasts for about two hours, celebrating the past of a beloved artist, but actually life itself, in almost baroque proportions. And it seems as if Clown Mauro himself is still present and watching the merry festivities in extravagant costumes from somewhere…
What works successfully in around 100 countries will also work in Hamburg: being touched and forgetting all the everyday things for two hours.
Barclays-Arena: 23rd-27th October, various times, tickets starting from 48.10 euros.
This recommendation comes from Plan7, the culture and events supplement in the new weekly MOPO (available every Friday at the kiosk, here in the affordable introductory subscription). Plan7 – 28 pages full of culture and inspiration for your leisure time: culture tips for every day of the week, tips for food fans, and for Hamburg and its surroundings explorers. In addition, there are interviews and giveaways for concerts, readings, shows, and more.