Arts Writer
WHEN Cirque Éloize iD(pronounced Sirk-ehl-waz eye-dee) made its local debut at Montecasino’s Teatro in 2014, audiences were blown away by this bewildering high-energy production that blends breathtaking acrobatics and street dance. Now Cirque Éloize iD returns, making its Cape Town debut at Artscape on November 16 for a limited season of just 15 performances until November 27.
Directed by Jeannot Painchaud, the production has been enjoyed over the past seven years by more than 1 million spectators in nearly 950 performances in almost 100 cities across the globe in 23 countries.
A high-energy blend of circus arts and urban dance, iD is a production for the young at heart, featuring an inspiring soundtrack and innovative video projections. Acrobats, aerialists, a trial biker, and hip hop and break dancers come together to create a microcosmic society where two groups celebrate everyone’s identity.
There’s speed, power and a cacophony of sounds as everything comes together in a spectacular trampoline finale.
“The runaway success of the show’s first season in 2014 says it all – this is a unique and massively exciting show for the whole family,” says Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management, who added, “This mind-blowing fusion of new theatrical circus and urban dance is an absolute must “do” on every year-end calendar!”
iD features a cast of 15 acrobats and performers, and incorporates innovative multimedia elements, as well as a rock and electronica inspired soundtrack created by composers Jean-Phi Goncalves and Alex McMahon. In Cirque Éloize’s iD, acrobatic disciplines are combined with the energy of hip-hop and street dances, giving a fresh and high octane spin to modern circus.
Director Painchaud says, “It is with great pleasure that we bring this urban tale, filled with colour, passion and energy to Cape Town for the very first time. We are also pleased to be back in Johannesburg where we played to packed houses in 2014.” ID is now Cirque Éloize’s biggest international success. Seven years after its first presentation, it still moves people, and differentiates itself from others with its energy and edginess..”
Cirque Éloize iD began touring in 2009. The set design, illustrations and video projections are created by Robert Massicotte in collaboration with Alexis Laurence. The music is composed by Jean-Phi Goncalves and Alex McMahon, while lighting is by Nicolas Descoteaux.
Krzysztof Soroczynski acted as show acrobatic designer and head-trainer. iD also includes an artistic contribution from Mourad Merzouki.
l 0861 915 8000, www.compu ticket.com, www.cirque-eloize.com, See www.youtube.com/user/cirquee loize