Cirque du Soleil performers practising to be ants on a prop wall for the show OVO, at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, June 23.
(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)
June 23, 2022 - 7:00 PM
Roughly 100 circus performers with the highly acclaimed international circus, Cirque du Soleil, are preparing to bring their show called OVO to a Kamloops audience.
OVO is teeming with talented performers playing the parts of lively, colourful insects who are rushing headlong into a new ecosystem.
It takes a lot of work and a lot of professional hands to set up for each show. The production relies on many parts moving perfectly together from stage crew, to sound technicians, to costume design to cooks.
There is a reason why Cirque du Soleil is the largest contemporary circus producer in the world.
“We travel in 20 semi-trucks and it takes a solid day to set up,” said senior publicist for Cirque du Soleil, Janie Mallet. “Stagehands and catering companies are hired locally. Performers spend the day reviewing acts and getting accustomed to the new arena dimensions.”
The Cirque du Soleil performers for the show OVO travel in 20 semi trucks as seen here at Sandman Centre in Kamloops, June 23.
(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)
Cirque du Soleil was born in 1984 and has expanded into an international show since, with OVO coming together in 2009.
The tour includes professional performers of 25 different nationalities.
Aerial Hoop artist, Domenic Taylor, is from Vancouver. He joined OVO last year after working with Cirque du Soleil on a different show.
“I was always fascinated at being in the air, spinning and flying,” he said. “Aerial Hoop combines athleticism with art. I’m excited to be here in Kamloops, it is a new city for us. My family is in B.C. and will come watch the show.”
Ariel Hoop artist Domenic Taylor practising his routine at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops on June 23.
(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)
In behind the massive stage of practising performers is an extensive sound production area with see-through views of the stage through a prop rock wall.
In behind that is a laundry room where staff wash 36 loads of costume laundry per day.
“The custom wardrobe creation is stunning and full of details that incorporate the look of the costumes with functionality,” Mallet said. “There is a lot of work and repair that is required. Artists are 3D scanned so measurements are made perfectly.”
Senior publicist with Cirque du Soleil Janie Mallet hold up an insect costume at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, June 23.
(SHANNON AINSLIE / iNFOnews.ca)
The theme of OVO is filled with biodiversity, beauty, action and moments of quiet emotion. The awestruck insects are intensely curious when a mysterious egg appears, representing the enigma and cycles of their lives.
Touted by the show as a non-stop riot of energy in motion, you won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to see some of the best circus performers in the world.
Shows run from tonight, June 23 to Sunday June 26 at the Sandman Centre.
Click here for tickets and information.
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