Cirque du Soleil’s OvO Comes to the Liacouras Center

There are few things in life as breathtaking as the fantastical productions put on by Cirque du Soleil. Using only the term “circus” is an appalling understatement when describing the world phenomenon that Cirque has blossomed into over the years.

During their first Canadian province-wide tour in 1984, Guy Laliberte (founder), saw it fit to name his circus-inspired traveling troupe of artists, musicians, and performers, Cirque du Soleil; which translates to Circus of The Sun. He described his decision by stating that “The sun symbolizes youth, energy, and strength.” Needless to say, those are the exact qualities that their shows have been producing ever sense.

In the year 2015, Cirque went on to present 19 different shows world wide! Not just the same show in different locations, but entirely unique shows with exciting story lines and riveting performances that spanned across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Mexico. Now we get to experience yet another wonderful production, right here in Philadelphia!

OvO premiered in Montreal, Canada in 2009 and hasn’t lost any momentum. The name “ovo” derives from the Portuguese word for “egg,” foreshadowing the magnificent ecosystem that awaits us. As we enter Deborah Colker’s (writer and director) wild, wonderful world of insects and biodiversity, the incredible set design and costuming is enough to make you want to live the rest of your life out on a stage.

OvO‘s storyline is nothing shy of dramatic, enchanting, and inspiring. The main characters are a tender Ladybug, the constantly moving Foreigner Fly, and the chief of the community, Master Flipo.  A mysterious egg sets the tone that ultimately represents the cycle of their lives… as well as our own. The acts include foot juggling ants, hand balancing dragonflies, hand juggling fireflies, the mysterious Creatura, acrobatic fleas, slackwire feats, and dozens of artists tackling a wall without artificial support that you just have to see to believe. One of the most exciting acts in the show has to be that of the Web, which involves the spiders – and one in particular who happens to be a contortionist.

Philly PR Girl was lucky enough to attend a special preview of the Web with the contortionist White Spider, Aruna Bataa of Mongolia, and the gymnast Black Spider, Alanna Baker of the UK. The preview took place inside the Academy of Natural Sciences Museum surrounded by their Tarantula Exhibit along with bug infused cuisine; we’re talkin’ mealworm frittata and cricket pancakes, for real. Not only were the performers elegant and polite, but they were extremely talented and left us wanting more! Don’t just take our word for it, check them out for yourselves at the Liacouras Center, May 11th through the 15th.

While you wait for the big day, check out the official OvO website where you can look at photos, their awesome trailer, and buy your tickets! Remember… it’s all about the movement.