The production, which first debuted in Montreal in 2009, offers an immersive look into the fascinating world of insects. Each of the 52 performers brings a specific creature to life through extraordinary movement and breathtaking acrobatics.
Just in case you missed it, “ovo” means “egg” in Portuguese – a name that perfectly reflects the concept behind the show. A mysterious giant egg appears in a bustling insect ecosystem, sparking intense curiosity, awe and wonder among its tiny inhabitants.
Breathtaking and visually stunning
The costumes are brilliant: larger-than-life, vividly colourful interpretations of insects that immediately captivate the eye. The lighting design is equally impressive, used masterfully for camouflage, emphasis and mood, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the production.
Every individual act is eye-popping. The insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and love, creating a vibrant and constantly shifting stage picture. The Russian aerial cradle never fails to make spectators gasp, while an impressive flying act sees a pair of butterflies perform a pas de deux on aerial straps, swooping and landing, leaping and flying in perfect unison. There is also an astonishingly precise foot-juggling routine performed by red ants.
Insect-themed extravaganza
One of the most striking performances comes from the White Spider, portrayed by the incredible Nyamgerel Gankhuyag, who balances her entire body folded in half while gripping a pole with her mouth. Another memorable highlight is Qui Jiangming’s slackwire act, set within a semi-circular rocking frame; his balance and control are simply extraordinary.
The final set piece features trampolinists dressed as crickets, flying through the air before clinging to a vertical climbing wall as tall as a two-storey building. Watching the performers run, jump, fly and spin on giant rotating wheels is utterly heart-stopping. At times, it is hard to believe that what we are witnessing is happening live in front of us rather than on a cinema screen.
Technically astonishing
Our only minor criticism is that the storyline remains secondary. However, the sheer physicality, courage and precision required to execute these stunts is beyond comprehension, so it makes sense for the performers’ skills to take centre stage.
After all, who really cares about the narrative of a mysterious egg when acrobats are gliding through the air in controlled, choreographed free falls, head-first and with jaw-dropping agility? Will they land safely and flawlessly? That is all that truly matters to the audience – and, spoiler alert, they do, because this is Cirque du Soleil.
OVO runs until March 1 at the Royal Albert Hall.
Book tickets for OVO by Cirque du Soleil.
Image credits: © Cirque du Soleil
