Our time on this earth is fleeting, a life well lived, friendships made, and lovers kissed, all passing through one’s thoughts during our final moments. Joyful memories to guide us into the afterlife, with fond farewells from those who knew us.
Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, with set design by Jean Rabasse and exquisite lighting by Martin Labrecque it has been seen by over twelve million people across thirty countries.
This is the story of Mauro the Dreamer Clown, imagining his own funeral while lying on a gilded bed, a bittersweet way to start a show, but the delightfulness of his story and those who embellish it ensures that audiences remain enraptured.
When entering the arena, it is difficult not to be instantly taken with the charming hand painted curtain hanging in front of the stage. Translucent yet not detracting from the scene upon it, it allows the audience to see through to the other side of the arena, ensuring that no matter where you are seated the view is fantastic.
And so, Mauro (played with such grace by Stéphane Gentilini) takes us through his life.
One of the first opening scenes featuring a quartet of female aerial artists swinging from giant ornate chandeliers. the four lovers over his lifetime, coming together to celebrate Mauro. Feminine energy in a united bond of love for a man that they had each shared time with.
Cyr wheels remind one that life is indeed cyclic, one generation following the next, time never stopping in its endless march around the clock face, before a stunning suspended pole routine demonstrates just how remarkable the human body is and how movement can convey emotion just as powerfully as words.
Their celestial presence elevated by the golden semi-circle hoop that houses the wire, that smallest attention to detail evoking imagery of halos and the heaven that Mauro the Dreamer Clown will soon be ascending to.
There is of course comedy as well. A Scottish golf scene may seem out of place to some. However, is a hole in one not a metaphor for many of the things that we strive for in life? To succeed in a goal that has been set, to give it our absolute best shot, no matter what?
At times, the stage is almost chaotic, as multiple cast members dance, skip and somersault their way across it. Yet each specific act is still given room to breathe, small humorous or whimsical portions carefully placed throughout as palette cleansers while the tireless technical and support crew set up for the next breathtaking act.
Shoes that march on their own, rubber chickens hurled from above by a giggling angel, and tiny mechanical spotlights that zoom about all part of the ebullience evoked by the creative team.
Cortéo is a great example of the more traditional circus acts. The kind that would have toured rural Italy. Such as a musical number featuring crystal glasses being played with fingers dipped in water, while other clowns played Tibetan bowls while seated on the outer rim of the circular stage which rotates to ensure that everyone present obtains the perfect view.
Slowly Mauro the Dreamer Clown’s journey was coming to an end. He speaks of his grandfather reciting an analogy of how riding a bike is a lot like how one should move through life.
Too fast and you miss the little moments. Too slow and you might fall. But a steady speed and you will reach your destination with all the riches life has to offer, through friendships made and experiences lived.
Cortéo is more than just a circus act. It is a celebration of life, and the wonderment that constantly surrounds us, if one just opens their heart and embraces it.
Sarah Kidd
Tickets available from Ticketmaster
Photography by Leonie Moreland
