Stunning, epic Odysseo impresses

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This article was published 10/09/2015 (3395 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The acrobatic routines were breathtaking, the horses were stunning and the word epic seems to apply to everything that is Odysseo.

The show that was months in the making had its red-carpet debut Thursday as 2,000 Winnipeggers finally got a glimpse at the much-anticipated opening.

Under a big top constructed just for this spectacle, a dreamy combination of equestrian, dance and acrobatics unfolded. Think Ben Hur, Cirque du Soleil and ballet tossed in a blender.

As the opening curtains were raised, the audience was greeted by a group of horses that were free to wander their way around stage. The audience’s excitement was almost tangible at just seeing those horses, let alone when the real performance began.

Even if you’re not a “horse person,” it’s hard not to be swept up in the beauty and intelligence of these animals. They are truly stunning — thanks in no small part to the upkeep from the numerous groomers and stable hands backstage — with their perfectly tousled manes and shiny coats catching the light as they execute complicated tricks and choreography. Of course, they didn’t always do exactly what their trainer asked, but that’s all part of the fun.

The relationship between the horses and their trainers was at the forefront of the equestrian parts of the show, with each nose getting a nice little pat or an ear getting scratched after, and often during, every routine. The first act of the second half showcased this the best, with a staggering 30 horses on stage without any reins or leads, with only the trainers’ voices and body movements to guide them. Some trainers were responsible for up to four horses and still managed to keep them under control enough to get all 30 of them into several different formations.

The acrobatics, too, are something to behold. Think flips and lifts — and lots of them. The strength of these athletes is simply astounding as they manoeuvre their bodies and weight in a way that seems almost impossible. The aerialists had two especially impressive routines: the first was on a massive carousel that descended from the ceiling of the big top and they performed a breathtaking routine, both as solo artists and in pairs, on the merry-go-round’s poles in front of a romantic starry night sky. The second was performed on hoops suspended from the top of the big top and included many intricate (and dangerous) stunts.

The scale and intensity of the performance is at almost a biblical level. So, it should come as no surprise the production value of the show is about as good as you’re going to see anywhere. There’s a reason Odysseo costs millions to put on, and it shows in the quality of the multimedia aspects, sets and costumes. A large screen curves around the back of the stage and hosts projections of various landscapes and skies and helps creates a cinematic ambiance. Some of the routines look as though they could have been ripped from any Lord of the Rings movie. And a real hill lines the back of the stage, adding depth and volume to an already visually stimulating setup.

Not to mention there’s also a lake, which is the feature of the finale number. The stage is flooded with thousands of litres of water, creating the most picturesque moment of the night as a group of white horses charges through, creating the perfect amount of splashback as they run. Even though it’s understood this moment has been manufactured, it doesn’t make it feel any less magical.

One thing that was a little unexpected was the interaction between the performers and the audience. In what feels like a nod to the history of this type of circus-based performing arts, the crowd was encouraged to clap along and help energize the performers, really making the audience feel like part of the show. There was no metaphorical performer-audience barrier, and it made the whole performance feel like less of a daunting viewing experience and injected a more casual energy.

The music should not be glossed over. The live band, divided between two rooms semi-hidden among trees on either side of the stage, is precise and perfect, adapting to the sometimes unexpected pacing changes due to the freedom of the horses. This is not an easy task and deserves commendation.

Odysseo is undoubtedly a sight to be seen. There is no lagging, no dull moments, nothing that feels like filler. Cavalia has created something very special here, and it seems almost impossible for anyone to have left unimpressed.

erin.lebar@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @NireRabel