Almost everybody knows about the rollercoaster and carnival games on the Santa Monica Pier. But what is that giant blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau taking over the parking lot? Those mysterious tents are hard to miss.
Well inside are some of the greatest acrobatic performers alive as they mark the 25th anniversary of Cirque Du Soleil a celebration called Kooza.
Cirque Du Soleil began in Montreal in 1984 and made its debut in Los Angeles in 1987. In essence the return of Cirque Du Soleil is a homecoming remembering where and how it began its success in the United States.
The production started with street performers and quickly grew popular. The return of the original performance therefore sets the theme of Kooza: a modern production with a retro vibe that is symbolic of the old-time circus tent.
Both drama and humor work well together and create an entertaining combination. Although the humor runs throughout the performance the drama keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
The intent of the Kooza performance was to remain simplistically appealing in contrast to the Las Vegas productions of Cirque Du Soleil. Rather than focusing on the special effects that formulate a great part of those performances Kooza uses two main ingredients: acrobatics and clowning.
“After seeing the Las Vegas productions of Cirque with all of their special effects I was hesitant to buy tickets to Kooza explained Jan Faris, of Santa Monica. But, Faris added, after watching the Santa Monica show, I don’t believe it (Las Vegas) even compares.”
With Kooza returning to its origins it is the simplicity of the performances that connect it with the original Cirque. The success of Kooza is based on physics and gravity and enables each character to show his or her talent without special effects.
Set Director Stephane Roy is quoted on Kooza’s website as saying he wanted “to capture the essence of circus itself by creating a scenographic environment that offers true proximity to the audience and where the danger is palpable.”
Roy has worked as both a set designer and director of more than 100 performances in Montreal and internationally. His work is not limited to just theater and dance he has also been active in film television and advertising. He won the Revelation of the Year Award presented by the Association Québécoise des Critiques de Théâtre in 1989.
Kooza differs from other Cirque performances because of its exposed set. The raw talent is real and creates a suspenseful atmosphere keeping the audience guessing and anxious for more. Set up like an old-time circus the stage is a ring with no attempt to hide the performer equipment. This way there is a perfect view of the performers no matter where you sit.
The most climactic point in the show is ‘The Wheel of Death.” The 16000-pound wheel rotates at an incredible speed powered by two fearless acrobats who demonstrate ultimate teamwork. The Wheel of Death is positioned diagonally on the stage so that the action is in clear view for everyone in the audience.
Carolina Gouvia a sophomore at Pepperdine saw Kooza on her birthday with her mom who took a special trip from China. Compared to the Chinese acrobats she used to see at home Carolina was surprised by the talent of the Kooza performers. “I was definitely scared the whole time they were spinning up there and for sure thought they were going to fall I was amazed.”
One aspect of Kooza that is truly memorable and most definitely leaves an impact on the audience are the costumes. The Alice In Wonderland-esque inspiration creates a dream-like perception of each performer.
There are more than 175 costumes and 160 hats and one army costume features more than 400 metallic flaps to create the armor effect. The costumes were embellished with sequins sparkles and feathers that contributed to the dramatic performances. It took the hard work of 13 creators and designers along with their assistances to lead to Kooza’s success.
Reinforcing the lightened and humorous mood the soundtrack is inspired by a wide range of genres from 1970s funk to the orchestra music. It helps to create the high-spirited ambiance of the show and makes for a lively crowd. For example the song “Diables” is paired with the Wheel of Death act. As the act intensifies so does the song. It makes the performance much more dramatic and keeps the audience suspenseful.
“The music is part of what keeps you entertained said Christine Rubien, a college student who drove from Orange County to see the Santa Monica performance. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and adds to the excitement of the acrobatic tricks.”
Part of the draw of Kooza is its allure to all audiences. Children would find entertainment through the lively music and extravagant costumes while adults would appreciate the raw talent of the performers. Laughing and gasping by the audience accompanied each act. The three-hour show provides suspense humor and intrigue as its performers deliver nothing but the best.
The Grand Chapiteau adds to the draw of Santa Monica and houses one of the best Cirque performances yet because of its modern spin on classic a circus. The contemporary costumes music and characters all come together to produce a defining production.