Dralion

By Gene - 10th Jan 2005

Colour, pounding music, extraordinary athletes and the magic that is Cirque Du Soleil has returned to London with the awesome spectacle that is Dralion. This show was seen last year and received major acclaim for its visual power and progressive eastern mysticism. For those who have never seen a Cirque Du Soleil show it is flamboyant circus tradition with 21st century innovation and technology. That said, the basic form of circus is ever-present in the show and supports the structure and visual energy of each performance.

To list but a few of the acts, children and adults alike screamed with pleasure as we were given powerful and persuasive performances from juggling 20ft bamboo canes, spirits flying effortlessly on men’s shoulders, teeterboard magic, double trapeze, juggling, a ballet on lights, hoop diving, single hand balancing, aerial pas de deux, skipping ropes and, of course, the clowns. In fact the only thing missing was an elephant (I’m not sure what the RAH staff would have said about that).

This multi-cultural show reflects what excellence is in a given performance style. Major discipline and a clear artistic vision are the two base elements that make up a show of this magnitude. For me, Dralion sits in the middle of what is the best of Cirque Du Soleil – everyone has a favourite, I know, and Dralion is very high on my list of the prima circus show. It really is a night out for all the family that will affect you physically as you sit in awe of the flying trapeze or watch in wonder at the sheer talent of Viktor Kee from the Ukraine, whose prowess with juggling balls is nothing short of amazing.

Dralion is a visual delight, with energetic music that underscores the circus action and thematically links each new act. Clowning is a must for all at a Cirque event and the clowns for Dralion ARE THE BEST OF THE LOT. Re-enacting each preceding spectacle the clowns offer a respite from the heart stopping action. Very funny, clever and oh so talented.

In short, Dralion really is ‘one for the family’. With so much theatre that questions our sensibilities and attempts to deal with social and political issues, we can get bogged down in the morality of theatre. With Dralion we are pleasured with an age old tradition that is served with the spectacle and wonder that is Cirque Du Soleil. Please go and see it for yourselves; and take your granny, your mum, your children and your friends – no one will be disappointed, I promise.

Gene David Kirk