The cast onstage during the Cirque du Soleil KOOZA in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images
The cast onstage during the Cirque du Soleil KOOZA in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images
Anyone looking for a relaxing night out would do well to avoid seeing Kooza. The latest Cirque du Soleil show to hit New Zealand's shores is often an anxiety inducing experience.
Petrified gasps regularly ripple through the crowd during the 150 minute show, as some of the world's best circus performersdefy gravity and test the physical limits of their bodies.
Yet those who can handle the pressure will experience a captivating, gripping theatrical experience that deftly moves between shock and beauty.
From acrobatics to the high-wire, from colourful costumes to electrifying music, Kooza is a highly immersive experience that outshines the Canadian companies past appearances in our country.
The show revolves around The Innocent, a childish loner who receives a strange package that opens to reveal The Trickster, a colourful magician who conjures up a circus world as a treat for his new companion.
However, all semblance of storyline is pushed aside once the acts begin. When the performers are this good, the show could simply move from one to the other without any prelude and still manage to stun and enchant.
High Wire performers during the Cirque du Soleil KOOZA in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images
The traditional contortion act sets the tone with a stomach-churning set, and Kooza rarely relents from then on. It's impossible to look away from the high-wire act, while the Wheel of Death dares you to keep watching as the intolerably talented duo perform truly death-defying stunts.
To say anymore would be to spoil the surprises and lessen the shock of seeing everything unfold.
That's not to say it is entirely stressful. Only Cirque can so effortlessly combine stylish sophistication with the sublimely silly; mesmerising acts of crafts well-honed are interwoven with a giant dog peeing on the audience.
The clowning interludes have been highlights in performances past, but when spliced with acts that are this graceful, bewitching and unequivocally terrifying, the humour stands out in the least ideal way.
In saying that, it's hard to fault anything about this striking spectacle. The broad comedy succeeds in stirring up the crowd, lowering the bar before the next act catches you off-guard once again.
Kooza is something that must be seen to be believed, visually impressive and awe-inspiring in a way no other theatrical company can replicate.
What: Cirque du Soleil's Kooza Where: Alexandra Park until March 17th
