It has been described as the modern circus, and focuses upon a storyline as well as amazing performances. It has several resident and touring troupes and draws heavily from the circus tradition. Emphasizing the use of humans as performers, Cirque du Soleil does not make use of animals. Instead, its performances combine elements of street performances and busking, circus, opera, ballet, and rock music. Acts include contortionists, jugglers, feats of strength, clowning, and trapeze artists. Their costumes are very colorful and creative, setting a festive and lively atmosphere. Also, Cirque shows do not use pre-recorded music; all music is played live.
Cirque shows begin as a creative concept, usually with elements of a central story line, a design concept and the selection of a composer for the music. These elements remain relatively constant throughout the production run of a given show.
However, the shows also include both "house" and "guest" acts. House acts are performed by the full-time cast members, some whom may be involved in several routines. Not all prepared routines are presented in every performance. Guest acts rotate in and out over the run of the show (clowns are typically guest acts). As a result, Cirque shows can vary somewhat performance to performance, and shows tend to evolve over time.
Cirque creators borrow from some of circus's earliest forms (for example, banquine and teeterboard acts) but also regularly introduce new apparatus. For example, Cirque introduced the use of bungie cords to aerial acts and created a modified tumbling trampoline called a Power Track, both of which have since been adopted by other circuses.
Cirque du Soleil recruits acts from different world circuses, including from China and Russia, blending them into their own style.
Among veteran circus performers, Cirque is regarded as one of the world's best circuses, due to higher than normal pay scales and benefits.
Cirque du Soleil has produced a number of performance DVDs and soundtrack CDs.
The troupe was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
Africa
Cirque du Soleil Lyrics
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Miscellaneous
Alegria
Alegria
Come un lampo di vita
Come un pazzo gridar
Alegria
Del delittuoso grido
Come la rabbia di amar
Alegria
Come un assalto di gioia
Alegria
I see a spark of life shining
Alegria
I hear a young minstrel sing
Alegria
Beautiful roaring scream of joy and sorrow,
so extreme
There is love in me raging
Alegria
A joyous, magical feeling
Alegria
Como la luz de la vida
Alegria
Como un payaso que grita
Alegria
Del estupendo grito
De la tristeza loca
Serena,
Como la rabia de amar
Alegria
Como un asalto de felicidad
The lyrics to Cirque du Soleil's song Africa in the show Alegria are full of metaphors and descriptive language meant to convey the emotional experience of the circus performers and the audience. The song begins with two verses in Italian, which translate to: "Alegria/Like a burst of life/Like a crazy shout/Alegria/Of the delinquent cry/Beautiful roaring pain, serene/Like the rage of love/Alegria/Like an assault of joy."
These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, which speaks to the highs and lows of the human experience. The second verse is in Spanish and translates to: "Alegria/Like the light of life/Alegria/Like a clown that shouts/Alegria/Of the stupendous shout/Of crazy sadness/Serene/Like the rage of love/Alegria/Like an assault of happiness." These lines further emphasize the duality of emotions present in the circus, which can be both joyous and sad at the same time.
Overall, the lyrics are powerful and moving, taking the listener on an emotional journey through the circus performance. They convey the message that life is full of ups and downs, but that there is always beauty and excitement to be found, even in the darkest moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Come un lampo di vita
I see a spark of life shining
Come un pazzo gridar
I hear a young minstrel sing
Del delittuoso grido
Beautiful roaring scream of joy and sorrow, so extreme
Bella ruggente pena, seren
There is love in me raging
Come la rabbia di amar
A joyous, magical feeling
Come un assalto di gioia
Like an assault of happiness
Como la luz de la vida
I see a spark of life shining
Como un payaso que grita
I hear a young minstrel sing
Del estupendo grito
Beautiful roaring scream of joy and sorrow, so extreme
De la tristeza loca
There is love in me raging
Serena
A joyous, magical feeling
Como la rabia de amar
Like an assault of happiness
Writer(s): Luther Archer, Angela Stone, Michael D'Angelo Archer, Ahmir K. Thompson Copyright: My Diamond Lady Music, Songs Of Polygram Int. Inc., Polygram Int. Publishing Inc., Ah Choo Music Publishing, Grand Negaz Music, Melodies Nside Music, Universal Music - Careers
Contributed by Levi M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.