We’re Not “Ovah” Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo” at the AMP

Photo by Kat Sheridan

The Amica Mutual Pavilion became the home for a group of talented bugs this weekend with Cirque du Soleil.  In their piece “Ovo,” we witness the romance between the Voyager, the new fly in the community, and the Ladybug. Taking charge of it all is Master Flipo, the oldest insect in the community, whose eye is caught not by the new insect, but the egg he brought with him.

Before this show, I insisted I did not like clowns. During the show, my partner described me as “laughing like a baby,” due to the clowns’ antics. The acrobats were awe-inspiring, and I am amazed by the fact that human beings are capable of the acts they were performing. I could not choose a favorite, as all the acts were amazing. This was the first circus I have seen, and I am a fan. The backstage tour only made this more amazing, knowing how much work goes into those two hours. Let me share some of these facts with you.

Photo by Kat Sheridan

There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in this show. With the name alone, there are multiple reasons. Firstly, “ovo” means “egg” in Portuguese, as this show centers around the egg the Voyager brings. Secondly, “ovo” is a bug’s face, with the o’s being eyes and the v being a nose.

Everything is started in Canada. The costumes begin as plain white cloth, usually lycra, that is printed on before being sewn into shape based on a 3-D scan of the performer. They are finished before the shows, so each performer is completely comfortable. The makeup is also designed up in Canada, and each performer is trained on how to apply their own makeup for the shows. The details are so intricate up close, with miniature details making each piece perfect.

The set travels with the crew and is set up at each performance place. The walls are sixty-four feet tall, and the acrobatic structure measures forty-five feet from the ground. The flower is thirty feet, and the egg is twenty-eight feet wide and twenty-two feet tall. This all shrinks the performers, making them seem even more insect like.

This play is accessible. However, if you or someone in your party is sensitive to flashing lights or loud noises, then this is something that happens in the show. The plot does not rely on language, as they speak a made-up language the entire show. This show is also kid- friendly. The music consists of a live seven-person band and a singer, inspired by bossa nova and samba, with funk and electric music.  There is even real insect sounds played over the keyboard.

Photo by Kat Sheridan

There are many types of performers in this show, with many types of backgrounds. There are two Olympians, as well as world champions. The performers have many backgrounds; circus school, soccer, some are even self-trained. There is no dress rehearsal for the shows, the performers practice on their own and are ready for the show. Some of the performances include trampolining crickets, aerial butterflies, and so many more.

When I asked one of the trampoline artists, Nathan Shuh, how he felt about Rhode Island, he said “I love it, I feel very relaxed here for some reason.” Hopefully this means that Cirque du Soleil will be coming back! If you just cannot wait, “Ovo” will be performing in Massachusetts at the beginning of 2025. Find out more about where to catch Cirque du Soleil’s next performances of “Ovo” here.

Photo by Kat Sheridan