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Saltimbanco
Saltimbanco was the oldest major touring show of Cirque du Soleil at the time of its last performance, having run from 1992-2006.
| Sal·tim·ban·co n. [It., literally, one who leaps or mounts upon a bench; saltare to leap + in in, upon + banco a bench.] A mountebank; a quack. [Obs.] [Written also santinbanco.] |
Saltimbanco, an arcane 16th century Italian word meaning "skilled street performers," refers to the medieval street troupers and wandering minstrels whom often improvised a stage by seizing a bench.
It is described by Cirque as a celebration of life. Its creators say they developed it to be an antidote to the violence and despair so prevalent in the 20th century. Saltimbanco offers its own vision of life, overflowing with optimism and joy. With its original score, Saltimbanco offers its own unique language conveyed through music, artistry, and singing.
Saltimbanco's last performance was in Brazil on December 10, 2006.
The rumor of Saltimbanco's proposed reincarnation as a North American Arena touring show (somewhat similar to that of Delerium) has been circulating since early in 2006. Although unconfirmed, there was news during the last week of 2006 that the arena tour had been announced during that timeframe to some Cirque du Soleil staff.
Characters
- Urban Worms
The faceless multitude, the masses, the bureaucrats. They are the status quo: they watch and follow, but never act. - Multicolored Worms
The Multicoloured Worms are the simplest of all beings, the origin of all life. Following their primal urges, they are concerned only with survival. - The Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are gentle protectors. They light our path through the world of Saltimbanco and point the way to the future. - The Baroques
The Baroques sleep under bridges and emerge to celebrate life. Defiant, rebellious, explosive, they are enlightened beings whose free spirits run wild. - Death
An ominous reminder of our own mortality, he challenges us to celebrate life, to experience the present as though we were taking our last breath. - The Ringmaster
The Ringmaster likes to be the center of attention, and often steals the show. With is winning smile and natural charm, he usually gets away with it. - The Baron
What secrets lie behind the Baron's sardonic grin? Before you can find out, he has you locked in his hypnotic gaze. He beckons you with his gravelly voice. He is your timeless, ageless guide into the world of Saltimbanco. - The Dreamer
The moment he appears, the Sleeper falls asleep. When he does, amazing tableaus take shape. Has he conjured Saltimbanco from the depths of his imagination, or is he dreaming within the show? - The Child
Within the embrace of his parents, the child is safe. But the child must discover his own identity, and explore the world beyond his parents' influence. He appears to be like Eddie, playful and innocent. - Eddie
Eddie is a jester, a clown. He is the child within us all, who finds adventure in his own imagination. Whatever he needs, he invents. - The Songbird
The Songbird reflects all human emotion, the soul of Saltimbanco. Her language is universal-serenity and excitement, hope and joy, disappointment and melancholy.
My favorite act in Saltimbanco:Chinese Poles.
"Multicoloured creatures slither across the stage and scamper up the Chinese poles - the skyscrapers of Saltimbanco. Like reptiles, the acrobats leap and fly through the air with agility, strength and speed. With their hypnotic, serpentine dance, these masters breathe life into their surroundings.
Inspired by the original Chinese discipline, this number features 20 artists from Cirque du Soleil's house troupe, performing 25 feet in the air."
Sources: Wikipedia and Cirque du Soleil
Links
Cirque du Soleil
You Tube:
Adagio
Bungee
Equilibrium
Twins Trapeze Act