Curtain Worm Speaks!- La Nouba from Cirque Du Soliel

CurtainWorm Speaks!

La Nouba presented by Cirque Du Soleil 

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La Nouba is a permanent venue at Disney World’s Downtown Disney which according to its promotions is about the meeting of two worlds between The Cirque and the Urbains and when these two groups meet something magical happens. Cirque Du Soliel is more of an exhibition than a theatre performance and as result does not have a much in the way of story. Again, it is more about incredible stunts and incredible music rather than plot. The closest thing to a plot this performance has is that the Cirque and the Urbains, come into conflict and then at the end, come into harmony. 

Unlike KA which had a tribal theme, La Nouba is clearly based off of the three ring circus, with clowns, strongmen, and acrobats. Perhaps a way of paying homage to the origins of Cirque Du Soliel, which has been stated as being an evolution of the circus. 

The play does a good job with its theme. The circus motif is clearly visible and all of the performers are visually represented as clowns or mimes. Color is a strong theme that is conflicted with the stark surroundings of the theatre. The costumes too, are very colorful and distinguished with Cirque Du Soliel signature style. 

The sheer skill of the performers is absolutely superb. The amount of practice required to pull off such stunts must be everything but all consuming. One must start out young when in the sport of gymnastics while the body is still malleable enough to handle all of that stress. The various stunts are just as impressive and the amount of dedication required to perfect them is beyond reason for the smallest misstep can result in disaster. 

As always the music is superb and adds a classic Cirque Du Soleil twist to the classic circus horns. It knows when to be energetic and a little more solemn. A combination of the two characteristics has been a signature of the three Cirque Du Soleil shows CurtainWorm has seen.

One of the main features of this show is the two clown characters which guide the audience between acts. While the backstage is getting ready, the duo entertain the audience with a small bit. The clowns are both visually distinct and seem to have their own personalities. Personality is not particularly important but it is a nice touch. The bits themselves are rather hit and miss. Sometimes they are funny but sometimes CurtainWorm found himself looking at his watch. Still, it is good something as avant-garde as Cirque Du Soliel keep in touch with iconic members of the circus. 

Speaking of personal experience from the CurtainWorm, if you ever get yourself down to Florida and take in a showing, be sure to not get seats in the very front as you will find yourself straining your neck in order to see the higher up acrobatic routines.

If you ever find yourself in Downtown Disney, you should definitely give La Nouba a try. 

Four out of Five Stars

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