My family and I just returned from Dralion, the Cirque du Soleil show that is currently in New Zealand. This was our splash-out for the school holidays.
After an eventful drive getting there (Auckland is just over two hours away) we nearly arrived too late to get in. As it turned out so did quite a few others so we weren't late after all.
We claimed our seats which were at the side, giving us a good view of the main stage and the goings-on to the sides. Tents have to be supported and unfortunately part of our view was blocked by one of the 'poles'. Not really an issue as there was so much going on all over the stage. To get an unobstructed view of everything you need to be in the front centre seats. These were beyond our budget and sold out well before we looked at getting seats.
The show started with their version of clowns who also made regular appearances throughout the show. Very clever although occasionally seemed a little laboured.
Whether or not there is a story to follow in Dralion is not critical as the performances and music don't require a storyline.
To say there are the usual acrobats and performers is not doing them justice. They defy gravity and the laws of human flexibility in ways that make them seem like freaks. Having said that, it occurred to me during the show that these people are just exceptionally good at what they do. I just can't imagine myself paying to watch an exceptional plumber lay a pipe or a successful businessman make a deal and enjoying it. I have been to sports fixtures and even been quite close to the action but there is something special about watching a Cirque du Soleil performance.
This is the second show we have been to - we went to Varakai a couple of years ago. There is a certain 'more of the same' feeling but it's one that I am happy to experience again and again. The occasional error makes the performers seem human even though what they are doing doesn't and it adds a little personality - they handled the slips professionally and repeated the action perfectly.
Ticket prices aren't cheap but as a real treat every few years I'll certainly be going again.
