Few species are as graceful, agile, and intelligent as the horse — and in Cavalia's Odysseo, audiences are treated to a dazzling display of equine versatility.
In the touring extravaganza — which invites audiences into its White Big Top in the Olympic Village beginning December 7 — the spotlight is on the enduring majesty and rippling musculature of the horse. It's difficult not to sit awestruck as dozens of horses gallop through the custom-built mega-tent, or read traits like bravery, playfulness and wisdom in their whinnies and seemingly effortlessly executed choreographed movements.
Equally compelling is the interaction between the 63 horses and the 47 on-stage humans; the riders, acrobats and other performers seem to be able to read the horses minds (and vice versa).
It's a wholly intoxicating theatrical spectacle that first wowed Vancouver audiences in 2011 — and it's one for which the demand was so great that organizers quickly added 13 shows after announcing the dates for the upcoming run.
Audiences aren't alone in their passion for Cavalia. It's a source of ongoing delight for the performers, too. Among them: Michel Charron and Tomoko Onishi.
The married duo met in Japan (Onishi's country of birth; Charron is a Canuck from New Brunswick), attended circus school together in the UK, and toured an aerial acrobatics show through Japan until the earthquake and tsunami of 2011 — at which point, they fled Asia, touched down in Montreal, and their Cavalia journey began.
To date, they've performed in more than 200 performances with Cavalia. In Odysseo, they can even be glimpsed together: as one of three acrobatic couples performing on a 16,000-pound merry-go-round that descends from the overhead grid (they're also in the same hoop act).
"It's a thrill," said Charron on the phone from Washington, DC, where Odysseo was wrapping a recent run. "You get to be onstage with your wife. It doesn't get much better than that."
Equally thrilling to both is the opportunity to work with horses. The horses are more than animals to the human performers; they're complex, charismatic colleagues, each with their own personality and set of quirks. "It's such a unique experience working with each horse," said Charron. "They're the stars of the show and I'm happy to be there supporting them."
His favourite moment with the horses occurs early in the show, when man and horse run together in liberty (without harnesses). "When we let out this primitive scream and we all start running together, its really an awesome moment," said Charron.
Charron and Onishi's is a love story built on acrobats, mutual admiration, and adventure. They both speak highly of the others abilities, and of the hiking, camping, rock-climbing, and other adventures they have as they drive between tour stops ("I don't want to miss seeing the most beautiful parts of the world," said Onishi).
Despite the fact that they've spent more than a decade working and living together, they're not looking to work separate gigs anytime soon. "You look into your partner's eyes, and you smile, and it's genuine," said Charron. "You're there with the person you love, and that is a major plus."
Cavalia's Odysseo runs until January 5. For tickets, visit Cavalia.net.
