BWW Reviews: CAVALIA - Spectacular Show Needs a Little More Heart

The relationship between man and horse has been an area of interest for playwrights and authors alike for centuries. The companionship of the creature for man during battle, along with its capacity for the extraordinary, give

s the horse an ability to inspire and captivate us. One only has to look at the ability of Phar Lap, Joey from Michael Morpurgo's War Horse, Perter Shaffer's Equus and most recently Black Caviar to see what a single horse can achieve.

This relationship is explored by Artistic Director and Creator of Cavalia, Normand Latourelle. Co-creator of Cirque du Soleil, Latourelle, has taken the successful Cirque model and tweaked it into the spectacle that is Cavalia. It has all the elements that makes Cirque so successful. Awesome acrobatics accompianied by a stunning understated score with a smattering of clowning thrown in for comedic refreshment. Where Cavalia changes the game is in its equine core. For the horse is front and centre in this show. The talented and courageous cast displays their craft to perfection throughout the performance only to be overshadowed by a lone horse walking onstage and rolling in the sand. It is in this solitary act that the horse's sense of play thrills and grabs us.

Where Cavalia lets itself down is in the emotional journey between horse and man. Unfortunately there isn't one. The disappointing aspect is that this troupe and this show are more than capable of achieving it. It relies too heavily on trick and skill, and while these elements are executed masterfully by its cast, there seems to be an opportunity lost for a moment; a hint of tenderness or heartbreak to bring its audience back to the realization of the sacrifice of the horse.

The visual design is a fine feature of the evening. It doesn't incorporate projection and seasonal change for effects sake, but rather for genuine purpose and its simplicity coupled with its impact enhances the performance with subtlety and class.

With 48 horses and 36 humans Cavalia is impressive in both size and skill.

The highlights of the evening include the aerial pa de deux Libertad, the horse whispering Grand Liberte and the spectacular finale. The musical highlight of the evening comes during Le Miroir, a stunning dressage performed with elegance and grace.

This show has appeal on many levels. If you love horses...go. If you love Cirque du Soleil ...go. If you love circus...go. If you tick all three of these boxes then you are in for a truly memorable evening.

Cavalia

Under the White Big Top

Docklands Melbourne until August 18

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