Nansy Damianova and Yann Masia. Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
This summer, join Cirque du Soleil in celebrating forty years at their first-ever visit to Rhode Island in an epic nature-filled love story production entitled “OVO.”
Translating to “egg” in Portuguese, “OVO” explores the unspoken sides of nature, zooming in on a small ecosystem of bugs and insects who live amongst one another at our feet. When one beautiful ladybug catches the attention of an unexpected courter, the pair instantly fall in love. Exemplifying their feelings during trials and tribulations through movement, the whole ecosystem must adapt to changes together, much like the fruitful world which surrounds us.
Originally conceived in 2009, “OVO” is the first Cirque du Soleil production to revolve around bugs and insects. Brazilian influence can be felt through every aspect of the show, from the live music accompanying these acrobatic critters to the vibrant botanical set pieces.
The team travels to a new city (and sometimes, a new country!) every week, using twenty trucks to transport more than one-hundred tour members, hundreds of handmade costumes and heavy stage pieces from show to show.
Janie Mallet, Senior Publicist at Cirque du Soleili, says that setting up for the show is one of the most impressive aspects of the world-renowned production. Stage set up can take upwards of twelve hours, with breakdown adding an additional four. Communication is key for the cast and crew of “OVO,” who come from twenty-five unique cultural backgrounds and nationalities. However, during the show, you’ll even hear the actors speaking in their very own bug language.
The show, set to last approximately one and a half hours, is your family’s summer dreamscape getaway. Watch as vibrant dragonflies and lively butterflies navigate an ever-changing landscape of other colorful critters.
As if all these feats are not already impressive, “OVO” features two former Olympians in their cast, one of whom is Nansy Damianova.
Damianova, who has been with Cirque du Soleil since 2015, made her mark competing for Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Her intense gymnastics training and skill level translate seamlessly into her performance in “OVO” as a scarab beetle. She takes the stage alongside dozens of professional acrobatic gymnasts, dancers and stunt personnel.
“There’s really a lot of high acrobatic moments,” Mallet says. “Live music, video projections, clowns and funny moments, just something for everybody.”
With trampoline tricks, balancing acts, aerial dancing and intense in-show effects, “OVO” will be one of Rhody’s most anticipated entertainment events of the season.
You can catch the performances at the Amica Mutual Pavillion Aug. 1–4, with six shows, including evenings and matinees. Tickets can be found at the Cirque du Soleil website.