Show “Ovo” of Cirque du Soleil: comparative analyzis of a circus performance and its stage demonstration (scenario, decorations, music, circus genres and characters)
Authors: SHARYKOV Denys 
Published: December 2023

The article will carry out an artistic analysis in the context of circology, namely: comparative and artistic analysis of the show “OVO” of the “Cirque du Soleil”. Research in the field of circus arts, its theory and practice will be carried out in the context of circological research.

The problem of this article is that in domestic and world art criticism there are practically no serious scientific studies on the specifics of circus performances of the “Cirque du Soleil”.

It is important to note that separate publications, announcements, programs of circus performances, popular articles from modern magazines in the press of the late 20th and early 21st centuries certainly took place. However, their exclusively narrative display without specific factors should be noted, namely: lack of clear connection between practical specifics of circus art and scientific transmission of information and analytics in the field of art criticism.

The purpose of the article is to give clear and systematic analysis within circological plane, namely, to provide comparative analysis of the show “OVO” with other performances of the Cirque du Soleil circus as well as to reveal in detail the uniqueness of direction and features of the numbers of the show “OVO” in terms of circus genres, scenario and artistic design.

Comparative analysis of various circus performances of the show of the Cirque du Soleil, defines diversity and different facts of difference of show "OVO" from such circus performances of the Cirque du Soleil as “Alegría”, “Zumanity”, “Kà”, “O”. The description emphasizes and gives clear description of decoration, modern methods of circus apparatuses, pyrotechnics and innovative technologies, lighting and musical accompaniment. Music was written separately for each show, musical samples were created depending on scenario and plot.

“OVO”  is considered a touring production of the Cirque du Soleil, written and directed by Deborah Kolker. This is the 25th “Cirque du Soleil” show since 1984 created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil. The name “OVO” translated from Portuguese means “egg”. This corresponds to the theme of the series on life cycle and birth of insects. It is also the main threat of the show. Production designer Gringo Kardia was inspired by nests and colonies of various insects when creating the scene for the “OVO”. Acrobatic structure used during free throw is situated at an angle of 45°. The structure can be lifted up to 4.5 meters and weighs more than 5 tons. Costume designer Liz Vandal to create costumes for “OVO” used her signature style inspired by futuristic superheroes and a variety of armour.

Thus comparative and artistic analysis of the show “OVO” is a combination of creative and unique, at the same time simple, but understandable plot, bright costumes and make-up that really turn artists into insects. Well-chosen numbers, the way they interconnect and an unsurpassed acting gives an excellent performance about fabulous world of insects which one can visit with the whole family and take a break from real life.