From Oct. 25-28, Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam will be at Matthew Knight Arena. All of the company’s shows have different themes, and this one explores the imagination of a young girl. This might not seem very exciting, but it will be. The company always takes its themes to new levels. @@http://ev10.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=CDSQ&linkID=uoregon&shopperContext&caller&appCode@@
Cirque du Soleil isn’t a circus or a freak show. Elephants don’t parade around a tent, and three-headed sheep don’t scare young children. More than anything, it’s an acrobatics show with a purpose. Performers fly through the air and contort their bodies in unreal ways while a powerful soundtrack guides the story. Since what they’re doing seems impossible, the performers often like to startle the audience and keep everyone guessing.
I’ve seen two different Cirque du Soleil performances over the years, once when I was a kid, and once as a freshman in college. Each time, I was in complete awe of what these performers could do. Unless someone has seen a Cirque du Soleil show, it’s difficult to describe just how intense and breathtaking the performances are. It’s the kind of thing that could end, and you would just sit there waiting, hoping it would start over.
Seeing the show while it’s in Eugene is absolutely worth it. Not only is it within walking distance of campus — actually, it’s on campus — but it’s unlike any other performances out there. Since it’s happening over Halloween weekend, the crazy costumes might even provide some dress-up inspiration to spectators.