Odysseo by Cavalia is now on under the White Big Top in Vancouver. It’s hard to miss the largest travelling big top in the world as the massive white structure dominates the southern shores of False Creek.
Whilst the White Big Top is impressive to look at, what’s inside is even more of a spectacle. Sixty-five majestic stallions and geldings and 48 of their human colleagues take centre stage to put on the breathtaking Odysseo by Cavalia. The 2.5 hour long show defies description as it combines equestrian, acrobatics, live music, sound and visual effects broadcast by 18 projectors onto a curved screen three times as large as a standard cinema screen.
Without spoiling the show by giving away too many details, the horses, riders and performers take the audience on a global journey from the steppes of Asia, to the African savannah to the American West and on to Easter Island with many stops in between. Tumbling performers dazzle with the speed of their leaps, high flying acrobats spin overhead, gymnasts amaze with feats of strength and balance but it’s the quiet skills of the equine performers that draw the most applause. The training and talents of the horses and trainers is most evident when the horses are performing at liberty (free of harness), their trainers’ slightest gesture and noise encouraging the horse’s next movement. Odysseo by Cavalia prides itself on having the most horses at liberty in a show, at one point 30 animals are filling the 1625 square meter stage. When man and beast combine their skills the show is mesmerizing; acrobatics, strength and speed add a level of danger and wonder.
Odysseo by Cavalia continues under the White Big Top at Olympic Village until March 5th. Tickets are on sale now with more matinees already added to meet demand