Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo, at John Cain Arena in Melbourne and touring

Spirited and playful, with a series of dazzling and often surprising acts, Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo looks back on the life of a clown named Mauro.

He imagines it is his funeral and he is being attended by angels.

Photos by Maja Prgomet, Johan Persson and Aldo Arguello

As other characters drift in and out, it is not a wake, but a celebration – joyful and mischievous.

The idea behind Corteo (an Italian word meaning procession) dates back to 2004.

It started with the concept that acrobats are to humans what angels are to gods.

The Cirque team divided the space between the ground and the air, and invented a middle point, which they called the space of dreams.

The artists on the ground look up towards the unknown – to the depths of the sky and the heavens.

The unforgettable opening involves four women performing aerial acrobatics on three giant chandeliers above Mauro’s bed. They represent the clown’s past lovers.

Equally memorable is the reflection of childlike fantasy that follows, as beds are turned into trampolines and pillow fighting brings back days of yore.

Large rings, known as the Cyr wheels, are the domain of five artistes who are perfectly in sync.

Next, a dextrous acrobat performs tricks on a suspended pole.

And then comes one of my favourite acts, involving performers large and small trying to play golf with a “live” ball that has a mind of its own.

A beautiful marionette joins imaginary soccer champion Mauro, who sees himself as heroic.

A gypsy spins and twirls a multitude of hoops.

Audience participation takes on new meaning when a diminutive clown floats above the ground aided by giant balloons. She is literally pushed on by the amused and delighted crowd.

High energy comes with a striking teeterboard (which resembles a playground see-saw) act, sending artists flying. That ends the first half of the show.

Strength, stamina and supreme athleticism sees humans being literally thrown between “stations” above a safety net.

The ring master whistles popular tunes accompanied by the sounds of crystal glasses and Tibetan bowls.

Tossing clubs, rings and diabolos (which derive from Chinese yo-yos) with bullseye accuracy are jugglers extraordinaire.

A freestanding ladder – in fact two, one larger than the other – becomes the apparatus of choice for a performer who deals with funny electronic distractions.

In theatre of the absurd, two little people struggle with Romeo & Juliet.

Aerial straps are used by a duet to create a magical and tender connection.

Four high bars form a cube as multiple artists wow with their sublime skills.

Throughout, angels and a veritable village of performers are prominent. Constant activity and hijinks abound.

For those old enough to remember the TV series The Addams Family, Thing clearly has some companions that know how to scurry. I loved their appearance.

In short, creativity knows no bounds with Cirque du Soleil’s commitment to excellent and entertainment.

Costume designer Dominique Lemieux was inspired by European styles from the late 19^th and early 20^thcenturies to create 175 pieces.

With music sung in Italian, French and Spanish, the lyrical forms an integral part of the showcase.

The action takes place on and above a large rectangular central stage, which has two rotating platforms. The audience is in tiered seating on either side.

In the middle of the stage lies a labyrinth, an exact replica of that incorporated into the floor of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

It was a visit to the National Gallery of Canada that inspired Jean Rabasse to paint the beautiful see through curtain that we see at the start of the show.

Among other great painters, his work was influenced by Picasso.

Cirque du Soleil’s 18^th show, Corteo, has been seen by more than 12 million people across 30 countries since it premiered in Montreal in 2005.

Its troupe numbers 117 from 27 countries and that includes 53 artists.

Creator and director Daniele Finzi Pasca, director of creation Line Tremblay and the remarkable team have crafted an intimate and memorable theatrical experience.

Cirque du Soleil continues to soar by pushing the envelope on what is possible when it comes to circus brilliance and beauty.

Corteo is on at John Cain Arena in Melbourne until 31^st August. Then it moves to Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney from 4^th to 14^th September.

Next is Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 18^th to 28^th September. The Australian tour finishes at Adelaide Entertainment Centre between 2^nd and 5^th October.

For further information and to buy tickets, go to https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo