Cirque Italia Metropolis, the European-centric, aquatic circus, is coming to Springfield from Oct. 23-26 at White Oaks Mall. The animal-free circus features a 35,000-gallon water stage and several astonishing acrobatic performances.
What makes Cirque Italia Metropolis unique is the fact that it is the only traveling water circus in the U.S. Generally, audiences are only able to access water shows in places such as Las Vegas, with residential shows like Cirque de Soleil.
The show emphasizes aquatic elements while simultaneously blending classic circus artistry, contemporary technology and theatrical storytelling.
“It really is the union of all of these elements that come together and just make it even more spectacular than what a regular circus would be,” said Hannah Lim, an aerialist in the production.
Another thing that sets the production apart is the feeling of a bustling city in circus form.
When central Illinoisans enter the tent on show day, they’ll immediately be immersed into a circus-esque mega city.
“You get that feel of you know when you’re rushing, whether you’re going to the bakery or late for the meeting that was supposed to be five minutes ago – that’s the vibe,” said Lim. “Everybody is trying to get to where they’re going and they’re doing everyday life in acrobatics.”
The traveling water circus was founded in 2012 by Manuel Rebecchi as an Italian entertainment company. According to the Cirque Italia website, Rebecchi is the nephew of Moira Orfei, who is globally renowned as “queen of the Italian circus.”
The circus as it exists today is a core staple in European culture. According to the European Circus Association, the origins of the circus can be traced back to London, as early as 1770. The European Parliament even adopted a resolution in 2005 which indicated that the classical circus would be recognized as forming part of European culture.
Italian culture specifically is known for its delicious cuisine, iconic art contributions and, of course, its family-first regime – “La Famiglia è tutto ,” which translates to “Family is everything.”
Cirque Italia stays true to this by ensuring the show is family-friendly. Lim expresses that the founding family emphasizes making sure the whole family can come out and enjoy the show.
“From being 2 years old to the grandparents — there’s no barriers of who can come and enjoy it,” said Lim. “You can come with the kids, you can come with the grandparents. You can come with friends, you can come with a date, you can come solo, and you’re still going to enjoy it.”
Not only can audiences expect a very entertaining show, you can expect the performers who are bringing it to you to give their very best performance because they are deeply rooted in circus artistry and feed off the response of the audience.
“The more the audience enjoys it, the more you’re motivated to give more than what you’re already giving, ” said Lim. “So if you’re giving 100%, you want to give 120%.”
Lim notes that audiences can expect to see a man who spins on a wheel as if he was a hamster, a clown who gives the performance some light-heartedness, plus her performance as an aerialist who was raised in circus culture.
And while these performers love performing because of their devotion to the craft, Lim said it is also to give the audience core memories to take with them.
“Cirque Italia Metropolis has been traveling all over the states delivering spectacular performances,” Lim said. “We’re very excited to bring an exquisite and highly entertaining performance to Springfield residents.”
