‘Varekai’ puts new spin on Icarus tale

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 30, 2015

It’s always a thrill when the world-class Cirque du Soleil comes to Portland, as it has numerous times in the past, and the Montreal-based outfit brings “Varekai” to the Rose City for the first time in May.

There’ll be eight performances at Veterans Memorial Coliseum: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, May 6 and 7; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9; and 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Tickets range from $25 to $150, and parking costs $13. Tickets can be purchased through http://www.cirquedusoleil.com. For those interested in joining Cirque Club for more benefits and ticket offers, go to cirqueclub.com.

“Varekai,” which means “wherever” in the Romani language of the Gypsies, takes viewers on a ride through “Tales of the Forest.” A dormant volcano, a mystical forest and an ancient prophecy are part of the scene, as a solitary visitor, the mythical Icarus, descends from the sky and goes on an adventure through a world populated by fantastical creatures.

The production pays tribute to the nomadic souls, as well as to the spirit and art of the circus tradition.

The acts include single-point trapeze, aerial straps, clowns, “Flight of Icarus,” Georgian dance, hand-balancing on canes, Russian swings, slippery surface, solo on crutches and sticks (rotation act).

“Varekai” debuted in Montreal in 2002.

The showing of “Varekai” follows many other Cirque du Soleil shows in Portland, including “Delirium,” “Kooza,” “Dralion,” “Ovo,” “Totem” and even “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour.”