Varekai means wherever in the Romany language. The story of Varakai is a re-imagining of the Greek myth of the Fall of Icarus. In the story after Icarus falls he lands in a forest of wonderfully strange creatures. His fall itself is particularly spectacular. The creatures are colorful, whimsical and yet strangely organic. Eiko Ishioka did a beautiful job designing these costumes.
Each act was so precise and exciting. In between acts during what I assume are costume changes and set rearrangements are small acts of comical relief. My favorite of these acts were Ne Me Quitte Pas. This act is simply the male clown character lip synching all while chasing the spotlight. My second favorite act is the Russian Swings. In this act performers are propelled by a Russian swing and from that swing they tumble through the air onto a net. They jump from swing to swing as well. It is in this act that the rousing music begins and it signals the end of the show.
All in all this show is magnificent. If you get the chance to go I would honestly recommend it. I have a whole new appreciation for the human body and imagination and what they can accomplish together. Bravo!
Also my son went as well (yep my 3 month old) and he enjoyed it. He eventually went to sleep after about 15 minutes but during the portion that he did see he was thoroughly amused.
