The Cirque du Soleil has been out there for many years (since 1984). They are probably one of the best well-known circus world-wide. It’s not just another ‘circus’.

Over my winter vacation in the west coast (Las Vegas, San Fransisco, LA and San Diego) I felt like going to see an impressive show. Even though we have some of the best shows right here in NYC with Broadway, it’s always a bit more special when it is a part of vacation.

The performance was spectacular, starting from the outfits, the professional moves, their physical attributes and abilities. A great sense of humor was involved which contributed to a final great deal of experience for every single guest. They also engaged the crowd and chose a few people to help and participate in the show, once in a while.

The show was in the New York Hotel in Las Vegas (how ironic), which provided the perfect setup and stage for the vibe of such a show. Since the very moment you enter to hotel you feel like you are in another planet, taking you away from routine (even vacation has it’s routine).

I wanted to connect this show to our material, since we discussed in a few classes about the setup and nature of such shows in ancient times (especially in Europe and particularly in Greece). What i found interesting is how technology, experience and advanced options allow the shows to focus more in content and elevating the experience of guests, rather then dealing with problem solving. Yet, a few things remain the same. And probably always will.

For instance, we talked about how the masks were made of stone or other heavy materials, in order to cover the actors faces, and to have a different character needing them to switch every time they play another role (Followed with expressions). Furthermore, the ‘audio’ aspect was problematic, since even though the coliseum and similar stages built on the same style weren’t enabling everyone to have the same experience (especially hearing what’s going on) as the one’s sitting in front (requiring the actors to shout, whereas microphones are very clear today).

Another very interesting we also mentioned during class was the age/ cultural / social-economic status which had to vary between the audience when it comes to placing the seats – back then young crowd were most likely to sit closer with respectful elders ( an issue that exists still until today – more expensive tickets are closer to the stage, therefore most like providing a better experience of the same show!).

Also, the cultural aspect is being globalized – meaning everyone can enjoy almost every show nowadays, regardless of their culture. In the audience there were people from all over the world. It’s not necessary a single-culture or country thing today. Technology and social media has given us the chance to share everything with everyone. No one is left alone in his culture really anymore.

Either way, it’s very nice to see that the concept of a show or performance is still playing a vast role in our entertainment aspect of life, until today (with almost everything possible to achieve online).

Highly recommend these guys (they have unlimited amount of different shows to pick from in many locations all over). It’s not really cheap but the value for money is worth it!

Have a great weekend!

Idan.

We are facing a few very complicated issues in Antigone’s plot. The second half of it gives us an intimate overlook through the characters own perspective over a few matters. The one that caught my eye especially was the way Haimon dealt with his wife’s verdict. He started from playing the loyal son, elegedly completely understanding and accepting the outcome (“I’m yours, father. I respect your wisdom..”, 706-7), and later on realized it’s wrong, or maybe spoke his real heart out (“father the gods instill reason in men.., 758), (“.. Though someone else’s perspective might help..”, 762).

The question of value when it comes to family is a recurring motive in ancient literature (as we remember form The Epic of Gilgamesh, where facing your family in the battlefield dilemma). Up to what extent are you willing to go when it comes to the closest dearest people to you? Even when some things need or have to be done. I find Haimon’s delimma beyond the ability to explain to the ordinary person. I believe that until you stand in his position, you can’t really understand his situation. Maybe not even then.

The simple fact that your own father, that is supposed to protect you, is taking away the thing you love the most from you, is shocking as it is. The second level of complexity here is that if you disagree with him (with the king basically), you are sending yourself to be doomed, weather directly or in the future. We saw that later on when Haimon is ‘losing it’ and decides to take his own life (and leads to Kreon’s wife to do the same). It’s very hard to judge him.

1. Given Kreon’s ignorance and failure to convince him, what would you recommend as a next step for Haimon?
2. What would you have done as the King, when your Daughter in law is betraying you as you see it?
3. Is a person that failed in a certain value or law still deserve a proper burial? What is the extent?
4. Is logic and reasoning really the major factors in this debate? Can you really disconnect your feelings when dealing with family members over serious matters?
5. What is the limit of going after your inner voice?

Very interesting. I’ll be happy to hear out your point of view.

Idan.