Insects, often overlooked, truly deserve more recognition. This sentiment fueled my excitement for a circus show spotlighting these minuscule creatures, recently held at London’s Royal Albert Hall as part of its European tour.

The performance, titled “OVO” by Cirque du Soleil, draws its name from the Portuguese word for “egg.” At its core, the show presents a straightforward narrative: a peculiar fly introduces an egg into a vibrant, busy ecosystem, attempting to capture the affection of a ladybug. An insect clown assists him in this endeavor. While the plot itself might be minimal, the show compensates with its truly astonishing acrobatics.

One particular act featured a contortionist portraying a spider, adeptly balancing her entire frame on a pole held solely by her mouth. Elsewhere, performers embodying ants showcased their dexterity by juggling fruit using only their feet. The first half concluded with a heart-stopping finale where acrobats were propelled through the air with exceptional accuracy and at considerable heights. Another memorable segment involved performers, styled as crickets, effectively trampolining up and off a vertical wall.

Ultimately, OVO provides entertainment for the entire family. It also offers a hopeful opportunity to deepen our appreciation for the insects that coexist with us on this planet.

Carissa Wong
Reporter, London