KÀ Cirque du Soleil

Adventure story

By Caroline Fontein

KÀ at MGM Grand tells a thrilling adventure story about Imperial Twins who are separated by an attack on their Far Eastern palace and overcome adversity to be reunited.This Cirque du Soleil show has a clear plot, making it easy for people to sympathize with the characters and follow along as the story unfolds.

Just walking into the theater is an experience on its own. As soon as you enter, you are confronted with postindustrial looking pillars with platforms that line both sides of the theater. Tribal warriors are perched on the platforms, but don’t be surprised if they suddenly drop from the ceiling. Some of them are wearing bungee cords allowing them to fall to the ground and bounce back in a matter of seconds.

The surrounding stage elements make you feel like you are a part of the set with the action taking place all around you. At different times during the show, the performers enter the stage from the audience. If you are sitting by the aisle you might even see a warrior appear at your side with a bow and arrow in hand, ready for combat.

Apart from a brief narrative at the beginning of the show, there is no talking. Instead the story is told through the performers’ actions and dazzling special effects.

One of the most mystifying elements in the show is the ever-evolving stage that transforms into a floating barge, a beach, a snowy mountain and a violent sea in the midst of a storm, among other varied landscapes.

The show starts with a twin brother and sister at a celebration before their palace is attacked by evil warriors. While trying to escape, the twins get separated, and they are each forced to embark on an arduous journey to find one another and reclaim their palace.

They travel through varied terrain and meet interesting characters who help them along the way. KÀ has all of the expected elaborate production elements of a Cirque du Soleil show, including acrobatics. In one scene, the sister lands in a tropical jungle where the inhabitants jump, flip and fly from swinging vines.

While the twins are finding their way, the stage once again transforms into the lair of the evil ruler and his warriors. It is amazing to see the scene instantly change from a beautiful lush forest to a dark, ominous looking hideout.

For the final confrontation between good and evil, the stage turns into a vertical battleground where the twins fight to reclaim their home. The performers defy gravity as they gracefully run and jump on the vertical stage while in combat.

Ultimately the Imperial twins prevail, and the show ends in a glorious celebration with music, dancing and fireworks. If you’ve ever dreamed of embarking on a fantastical adventure, then make sure to see KÀ on your next stay in Las Vegas.