The Tears of a Clown
Cirque Du Soleil's touching show Corteo makes Austin debut at Moody Center
Mauro’s funeral has lasted years. Corteo by Cirque Du Soleil, the elegiac circus show celebrating the life of a fictional clown upon his passing, is returning to North America for the first time since 2019. Originally in Italian but beloved around the world, this piece of theater will both entertain and move Austinites as it transforms the Moody Center for five shows, February 2-5, 2023.
Although Corteo has been in North America, this is its Ausin debut. It comes on the heels of Ovo almost exactly one year prior. Where the insect-themed Ovo dealt with birth via a mysterious egg, Corteo runs through a clown’s memories and relationships as he’s on his deathbed. The tone is nostalgic, but according to artistic director Alison Crawford, it’s not a sad show.
“It's very touching because we get to know his character and the people that he loved during his life. He was a clown, so he had … some funny moments, and there's happy moments,” says Crawford. “Sad moments? I mean, at the end, we feel he's leaving us. Some people, it can remind them of somebody that was dear to them. But it's a very happy look at life.”
Set in the 18th century — if not in earthly Italy, then at least in a very Italian space full of chandeliers and velvet — this quasi-play is narrated by Mauro, and set to music by a seven-piece band spanning several styles from the folk music of the Romani people and Ashkenazi Jews, to more romantic and lyrical tunes. The multicultural aesthetic draws wonder from all audiences, but Crawford says Americans seem most drawn to humor across the circus repertoire.
“I love every moment of it. I've watched the show hundreds of times and I still don't get bored of it,” says Crawford. “The music really pulls you into the story, too.”
Corteo premiered in 2005 in Montreal, under a Big Top tent, meaning things will look a little different here, in Austin. This show in particular is unique for its dual view of the circular stage, causing half of the audience to face the other. Despite the opulent stage design and safety considerations — with aerialists literally swinging from the chandeliers — loading the show in takes 12 hours, and loading out takes less than four.
Like Crawford, audiences who have been to many Cirque Du Soleil shows know that the shine remains, even when they’ve seen the troupe or the story before. Austin is the only Texas city hosting this circus, but audiences have five chances to see it. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri