Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo Thrills Sofia Audience with Spectacle Beyond Circus

Risida Dimitrova, Dahnyelle Dymytrov

Cirque du Soleil performs Ovo in Sofia, April 30, 2026 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

02.05.2026 20:35

(BTA)

"Outstanding quality", "an abundance of artistry" and "highly professional acrobatics", this is how the audience described the show to BTA after watching Ovo by Cirque du Soleil. The world-renowned Canadian troupe is visiting Bulgaria with seven performances from April 30 to May 3 in Sofia.

THIS IS NOT A CIRCUS

"This is not a typical circus" is one of the most frequently repeated reactions. "I wouldn’t call it a circus. It’s a feast for all the senses with incredible colours, amazing acrobatic acts. I still can’t fully process what I’ve just seen."

The distinction is not accidental. For many spectators, Ovo feels far removed from childhood memories of the circus, the one with animals, clearly separated acts, and a predictable structure: "It’s different from the circus we watched as kids, and that’s why I like it. This is a very contemporary circus with a modern approach, there are no animals, and the focus is on acrobatics and the overall experience."

This transformation of the genre is widely recognized as one of the reasons behind the show’s global success. Cirque du Soleil has long shifted its focus from individual acts to a complete stage universe, where music, movement, and visuals function as one.

THE FAMILY AS THE AUDIENCE

It is striking that Ovo is rarely watched alone, "it’s a show that brings people together." "I’m here with my whole family and I’m greatly impressed," a father who came with his children says. Another family has travelled from Silistra, Northeastern Bulgaria, "especially for this celebration", and according to the mother, her son is "on cloud nine".

"I’m having fun, going back to my childhood," another spectator says. In her view, this is the show’s strongest effect, not just the acrobatics, but its ability to create a shared experience between generations, between parents and children, between memory and the present.

For some in the audience, this is not their first encounter with Cirque du Soleil: "It’s not my first time. I’m a big fan, and every time they come, I make sure to see them. Each time I discover something new and different, with a new program and a fantastic experience."

As they describe it, this is no longer just about surprise, but about ritual and trust in a brand that consistently delivers a certain level of quality.

International reviews confirm this impression, the show is known for its high production value, precision, and visual impact, combining acrobatics, dance, and music into a unified experience.

THE LANGUAGE OF AWE

If the audience’s reaction could be summed up in one word, it would be awe. "An extraordinary performance, incredible synchronization, unique acrobats." "Impressive performance and costumes, with fantastic music and atmosphere." "Beautiful and emotional choreography, full of warmth," are just some of the comments.

Ovo does not rely on a complex storyline. Its strength lies in synthesis. Acrobatics, music, costumes, lighting, everything works together to create a sensation. "It’s a great gift for the audience to see something like this," people say. "Very enjoyable, very lively, wonderful for children. Overall, a marvellous show."

Cirque du Soleil returned to Bulgaria after a nine-year absence. Ovo, Portuguese for "egg", is a show about the continuous birth of a world where insects are human, and humans are acrobatic hybrids between body and myth. The world is colourful, hypnotic, and pulsating, an ecosystem where everything is in motion.

/RD/