It's been described as an artistically thrilling show, one that breeds excitement as trained horses and their riders gallop inside a big top tent along with a supporting cast of musicians, acrobats and dancers.
Odysseo opened last month in Toronto and has received rave reviews. The show is highly visual, combining heart-pumping athleticism with art. But for a group of visually impaired children, Odysseo is much more than just a visual treat – it's an experience.
On Thursday, the company behind the giant production, Quebec-based company Cavalia, hosted a behind-the-scenes tour for a group of children who are either blind or have partial sight. They were given the opportunity to interact with the horses.
"Just being close to the animals is even more special than for any other kid," mother Diana Robinson told CTV Toronto. "The touch, it awakens all the different senses."
Thursday's specially-tailored visit also included an opportunity to learn about the horses and how they are groomed.
"This kind of thing is just amazing for our kids because to go to a regular show, they don't have the context so being able to get close and being able to touch the horses and talk to the people involved in the show makes a huge different," regional manager for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Suzanne van den Broek said.
Odysseo wraps up at the end of the month. The show will then head to Montreal in June for the last leg of its North American tour.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Zuraidah Alman
