Montreal Events to take you out of the cold this Fall

FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience 

For the last few years I was so privileged to experience the entire ISS Experience produced by Félix & Paul Studios. Many of the pieces will be travelling around the world but there is a fabulous view featured at Espace pour la Vie. When the project was presented to the press several weeks ago  astronaut David Saint-Jacques spoke to us via satellite from NASA. We learned how the camera was packed with the astronaut as he was heading for the space station. He was the one responsible for the pragmatic side of filming in space including sending back the physical supports for the digital content that would be processed here, in Montreal. 

This is such a unique project that reveals how human beings and now plants, we see a bit of the plant experiments surveyed by Christina Koch in this presentation, are adapting to 0 gravity. In this projection, we get a sense of the size of the space station. For example, compared to The Infinite, where we move inside the space station in VR, the Planetarium view on the dome reveals space whereas the VR feels claustrophobic. 

You will get to hear astronauts David Saint-James, Christina Koch, Anne McClain and Nick Hague. You will get a fabulous view of the Earth and our solar system and, if you are like me, revel in the wonder of it all!

The other advantage of the 360° dome projection is that you will be able to share the experience with your family and friends.

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience was written by Félix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël and received the collaboration of many international space agencies including NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. The project has received multiple awards including the latest, a Primetime Emmy Award 2021 - Winner: Outstanding Interactive Program 

Preview

We Live in an Ocean of Air

Once again PHI Centre has put together a VR experience that will make you love nature and its great mysteries even more. Created by the British collective Marshmallow Laser Feast the intricate piece that aims to demonstrate how profoundly we are connected to each other and nature. 

As usual, there is a team of technicians that assist us to get ready for the journey in alternate dimensions. First we need to wear the equipment that kind of looks like a jet pack, then put on the head gear and become familiar with the handles. Once everything is in place, we begin to observe breath, ours and that of those who will share the experience with us. Then you see your blood flow. A field appears, a scent of the forest manifests, light connects everything. Although the creators debated among themselves and decided not to tell the public about the secret I will reveal, I informed them I would share it with you because the experience goes so fast you may not be in there long enough to observe that you can affect what happens by the way you move the handles. You're welcome! 

You may decide to explore another innovative installation: Living Sound. You may not be aware that for decades artists that work in multimedia have been refining the use of sound in their art. Here you will be surrounded by a soft plush red environment where you can escape the daily grind for as long as you need lulled into a peaceful state with a selection of music.

PHI Centre has announced FREE programming you may want to take in. Check it out!

Image: Romain Guilbault

Photos de Jean Deshayes
white clown costume
Atelier Vicaire

Make way for the circus!

This gorgeous exhibition presented by Pointe-à-Callières Museum retraces the history of the circus from Europe to the US to how Quebec had its own style of circus modus operandi. For example, where European and American circuses were operated as an enterprise with an entrepreneur organizing events, here in Quebec the acts travelled on their own across the province to present their performances. 

I really loved the models of circuses that show both the magical tents, the rings and the public in awe as they would be dazzled by acrobats and clowns! There are art works, sculptures paintings costumes from the Cirque du Soleil, costumes with sequins for the white clowns, I discovered there are three types of clowns!

As you visit the exhibition you will be amazed by how little you know about circus history and contemporary circus that have evolved into dazzling sophisticated spectacles that take our breath away! There are also activities that are scheduled so be sure to check the calendar.

-LENA GHIO