FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche
Held on July 3rd and 4th, the dazzling opening shows of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE, one of Montreal's most extravagant festivals that features circus troupes from around the world, defied our senses. First, there was Smashed 2 at TOHU.
Since 1992, Gandini Juggling, led by Sean Gandini and Kati Ylä-Hokkala, has pushed juggling's boundaries, making it a vibrant art form for the modern age. "Smashed 2" is a new version of their successful Smashed show. It presents a delightful twist on the classic tale of forbidden fruit, woven into the fabric of modern relationships. This innovative show by Gandini Juggling blends traditional circus artistry with contemporary flair, starring a troupe of exceptionally skilled performers and a mesmerizing ensemble of 100 apples.
The performance is a witty exploration of the dynamics between men and women, cleverly juxtaposing the narrative of 'Adam and Eve' with the artful chaos of juggling. Each orange becomes a symbol, a catalyst for humor and reflection on human connections. Through impeccable timing and choreography, Gandini Juggling transforms what could be a simple act into a profound commentary on relationships.
This is not just entertainment; it's a family affair of laughter and wonder, where the boundaries of physical skill and storytelling blur. The performers demonstrate their mastery with every toss and catch, creating a visual feast that captivates and uplifts. "Smashed 2" is a testament to the creativity and innovation in the world of juggling, showcasing the endless possibilities when talent meets imagination.
You can enjoy this show until July 7 INFO
Sophie's Surprise 29th birthday party hosted by Three Legged Race Productions is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. This immersive circus cabaret, featuring London's most dynamic artists, invites guests into a world where circus, comedy, and chaos converge under the big top. IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!!!
The company's origin story adds a quirky charm to the event. Founded by Katharine Arnold, Isis Clegg-Vinell, and Nathan Price out of practical necessity (thanks to Companies House requirements and their trio setup), Three Legged Race Productions launched with a bang. Their debut show, Sophie’s Surprise 29th, debuted in London and quickly earned a headline slot at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival the following year.
The pedigree of Three Legged Race Productions is impressive and diverse, with its founders bringing over a decade of experience from both renowned stages like Cirque du Soleil's global platforms to the gritty yet beloved basements of Piccadilly Circus. This background promises a show where innovation meets experience, where the unconventional thrives, and where every trick, joke, and spectacle is expertly curated to push boundaries and entertain. Attendees can anticipate an evening filled with jaw-dropping circus feats, a pumping soundtrack that keeps the energy high, and an atmosphere charged with laughter and excitement. With Three Legged Race Productions at the helm, there's a commitment to delivering not just a show, but an experience that leaves an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to step under their imaginative big top.
Sophie's Surprise 29th promises to be more than just a birthday celebration—it's a testament to creativity, craftsmanship, and the sheer joy of live performance.
DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW on until July 14 !!! INFO
"
GÉANTE!" is an ambitious creation by
Les 7 Doigts de la Main, under the visionary direction of
Gypsy Snider, promises to be a celebration of feminine power and youthful vigor like no other.
At the center of "GÉANTE!" is the remarkable 10-year-old krump prodigy, Adeline Cruz, who takes on the titular role with grace and determination. Raised by a village and destined to inherit its legacy, her journey unfolds amidst daring acrobatics and vibrant choreography. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, hope, and the potential for a flourishing future marked by inclusivity and respect.
The staging itself is a marvel—a colossal structure that serves as both playground and proving ground for the performers. Thirteen high-caliber artists, guided by Les 7 Doigts' signature blend of creativity and technical prowess, deliver daring and dazzling feats that push the boundaries of circus arts.
The inclusion of animation and circus performances at the Centre Eaton on select dates adds an extra layer of enchantment to the festival experience, promising to illuminate Montreal's summer nights with a magical ambiance. Behind the scenes, private partners such as Ivanhoe Cambridge, BDC, Québecor, and SDC Montréal centre-ville deserve commendation for their support in bringing "GÉANTE!" to life. Their collaboration has enabled this innovative production to flourish, enriching the cultural tapestry of Montreal and captivating audiences with its grandeur and imagination. In summary, "GÉANTE!" emerges not just as a show, but as a testament to the transformative power of circus arts. It invites spectators to dream alongside a young girl whose journey embodies resilience and the potential to inspire positive change on a global scale. Montreal Complètement Cirque's 15th edition is poised to leave an indelible mark, celebrating innovation, diversity, and the timeless allure of circus magic under the open sky.
"GÉANTE!" is a free show for the whole family set in the heart of the city until July 14th.
BARBU Electro Trad Cabaret! transports us back to the lively fairgrounds of late 19th and early 20th century Montreal, audiences are thrust into a world where political correctness takes a back seat to unbridled, jaw-dropping entertainment.
Imagine a place where every act defies expectation and convention.
Cirque Alfonse, hailing from the heart of Canada, unleashes a pandemonium of electrifying performances that blend traditional circus arts with a pulsating electro-trad soundtrack. From the moment the curtain rises, you are plunged into a realm where music, video projections, and mind-bending feats converge to create pure sensory overload.
At the heart of it all are the performers themselves, a fearless clan whose mastery of strength and agility is matched only by their infectious enthusiasm. Watch as they defy gravity with astonishing aerial acrobatics, display superhuman strength in feats of raw power, and tickle your funny bone with irreverent humor and audacious antics.
BARBU isn't just a show—it's a riotous celebration of eccentricity and daring. Whether it's a bearded lady defying stereotypes or a strongman bending metal with ease, each act is a testament to the troupe's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary circus.
Backed by a frenetic live band, the energy never wanes as Cirque Alfonse blurs the line between chaos and choreography, leaving audiences breathless and craving more. This is not your average night at the circus; it's an adrenaline-fueled extravaganza that dares you to suspend disbelief and embrace the unexpected.
BARBU Electro Trad Cabaret! at Espace Saint-Denis is totally wild and untamed, a whirlwind of laughter, awe, and spine-tingling thrills. Step into their world, and I guarantee you'll leave exhilarated, astonished, and echoing my sentiment: I have never seen anything quite like BARBU!
The show lasts until July 14th
INFO FINALLY...
Enter the dazzling world of Briefs at Espace Saint-Denis, where every stitch of their MANIFESTO, threads together into an electrifying tapestry of performance artistry and cultural defiance.
VISIBILITY from the moment the lights ignite the stage, Briefs unfolds as a celebration of inclusivity without compromise. It's a manifesto where every glittering sequin represents a commitment to age-appropriate engagement and a steadfast rejection of anything less than basic human decency. Here, diversity isn't a token gesture but a vibrant mosaic, echoing the spirit of a 90's Benetton ad campaign with its kaleidoscope of voices and perspectives.
VIRTUOSITY reigns supreme in every act, a testament to the collective's dedication to artistic and technical brilliance. From the daring acrobatics to the nuanced storytelling, each performance pulses with a shared ethos of excellence and a dedication to a safe, collaborative environment.
SOVEREIGNTY emerges as the guiding principle, infusing each scene with sharp wit, cultural sophistication, and an unflinching realism. Briefs doesn't just entertain; it interrogates, connects, and advocates through its bold narratives and fearless performances.
And now, after a decade of global acclaim, Briefs returns with an all-new spectacle that promises to redefine cabaret. Fez Faanana, aka Shivanana, leads the charge with a bolder attitude than ever, joined by the irrepressible Quebec drag queen Barbada as guest host. Together, they weave an evening of mind-bending comedy and unspoken truths, sprinkled with enough glitter to illuminate the darkest corners of identity and sexuality.
Briefs doesn't shy away from controversy; it embraces it, using laughter and spectacle as weapons in the fight for visibility and acceptance. This isn't just a show; it's a declaration—an exhilarating manifesto brought to life with every flip, twist, and shimmy.
In a world desperate for authenticity, Briefs delivers—a provocative testament to the power of performance and the enduring resonance of living unapologetically.
The show is on until July 14th INFO
For more shows presented during the festival from many other troupes INFO
MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE is on until July 14th!
LENA GHIO
