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8 reasons to go completely circus-crazy!

July 2, 2014

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For a fifth year, acrobats, clowns and other circus performers will take over the city with the Montréal complètement cirque festival. The Quartier des Spectacles, especially Place Émilie-Gamelin and the Quartier Latin, is one of the festival’s hubs. We spoke with festival director Nadine Marchand, who shared her eight top reasons to come out and enjoy the magic of Montréal complètement cirque.

1. The circus comes to town

Wednesday, July 2, 6:30 p.m., corner of Sherbrooke and Saint-Denis – FREE

“For our fifth anniversary, we decided to open the festival with a parade. The whole circus family, including members of several different companies, will march down Saint-Denis to Place Émilie-Gamelin, where we will celebrate the festival’s first five years.”

2. Babel_remix

July 2 to 13 (except July 7), 7 and 10 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on July 2) – FREE

Babel was one of the big hits of 2013, so this year we’re bringing the show back in a radically different form, as Babel_remix. The immense scaffold has been modified and the production numbers and staging are all different, but still inspired by the legend of the Tower of Babel. There are even more thrills this time around!”

3. Les Minutes complètement cirque

July 3 to 13 (except July 7), 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., corner of Saint-Denis and Émery – FREE

“This year, our circus minutes will go higher and farther, with a combination of circus and music. Every evening, 40 acrobats accompanied by musicians will perform a mini-show for an audience in the street. The artists then lead spectators to Place Émilie-Gamelin in time for the start of Babel_remix.”

4. La Cinémathèque sous les étoiles

Monday, July 7, 9:30 p.m., Place Émilie-Gamelin – FREE

“For one night only, festivalgoers can enjoy an open-air screening of Parade, the 1974 film by director Jacques Tati.”

5. Station STM Complètement cirque

July 8 to 13, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saint-Denis Street north of De Maisonneuve Blvd. – FREE

“Led by experienced spotters, these participatory workshops will teach members of the public the basics of acrobatics. Kids and adults will get a chance to try out the trapeze, trampoline and tightrope.”

6. A circus adventure on Saint-Denis

Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, Saint-Denis Street – FREE

“For two days, Saint-Denis will become a huge open-air circus ring, with breathtaking acts. There will also be a DJ to set the mood.”

7. Île O’

July 8 to 13, Maison Théâtre

“This delightful show by the Barolosolo circus company, from France, is perfect for the whole family. Two musical clowns tease each other around a large pool. One is in the water, and the other refuses to get wet.”

8. Barbu-Foire électro trad

July 4 to 12, 8 p.m., Théâtre Telus

“We presented Timber by Cirque Alfonse three years ago. It was a big hit, and it’s still touring the world. Their new show, Barbu, is inspired by old-time carnivals. It features strong men, roller-skating and even a human punching bag. It’s hilarious and completely off the wall!”

Montréal complètement cirque

July 2 to 13

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