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"PHÉNIX": FLYING HIGH IN LES JARDINS GAMELIN

July 5, 2018

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From today to July 15, the Quartier des Spectacles’s eyes will be turned to MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE! Just look skyward to see the performers of Phénix wow the crowds in Les Jardins Gamelin – a unique show created especially for the space. Circus arts have become an integral part of life in the Quartier, and you won’t want to miss this short-run show!

Anthony Venisse, who conceived and staged Phénix, spoke with us about his vision.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM THIS NEW JARDINS GAMELIN-EXCLUSIVE SHOW?

It’s the story of the endless cycle of life. It’s based on invisible forces, and the four elements, water, earth, air and fire. Whatever happens, life always comes back; it’s a great circle. The audience sits around the central circular stage. And the choreography and sound environment are spectacular. We’ve been working on this show for nearly a year. The 30  acrobats-dancers put on quite a display and I can’t wait to see them in action!


ARE THERE A LOT OF TECHNICAL CHALLENGES INVOLVED IN STAGING A CIRCUS SHOW IN A PARK?

Absolutely! Outdoors, you can’t control your world the way you can in a theatre. There is many factors we need to consider: ambient urban sounds and lights, the weather, heat, humidity. The Place Émilie-Gamelin is very large, so the artistic and acrobatic scripts have to account for that. As there was there’s nothing to hook onto, we use a zipline for our aerial numbers. The 360˚ stage adds another challenge. There’s no backstage area, so the audience can see everything. There’s no place to hide!

Is it important for MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE to be close to the people?

The festival wants to share circus culture with as many people as possible. By performing a high-quality production in a park or on St-Denis’ street, we reach as many Montrealers as tourists. Everyone can be part of the audience, regardless of their social background. It’s really important to get art out of enclosed spaces. Getting up close and personal with that broad audience is what moves me most.

What’s the state of the circus in Montreal? Are we still a global hub?

We are definitely a hub in terms of training new artists. All over the world, everyone knows about the École nationale de cirque. Montreal is a major creative centre. We’re fortunate to have access to very high-calibre artists.

Les minutes complètement cirque

Around 30 acrobats will use Saint-Denis St. as their stage. Get ready to be blown away by human pyramids and all kinds of amazing feats, right on the street. The troupe will wander all the way to Les Jardins Gamelin to perform four amazing routines. Follow them from July 5 to 15 at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. (except July 9). Be part of the show!

Also, do not miss to bring the kids to try various circus arts on Saint-Denis street.

MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE
July 5 to 15

Phénix
July 5 to 15 (except July 9)

Les MINUTES COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE
July 5 to 15

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