Enjoy the colourful 15th edition of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE

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North America’s only world-class circus festival continues until July 14. True to form, it features a cornucopia of events to delight all ages. And with plenty of free programming to accompany its ticketed shows, the festival MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE continues to bring the circus arts to the masses. We spoke with Stéphane Lavoie, executive director of the TOHU and producer of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE, to find out all about this year’s festival.

By Sébastien Tétrault

What does the 15^th anniversary of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE mean to you ?

Stéphane Lavoie : It proves that it’s more important than ever to have an international circus festival in North America. Each year, the public shows up for us and our international artists are eager to come to Montreal. We had modest beginnings, but by 2019 we’d built a lot of momentum and now the festival draws between 375,000 and 475,000 spectators. MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE reinvents itself each year and never stops evolving. We’re full of good ideas, and we hope the festival will continue to grow and thrive in the future.

What makes Montreal a ''circus city'' ?

Stéphane Lavoie : Montreal is a cultural metropolis, incredibly fertile ground for creativity. That’s true for all the arts, from music and theatre to dance and film. And the circus arts attract creators from all those disparate disciplines. A circus show is a bit like a sponge that’s absorbed all kinds of talent. There are contributions from talented artists in several specialties: acrobats, of course, but also technicians, writers, choreographers, poets and more. I’d also say that Montreal is cosmopolitan, and its great cultural diversity is a major asset for the circus. In the Saint-Michel district, where the TOHU is located, there are no fewer than 62 different cultural communities living side by side! I think that explains why our artists are so comfortable performing for everyone. That’s really what the art of the circus is all about: saying a lot with one gesture. So I’d say it’s our concentration of talent and our openness to the world that have allowed Montreal to be to circus what Hollywood is to movies – a magnet and an essential creative hub.

How would you describe this year's program?

Stéphane Lavoie : It’s a very satisfying program. There’s a wide range of different shows, and they’re all exhilarating! Dirty Laundry, at Espace St-Denis until July 14 and emceed by Barbada, is a joyous show that explores the theme of catharsis. Barbu, also running until July 14 at Espace St-Denis, is again for audiences ages 13 and up, but it’s a bit edgier. Don’t miss Smashed2, by Gandini Juggling, at the TOHU until July 7, a dizzying show starring seven jugglers. It’s a tribute to German dancer Pina Bausch. Duck Pond, by Circa, at the TOHU from July 9 to 13, is a lavish reinterpretation of Swan Lake. Finally there are some great shows especially for children, like Bibliothécaire, at Espace St-Denis from July 5 to 14, and the clown duo of Brotipo, July 13 and 14 at the TOHU – a show that’s already delighted a generation of kids!

What are some of the highlights of MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE's free programming in the Quartier des Spectacles ?

Stéphane Lavoie : Circus in the streets! Thousands of years ago, the Etruscans would perform amazing acrobatic feats in town squares. Everything changed when someone had the bright idea of putting up a tent and charging admission! So the public portion of the festival takes us back to the roots of our art, and Saint-Denis Street and Les Jardins Gamelin are ideal spaces for that. With its staircases, balconies and terrasses, the Quartier Latin lets the performers get close to people, so they can really connect with the audience. And because it’s free, open and urban, it’s opposite and complementary to the TOHO, which is a more verdant, family-oriented setting. It’s also worth remembering that in circus arts, we make a distinction between routines and shows – it’s sort of like short versus feature films. A routine lasts seven to ten minutes. It’s part of the ancient tradition of the circus arts, so it’s quite natural for it to be performed in public spaces. The free urban part of the festival gives us a chance to showcase this fundamental aspect of our art.

Can you tell us a bit about GÉANTE!, the free show presented twice daily on Esplanade PVM

It’s a spectacular work that was originally conceived as part of a downtown revitalization project. Every evening, GÉANTE! attracts 3000 to 4000 spectators. The show runs from July 4 to 14 (except July 8) at 6 and 9:30 p.m., at Place Ville Marie’s Esplanade PVM. It tells the story of a little girl who wonders if she’s a giant, or might become one someday. This production by Les 7 Doigts de la main stars a 10-year-old artist, Adeline Cruz, who we’ll definitely be hearing from again in years to come. I truly believe this prodigy, known for her excellent krumping, singing and dancing, will be the next Céline Dion. That’s all I’m going to say for now, except that you absolutely must not miss GÉANTE!