Circus performers from around the world will convene in Montreal this summer for the 14th annual MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE, which will take place from July 6 to 16.
One hundred and twelve acrobats and artists will perform 12 indoor shows across the city, all promising wacky and festive performances. The performers hail from Argentina, Australia, the United States, France, Mexico and the Czech Republic. Five acts are from Quebec.
“This year, we are focusing on the festive aspect and on different aesthetics,” said Stéphane Lavoie, TOHU’s general and programming director. “The productions presented are funny, playful and entertaining, but we also offer the public moments of incredible beauty that remind us that the art of the circus is above all a celebration of human creativity and the surpassing of oneself.”
Circus Shows for the Whole Family
GLOB by Les Foutoukours from Quebec will be performing at Maison Théâtre. Two clowns will explore the themes of waiting, the unknown and encounters. When two strange characters meet on stage, laughter, tears and acrobatic prowess intertwine. Surprises and magical moments await in this piece that highlights all the subtleties of traditional European clowning. Shows will take place July 8 and 9 for families and children.
Another homegrown show is HÉMISPHÈRE by Projet Sanctuaire, a group of circus artists and musicians from Lac-Mégantic. The show is a combination of music and acrobats. It tells the story of the human relationship with time, and the desire to strengthen social ties and ties with nature. This show is an adaptation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. The orchestra plays classical, electro-pop and pop music, while the acrobats perform high-flying aerial numbers. This show plays from July 13-16 at TOHU circular hall in St. Michel and is geared to people of all ages. Ticket prices range from $16.80 to $42.
Audience members can expect a fearless spectacle from the American performers Aloft at their BRAVE SPACE show at TOHU’s Escapade Hall. The show will welcome 100 people who will witness circus actors perform dangerous acts, such as trapeze as well as hoop- and hand-to-hand acts. Also geared to people of all ages, this show runs from July 8-16. Kids under 12 pay $15.50, students 25 years old and under pay $26.35, and adult tickets cost $31.
From July 12-16, spectators can take in the Czech circus crew Cirk La Putyka, at TOHU’s Circular Hall. The show, called Runners!, features a performance that has a huge, elevated conveyor belt. The production depicts the experience of time in a society that is continually in a hurry and in motion. The artists use the treadmill to present acrobatics, like the Cyr wheel acts. Ticket prices for this show range from $18.40 to $46.
Another local show to keep an eye on during this festival is L’APRÈS-MIDI TOMBE QUAND TES BISCUITS SE RUINENT by Quebec artists La Croustade. Using clown numbers, hand-to-hand and other manipulation acts, the show aims to have adults to rediscover their youthful hearts. Open to people of all ages, this show takes place from July 11 to 15 at Maison Théâtre at Cégep du Vieux Montréal. Tickets costs between $18.45 to $41 per person.
For more information about the festival, its lineup and ticket prices for other shows, click here.
