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| "Machine de Cirque" ArtsEmerson Paramount Theater Through October 2nd |
Hurry down to the Paramount Theater in Downtown Crossing to catch one of the final performances of the remarkably inventive and entertaining "Machine de Cirque" from Quebec City. I have begun to think of ArtsEmerson as the entertainment equivalent of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Just when you think you have tasted every possible delicious flavor, they introduce another flavor that is equally mouth-watering and totally unexpected. Such is the case with the astonishingly talented troupe that call themselves "Machine de Cirque."
In the words of ArtsEmerson Co-Artistic Director, David Dower, "Machine de Cirque explores imagination, uses the body and its limits as a canvas on which to reimagine the world." And they accomplish this feat with a rough-hewn set (think steam punk without the steam!), a minimalist drum kit on wheels, a few juggling clubs, teeter boards, unicycles, Chinese poles and bath towels! The acts in which these five men engage are simultaneously simple and death-defying. They rely on split-second timing and deep trust in one another to demonstrate throughout the evening that to live life to the fullest, it takes a village of people trusting and loving one another. They stand naked before us (except for the aforementioned bath towels) and invite scrutiny. Their individual personalities and stage presence invite the audience members to relate to them as human beings rather than as freakishly gifted circus performers.
The troupe and this show were conceived by Artistic Director Vincent Dubé, who directs Raphaël Dubé, Yohann Trépanier, Maxim Laurin and Ugo Dario, as well as percussionist Fred Lebrasseur.
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Raphaël Dubé, Yohann Trépanier and Ugo Dario "Machine de Cirque"
ArtsEmerson
Paramount Theater
Through October 2nd
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Costume Design is by Sebastién Dionne, Lighting by Bruno Matte, Sound by René Talbot, and Mechanical Engineering by David St.-Onge.
On the evening that I attended the show, the audience was both mesmerized and enthralled by this winsome group of Quebecois. The first reaction from my guest was to say, during the curtain call, "We have to come back and see this again!" The remaining shows this weekend are almost sold out, but if you act now, you may be able to snag a ticket or two. You will not be sorry.
ArtsEmerson Website
Enjoy the latest delectable flavor of ice cream scooped up for you by ArtsEmerson!
Al
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