Cirque Éloize

Cirque Éloize Group
Origin
Circus name	Cirque Éloize
Country	Canada
Founder(s)	Jeannot Painchaud Daniel Cyr Claudette Morin
Year founded	1993
Information
Director	Jeannot Painchaud, President and Chief Creative Officer
Traveling show?	Yes
Circus tent?	Sometimes
Winter quarters	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Website	www.cirque-eloize.com

Cirque Éloize ([siʁk elwaz]) is a contemporary circus company founded in Montreal in 1993 by Jeannot Painchaud, Daniel Cyr, Claudette Morin, and Julie Hamelin. It is known for productions that combine circus arts with music, dance, technology and theatre.

Its headquarters and studio are located in Old Montreal inside the former Dalhousie Station, a historical building where the National Circus School (École nationale de cirque) based from 1989 to 2003.

Cirque Éloize has produced more than 6,000 performances in over 600 cities around the world.

Etymology

"Éloize" means "heat lightning" in Acadian French ("éclair de chaleur" in Standard French). The word appears to come from the Saintongese language (of western France), while it has appeared at least once (spelled "eloise") in a book written in classical French by Montaigne.

It is used in Acadia and in the Magdalen Islands, of which the artists of the first Cirque Éloize troupe were all natives. "The thunderbolt depicts their acrobatic and spectacular side, the heat, and their humanity that wishes to touch the heart and soul."

Cyr Wheel

Daniel Cyr, cofounder of Cirque Éloize, invented the Cyr Wheel and popularized it by obtaining a silver medal with his act at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in 2003. The Cyr Wheel has since been present in the majority of Cirque Éloize's creations. The technique is now taught in many professional schools and used by numerous artists from various countries.

Tailored events and concepts

Cirque Éloize designs, creates, and produces tailored concepts and events for corporate, private, and governmental clients. The company has produced over 1,800 custom events in its Dalhousie Station studios and on stages around the world.

Cirque Éloize collaborated in the Turin Winter Olympic Games Closing Ceremony in 2006; in the inauguration of the Jaeger-Lecoultre boutique at Place Vendôme Paris in 2012; and in l'Heure Bleue, an exclusive show presented all summer long as part of Montreal city's 375th anniversary festivities in 2017. Cirque Éloize was a featured company at the first edition of the Biennale Internationale des Arts du Cirque in 2015. Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal presented an outdoor event along with Cirque Eloize in August 2018 based on symphonic suite Scheherazade.

Productions

Cirque Éloize has staged nearly 30 original productions, including Entre Ciel et Mer, Céleste, Serge Fiori – Seul Ensemble, Hotel, Nezha – l’enfant pirate, Saloon, Cirkopolis, iD, Rain, comme une pluie dans tes yeux and Nomade.

Inspired by the music and poetry of Serge Fiori, and including songs from his band Harmonium and his solo career, Serge Fiori, Seul ensemble was presented in an exclusive residence at Théâtre St-Denis in Montréal in 2019, followed by Théâtre Capitole in Quebec City. Staged by Benoit Landry, and featuring five dancers and 15 acrobats, the show received the ADISC Billet d’Or award in July 2019 for 50,000 tickets sold. In all, 75,000 people saw the show before the pandemic forced its cancellation in August 2021.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023, Cirque Éloize premiered Entre Ciel et Mer. Bringing together the circus arts with storytelling and traditional music and resonating with Acadian and Quebecois culture, Entre Ciel et Mer draws its heart and soul from the Magdalen Islands, where the company got its start.

Original productions

Year	Name
1993	Cirque Éloize
1997	Excentricus
1999	Cirque Orchestra
2002	Nomade — La nuit, le ciel est plus grand
2003	Typo
2004	Rain — Comme une pluie dans tes yeux
2007	Nebbia
2009	iD
2010	Piratata
2012	Cirkopolis
2013	Le Music-Hall de la Baronne
2014	Monaco
2016	Saloon
2017	Nezha, l’enfant pirate
2017	L’Heure magique (375e)
2018	HOTEL
2018	The New Chinese Acrobats
2019	Serge Fiori, Seul Ensemble
2019	Heartwood
2020	Le Maître-Nageur
2020	Sept moments de joie, un film du Cirque Éloize
2021	De mille feux
2021	Le Maître-Nageur, la suite
2021	Celeste
2022	Les Géants
2022	Plage au Cirque
2023	Entre Ciel et Mer

Entre ciel et mer (2022–2024)

To celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023, Cirque Éloize presents Entre ciel et mer. Entre ciel et mer is inspired from the Magdalen Islands, where the company began.

Seul ensemble (2019–2020)

Staged by Benoit Landry, Seul ensemble is a homage to Serge Fiori's music. Using mostly songs from his band Harmonium and songs from his solo career, five dancers and 15 acrobats perform the show periodically in Montréal and Québec City. The show was presented in an exclusive residency at Théâtre St-Denis in Montréal, followed by Théâtre Capitole in Quebec City. Staged by Benoit Landry, the show received the ADISQ Billet d’Or award in July 2019 for 50,000 tickets sold. In all, 75,000 people saw the show before the pandemic forced its cancellation in August 2021.

Hotel (2018–2019)

Staged by Emmanuel Guillaume, Hotel is Cirque Éloize' 25th anniversary creation. The premiere took place at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in August 2018.

Nezha (2018)

Nezha tells the story of a young orphan abandoned on a mysterious island. Rightful heir of the Red Flags, she attempts to become the most fearsome pirate of all time.

This show combines dance, acrobatics, martial arts and visual projections under the roof of an exterior amphitheater. Presented at the Shawinigan Cité de l'Énergie, Nezha is Cirque Éloize' first semi-permanent show. It premiered on July 5, 2018.

Saloon (2016)

Inspired by the Far West's heritage, Saloon is animated by an original score written and produced by Éloi Painchaud, including excerpts from Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash classics. 11 artists, three of which are musicians, bring the western age back to life with the help of dance, song and acrobatics.

The Canadian premiere of the show took place at the St-Tite Western Festival in 2016.

Saloon's staging is done by Emmanuel Guillaume.

Cirkopolis (2012–2014)

Created in 2012, Cirkopolis is a show staged by Jeannot Painchaud and choreographers Dave St-Pierre & Lambden. Cirkopolis inspires itself from the aesthetics of the Fritz Lang film Metropolis. The scenographer Robert Massicotte, videographer Alexis Laurence, costume creator Liz Vandal, lighting designer Nicolas Descôteaux, acrobatics designer Krzysztof Soroczynski, and the composer Stéphan Boucher are the other main creators of the show. The stage is set in a mill town.

In 2018, Cirkopolis became the first show in Saudi Arabia to present women on stage in front of an audience composed of both men and women.

Awards and nominations

2014 : Drama Desk Awards, New York City

• Recipient of the Unique Theatrical Experience

iD (2009–2017)

Staged by Jeannot Painchaud, iD unites circus arts with urban dances such as B-boying, breakdancing and hip-hop. Scenographer, Robert Massicotte, videographer, Alexis Laurence, costume designer, Linda Brunelle, lighting designer, Nicolas Descôteaux, acrobatics designer Krzysztof Soroczynski, composers Jean-Phi Goncalves and Alex McMahon, contributing choreographers Lambden and Picakle are the other main creators of the show. 15 artists were present on stage, exploring a total of 13 different acrobatic disciplines.

In July 2010, iD was presented as the opening show for the first Montréal Complètement Cirque festival. In October 2016, iD celebrated its thousandth performance in London.

Awards and nominations

2010 : Montreal Arts Council

• Grand Award given to Cirque Éloize " for the creation of its remarkable iD show which inaugurated the first edition of the international Montréal Complètement Cirque festival and for its exceptional international reach ".

Music-Hall de la Baronne (July 2 to 24, 2013)

Le Music-Hall de la Baronne was created in collaboration with the Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival. Staged by Denis Bouchard, the cabaret type show was presented in Montreal during the Montreal Complètement Cirque festival in July 2013.

Nebbia (2007–2011)

Written and staged by Daniele Finzi Pasca, this Cirque Éloize and Teatro Sunil coproduction is the last chapter of the Trilogie du Ciel (Nomade, Rain, Nebbia). Signifying "fog" in Italian, the show broaches the dream and imaginary worlds.

Nebbia was designed by the same creative team as the two previous shows.

Rain: Comme une pluie dans tes yeux (2004–2012)

Created in 2004, Rain – comme une pluie dans tes yeux is the second chapter of the Trilogie du Ciel. Produced by Cirque Éloize and staged by Daniele Finzi Pasca, the show addresses the themes of childhood, freedom and family and is animated by an original staging where contemporary circus arts, theatre, music and dance intertwine. RAIN gives an exhibition of circus disciplines: jugglery, banquine, Russian bar, clown, Cyr wheel, teeterboard, tightrope, contortion, aerial silk and hoop. Twelve artists from all corners of the world each embody their own character on stage.

RAIN has traveled across 178 cities and 20 countries. RAIN presents an original soundtrack composed by Maria Bonzanigo and Lucie Cauchon, costumes designed by Mérédith Caron, a scenography by Guillaume Lord and lighting by Martin Labrecque.

Awards and nominations

2006 : Drama Desk Awards, New York City

• Nomination in "Unique theatrical experience" (RAIN)
• Nomination in "Outstanding Director of a Musical" (Daniele Finzi Pasca)

2005 : Theatrical Management Association

• Reward for "Best Touring Production" for the series of shows presented at the Wales Millennium Centre.

2005: In review – San Francisco Chronicle Theater Robert Hurwitt

• Described as one of the 10 best shows presented in San Francisco in 2005.

Typo (2003–2007)

TYPO was a show produced by Cirque Éloize, staged and performed by Jamie Adkins.

Nomade: La nuit, le ciel est plus grand (2002–2006)

Created in 2002 and staged by Daniele Finzi Pasca, Nomade – La nuit, ciel est plus grand –, is Cirque Éloize' fourth creation and the first chapter of the Trilogie du Ciel. In this show song, music, dance and acrobatics are used to discuss the vagabond spirit of man and his quest for adventure.

Lucie Cauchon's compositions are inspired by tzigane music, a reference that transpires and influences the theatricality. The costumes, by Mérédith Caron, are simple or sumptuous depending on the scene and participate in an aesthetic dominated by a certain sobriety, just like Martin Labrecque's lighting and Guillaume Lord's scenography.

Nomade was presented in multiple theaters and international festivals, surpassing 700 total performance.

In 2007, it represented the province of Quebec and for three weeks during the Universal Forum of Cultures in Monterrey, Mexico.

Awards and nominations

2005: Gémeaux Awards

• Nomination in Best Variety Special or Scenic Arts Special (Pierre L. Touchette, Alain Simard)
• Nomination in Best Editing: comedy, variety, scenic arts (Patrice Bonenfant, François Bonnelly)

Cirque Orchestra (1999–2002)

In 1999, on the initiative of the Lanaudière International Festival, Cirque Éloize produced Cirque Orchestra, its third creation.

Sharing the stage with a symphonic orchestra, this production meshed circus arts, contemporary dance and classical music. Alain Francoeur created the stage production.

Cirque Orchestra tells the story of a dissident musician that leaves his orchestra to join a world of fantasy where he wishes to learn to fly.

Awards and nominations

2003: Gemini Awards

• Laureate in the Best performance in a Performing Arts Program or Series category (Troupe)
• Nomination in the Best Direction in a Performing Arts Program or Series category (Pierre Séguin)

2003: Gémeaux Awards

• Nomination in Best Variety Special or Scenic Arts Special (Alain Simard, Luc Châtelain, Pierre L. Touchette)
• Nomination in Best Sound : comedy, variety, scenic arts, talk-show (Marcel Gouin)

Excentricus (1997–2002)

Excentricus was Cirque Éloize' second creation. This show included the performance of 17 artists – acrobats, jugglers, comedians, trapeze artists and musicians.

Excentricus was presented over 500 times in performance venues all over the world as well as in international scenic arts festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, the Israël Festival in Jerusalem, the Hong Kong Festival in China, the Iberoamericano Teatro Festival of Bogota in Colombia and the Recklinghausen Festival in Germany. The show was also performed in many parts of United States through the Performing Arts Center network and the National Scenes network in France.

Cirque Éloize (1993–1997)

Cirque Éloize was the troupe's first show, at the time composed of seven madelinot artists who were still students of the National Circus School: Jeannot Painchaud, Daniel Cyr, Jano Chiasson, Robert Bourgeois, Damien Boudreau, Sylvette Boudreau et Alain Boudreau.

Combining dance and acrobatics, the show was created in the Station Dalhousie, in Montreal, and then presented in the Magdalen Islands on the 11th and 12 August 1993 in the context of CFIM's 10th anniversary, a local community radio.

Three versions of the show were created between 1991 and 1994. The first two were made as part of a collective work involving all the artists in the process, under the direction of Jeannot Painchaud and with Catherine Archambault in care of staging and choreographies. Pierre Boileau joined the team for the third version's staging which would lead the troupe to its first major breakthrough in the American market. The inauguration of the New Victory Theater on the 42nd street on Broadway, followed by a three-week series of representations, thereby marking the beginning of a grand journey.

Cirque Éloize and subsidiaries

In recent years, Cirque Éloize created three subsidiaries: Éloize Entertainment, Éloize Studios and Éloize Expo.

Cirque Éloize continues to produce and stage contemporary circus performances, while Éloize Entertainment focusses its multidisciplinary expertise on major projects, for example the GCC opening ceremony in 2022.

Éloize Studios produces and delivers events in Cirque Éloize’s creative studio, located in the former Dalhousie Station in Montreal.

Éloize Expo, creates and develops interactive and educational expositions.

In 2021, Éloize Expo produced its very first interactive exhibition, Below the Ice with Mario Cyr. Initially presented in its studios in Dalhousie Station in Montreal, then at Quebec City Convention Centre, before going to Saskatoon in 2022.

Custom events and concepts

Cirque Éloize designs, creates, and produces custom concepts and events in its Dalhousie Station studios and around the world.

Cirque Éloize contributed to the Closing Ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

In 2021, Éloize created and presented the opening ceremony for the 27th edition of the World Men’s Handball Championships (IHF Games) in Cairo, Egypt with its local partners, HiLights and Egyptian Engineering Projects.

In 2022, the organizers of the 3rd edition of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Games selected Éloize to create and produce the opening ceremony for this major sports event that brings together six Persian Gulf countries. Presented in front of 5,000 in-person spectators in Kuwait, the ceremony was also broadcast throughout the Middle East.

A theatre in the Magdalen Islands

In 2003, Cirque Éloize created the first circus arts festival in America: La Semaine des Arts du Cirque. Taking place in the Magdalen Islands, three summer editions of the festival were produced in total. Cirque Éloize is also cofounder of the Montréal Complètement Cirque festival.

Under the invitation of the Chief Director and Curator, Nathalie Bondil, Jeannot Painchaud is chosen as one of the 20 artists participating in the Big Bang : carte blanche à la créativité exposition which was presented at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts from November 6, 2011 to January 22, 2012.

In 2014, Jeannot Painchaud was responsible for the artistic direction of the Paris en Scène 1889–1914 exposition, presented from June 2013 until February 2014 at the Musée de la civilisation of Quebec. Paris en scène 1889–1914 earned the Prix Excellence – Groupe institutionnel 1 attributed by the Société des musées québécois (SMQ).

In 2023, Cirque Éloize acquired the Havre-Aubert church in the Magdalen Islands^[1]. The church will be transformed into a performance venue, which will be an integral part of Au Pied des Demoiselles as a cultural hub.

Other works

In 2006, the company created the Éloize Foundation which has a three-fold mission: promote social reintegration of youth in difficulty, encourage youth to pursue superior or specialized studies, and to contribute in the development of scenic arts. Artcirq, an organization putting its passion for circus at the service of Inuit youth, is based in Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada, and is the first group to benefit from this support.

Cirque Éloize and Zone3 worked in collaboration during the production of La Vie Est Un Cirque's four seasons broadcast in 2012. The series was shot in Cirque Éloize' studio, which was also in charge of the artistic direction, casting and staging of the six episodes.

External links

• Cirque Eloize