Cirque Éloize: Keeping the Flame Alive Through These Difficult Times
March 2020, we stood watching all our touring shows being either postponed or cancelled. Like many other entertainment companies, we were hit hard by the consequences of the pandemic. However, we would not let this situation that was out of our control take away our passion and creativity and what we love most: entertain people in a meaningful way. More than ever, it became important for us to make a difference and to bring joy to people through these difficult times. We rolled up our sleeves and worked at renewing our offer within the new parameters/reality.
Supporting the Healthcare Workers
While all our circus activities were put on hold during the COVID-19 crisis, we leveraged the diverse expertise of our team to give back to our community. We were proud to present the project In the Rainbow in collaboration with the Cité de la Santé Foundation. Between July and September 2020, we launched a series of 30 short videos highlighting the colossal work, commitment, dedication, and all the humanity of healthcare workers during this exceptional time.
Opening Our Creative Studio to Circus Artists’ Training
Last July, we were relieved to be able and allowed to open our studios again to the circus community for individual training. Our facilities have been set up to ensure artists’ safety and respect all the guidelines of the Public Health Department. The artists were then able to train in an inspiring and safe environment.
Creating Exceptional Productions for Exceptional Times
Cirque Éloize contributed to the revival of cultural activities in Montreal, Canada during the loosening of some of the sanitary measures in the summer, which allowed outdoor presentations to a restricted number of people.
After six months confined at home, the show Le Maître-Nageur (The Lifeguard) was more than welcomed by Montrealers. Specially designed for families and respecting all sanitary measures in place at the time, this 30-minute outdoor production was presented over three weekends. Set on a beach where a calm and soothing atmosphere reigns, Le Maître-Nageur (The Lifeguard) was in perfect control of the premises. The arrival of a group of enthusiastic young people – dressed in colourful costumes inspired by the 1960s styles – created a festive energy that the lifeguard was struggling to temper. The calm beach then became the scene of many acrobatic feats where even the crowd could not resist joining in the fun!
Maître Nageur © Roch Fortin
During the Holiday Season, we also presented a film as a webcast from 23 December 2020, to 6 January 2021. This project was entirely filmed and produced in our creative studios. Both an art film and a documentary, Sept moments de joie is a journey into the minds of seven choreographers bringing to life short pieces combining dance and circus arts. As an exploration of different artistic visions from artists from different worlds, this film is an intimate study of their shared humanity. The pieces follow on from one another like objects in a cabinet of curiosities as the creators talk to us about art and creativity, the desire to be together, to rise up and feel alive, the search for balance, the power of blissful moments and the importance of cultivating joy.
Sept moments de joie © Éric Carrière
Sept moments de joie © Éric Carrière
Finally, keeping a positive mind and starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel, we continue on working hard on different creative and artistic projects and are super eager to hit the road again with our touring show HOTEL which is set to visit Asia-Pacific by November 2022 to April 2023.
HOTEL © Brice Robert
About Cirque Éloize
A driving force in circus reinvention movement for more than 27 years now, Cirque Éloize creates, produces and brings to life shows that are original, inspirational and poetic. A leader in contemporary circus, the company combines the circus arts with music, dance, technology and theater, thrilling audiences around the world. Thus far, our productions have been seen by 5 million spectators in some 55 countries.