For decades now, Montreal, the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, has been luring talented circus performers into its internationally acclaimed troupes, yet it’s only been in the last four years that Circus festival MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE has packed much of that talent, along with that of troupes from around the world, into two weeks of awe-inspiring shows…

In its fourth year, MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CIRQUE is bigger than ever, with 14 featured circus shows on through July 3-14, almost all of them family friendly and impressive in both their artistry and the performers’ physical stamina. UK troupe Gandini Juggling’s humorous show Smashed makes its North American premier, with nine jugglers throwing and catching 80 apples  in a sometimes absurdist, sometimes pop-culture-infused series of breathtaking choreography.

New troupe Flip Fabrique comes in from Ottawa to hold the grand premiere of Attrape-Moi, a six-acrobat show that plays like a party, complete with trampowall (yes, a wall that is a trampoline – every kid will want one now). In another North American premier, France’s favourite jester, Ludor Citrik, challenges a black-and-white world of authority with his daring in Qui Sommes-Je? Spain’s Escarlata Circus premiers Pugilatus, an eccentric show from an outlandish, character-changing duo. Fittingly Canadian, Nord Nord Est’s Le Voyage d’Hiver mixes circus with theatre, opera, poetry and thoughts of love in a time of cynicism. Another Canadian production, Fabrique Métamorphosis, by Ironworkers – Local 777, sets a team of fearless ironworkers against a big-screen urban backdrop of skyscrapers in the high-tech, 360-degree Satosphere dome at the Société des Arts et Technologiques.

France’s Face Nord comes to the festival to premier Un Loup Pour L’homme for a North American audience, focusing on the talents of four incredibly fit acrobats as they jokingly battle each other for physical supremacy, at Gare Dalhousie. At the same venue, see what improvised circus looks like with L’impro Cirque, a combo of circus acts and live music. Australian acrobat troupe Propaganda makes its North American premier with a quirky show of the same name, full of strange characters and physical feats. Swiss acrobat, musician and all-around amazing performing David Dimitri comes to Montreal with his  creation L’homme-Cirque, weaving a world of humour and magic.

The avant-garde side of circus shows up too in Cirque Céans’s Croisé, an exploratory show from the Creation and Exploration workshop of the National Circus School. And proving that anything goes in circus and that not every circus is suitable for the whole family, the festival also hosts shows like Music-Hall de la Baronne, a collaboration between Montréal Complètement Cirque and Cirque Éloize, celebrating Cirque Éloize’s 20th anniversary with a cabaret-like show of circus acts and sketch comedy that’s more than a little sexy. Also on the sexier and seductive side is not-to-be-missed S, from Australian troupe Circa, a show as emotional as it is physical in its celebration of the expressiveness of the human body.

Along with all of its feature shows, the festival brightens up the outdoor spaces of the Quartier des Spectacles as well, with impromptu circus acts in the streets: clowns, jugglers and acrobats make use of urban architecture and might even get a few willing audience members to get in on the act themselves. As well, adults and kids alike can head out to Montreal’s dedicated circus centre, La Tohu, to participate in circus workshops and activities (including trapeze practice) that reveal a little of the magic behind why the modern circus is such a dynamic and fascinating form of art and entertainment.

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THE DETAILS

Montréal Complètement Cirque, July 3-14, 2013

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In 1992, Cirque du Soleil premiered Saltimbanco in Montreal. It would go on to be their first and longest touring show: 20 years and 6000 performances for more than 200 cities in 48 countries. From December 19 to 30, Cirque du Soleil will stage Saltimbanco at the Bell Centre for one last grande finale before retiring it to the history books…

Saltimbanco is the only Cirque du Soleil show to dazzle on five continents. Over 14 million spectators have been moved by Saltimbanco’s statement, and met the eclectic cast of 51 as they tour the audience through a wacky urban metropolis filled with colourful (and talented) inhabitants. Tickets come in three versions: Regular, Premium with Backstage Access, and a Family 4-Pack (2 Adult, 2 Children). The premium tickets gets you a rare peek into the chaotic and spectacular world of the Saltimbanco cast and crew, while the Family Pack is an affordable option to take the little ones to see something special for the holidays.

Saltimbanco is a tight two-hour show that features 10 jaw-dropping acts. From Chinese Poles, Juggling or the Russian Swing, you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. My favourite act is the “Hand to Hand” (pictured above). Simple in concept, but mind boggling in execution. The costumes that the performers wear are also nothing short of amazing. They’re made right here in Montreal at the Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters, and the entire show has over 2,500 costumes items (including 250 pairs of shoes) that travel in 50 road cases. The costumes would be futile without stunning make-up, so each artists takes 90-minutes to apply their own makeup before each show. In other words, to be in Cirque du Soleil you not only have to be a world-class circus performer but also a trained make-up artist.

The title “Saltimbanco” comes from the Italian phrase “saltare in banco,” which means “to jump on a bench.” The word itself is an expression of culture, clash, and lots of colourful characters. Let the Baron be your tour guide to a journey and meet the acquaintance of people like The Dreamer, The Ringmaster, The Child, The Baroques and the decidedly creepy masked worms (pictured above.)

It’s an iconic show that’s had an unprecedented run casting a spell on millions. Don’t miss them take a final bow in the city it was born in, and salut the great things Cirque du Soleil has done for Montreal. You might even leave with a sneaking desire to run away and join the circus… Foot walking is a balancing act, right?

THE DETAILS

Saltimbanco, December 19-30, 2012

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(light up the town) The Telus Fire on Ice fireworks go off with a bang on Saturday night in the Old Port, while Noël sur l’avenue makes shopping and dining along Mont Royal Avenue all the more festive with concerts, family friendly activities and more all weekend. Downtown at the Quartier des Spectacles, play with outdoor interactive musical installation Iceberg, part of Luminothérapie exhibition. And the Olympic Parc celebrates the grand opening of their winter site on December 15: from 11:30-8 p.m., help decorate their 15-metre Christmas tree, visit with Santa, and partake of gourmet treats from some of the city’s best food trucks.

(circus lights) Cirque du Soleil’s colourful, musical Saltimbanco fits right in with the festive season and delights with all kinds of acrobatics, juggling, feats of strength and stamina, and, of course, tension-diffusing clowns. Cirque returns home this month to mark the final run for the company’s longest-running show – 20 years! – see it December 19-30 at the Bell Centre, with behind-the-scenes packages available for some shows. On another musical circus note, Cirque Alphonse’s Timber! takes place in a forest full of lumberjack acrobats, clowns and family-friendly comedy – December 18-31 at Montreal’s one-and-only circus centre, Tohu.

(gift giving) Sometimes it’s just easier to shop in a town that isn’t your own. Take some of the pressure off gift buying by stopping in at some of Montreal’s hot, variety-packed craft and artisanal fairs. The Pop Montreal music festival puts on hip and super cute Puces Pop DIY & Craft Fair December 14-16 with an opening party on Friday evening, at Église Saint-Enfant-Jésus (5035 St-Dominique). The biggest fair of its kind in Canada, Salon des métiers d’art continues to December 22 with over 400 Quebec artists and artisans selling clothing, toys, food and much more at Place Bonaventure – see Santa every Saturday afternoon. And the smaller Old Skool Crafts Holiday Fair sees local craftspeople bringing their quality handmade goods to L’Église St-Michel (105 St-Viateur W.) on Saturday and Sunday.

(sounds of Christmas) Classical music and traditional Christmas songs fill December’s days and nights. Notre-Dame Basilica hosts the Montreal Symphony Orchestra performing Hector Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Christ with Kent Nagano conducting, December 19-20, and on December 14-15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., eight Quebecois singers sing traditional Christmas songs for the Les Stars chantent Noël. On December 16 at the Gesù hear the French 18th century organ music of Les douze Noëls pour orgue de Louis-Claude Daquin. Québec writer Bryan Perro tells a magical, Christmassy tale of two villages as the Montreal Symphony Orchestra accompanies, December 14-15 at Maison symphonique de Montréal. And at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Bourgie Hall, soprano Suzie LeBlanc sings a traditional concert of Advent music, with violinist, organist and conductor on December 16 at 3 p.m.

(sights on stage) The traditional December run of Les Grands Ballets’ The Nutcracker continues to December 30 at Place des Arts, while there are only a few days left to catch Robin Hood, as staged by children’s theatre experts Geordie Productions, at the Centaur Theatre in Old Montreal (453 St-Francois-Xavier). If you’ve been waiting years for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to be turned into a 14-song musical, well, that dream is now a reality, at Theatre Rialto on December 14. And critically lauded play Red , about the life and art of Mark Rothko, continues at the Segal Centre to December 16.

(sports on ice) Get your hockey fix at CWHL fundraiser game Les Boys (NHL alumni and stars of the Les Boys television series) vs. Les Girls (Montreal’s national championship team The Stars, featuring Olympic players) on Saturday, December 15, 1 p.m. at Etienne Desmarteau arena (3430 Bellechasse). Canada’s other official sport takes over the Bell Centre this Saturday: National Lacrosse League teams Toronto Rock and Rochester Knighthawks face off. And ski and snowboard freestylers literally take to the street for Amnesia Shack Attack on December 15 starting at 7 p.m. – see tricks, jumps and more on St-Denis between Sherbrooke and Ontario.

(more music) Montreal’s live music scene is feeling the holiday party vibe this weekend. Get along with the locals on Friday night with Mac Demarco, Each Other, Freelove Fenner and DJ Cadence Weapon At Il Motore (179 Jean-Talon W.). On Saturday night, Swiss folk-metal band Eluveitie loudly zooms into town with Wintersun and Varg at Club Soda,  and rock-dance it up with Mark Sultan and Lunar Exile, at Casa Del Popolo (4873 St-Laurent). On December 16, get closer with indie-pop cool kids Tegan & Sara at Metropolis, while American hip hop artist Machine Gun Kelly brings his rapid-fire vocal ways to Club Soda. Artist centre Easter Bloc brings together international sound artists and experimental musicians to perform, record and discuss their work in Object Inusité, December 19-22, with opening night performances December 19 at 7 p.m. And on December 20, get into a little American country music with Drew Womack and his band Sons of the Desert at Sala Rossa.

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(pop music city) Pop Montreal takes over many of the city’s music venues until the wee hours of Sunday night, with bands that both exemplify and defy the modern definition of pop. Among the many, many shows to see this weekend: on September 21, see David Byrne and St. Vincent, Tim Hecker, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, free afternoon shows at Parc Petite-Italie and at Divan Orange; on September 22, hear the piano stylings of Chilly Gonzales, the hip hop of Big K.R.I.T. and Slim Thug, and more frees shows; and on September 23, check out Purity Ring, Grizzly Bear, Patrick Wolf and stay out late at the fest’s closing party with Nicky Da B. Plus, September 22-23, peruse the creative output of artsty-crafty Montrealers at the Puces Pop Craft Fair, at St-Michel Church.

(life on film) The 8th edition of the Montreal International Black Film Festival runs to September 30 on screens around town, featuring a program of documentaries, feature films and shorts from around the world, including an Homage to Harry Belafonte, winner of the festival’s Humanitarian Prize this year, a talk by Stedman Graham, screenings of new film Winnie, about the life of Winnie Mandela starring Jennifer Hudson, jazz-singer doc Girls in the Band, Luv starring Common, and much more. And dance enthusiasts can see performances and discussions on film at the first Cinédanse Montréal film festival, September 20-23.

(circus & burlesque) Creative Montreal-based circus Cirque Éloize blends circus arts with hip hop, breakdance and stories of identity in their new, all-ages show iD , featuring 14 high-energy performers,  at Montreal circus centre La Tohu, September 20-October 6. Acrobatics and music astound in Pfffffff, a show by French circus troupe Akoreacro, running September 25-October 6 at La Tohu. And on a smaller scale and more adult-oriented, on September 21, see the Candyass Club burlesque-meets-subversive-vaudevillian-cabaret show, downtown at Café Cléopatra (1230 St-Laurent, 2nd floor), 10 p.m.

(dance days) The dance season officially opens this week with Danse Danse celebrating the 40th anniversary of BJM – Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, a show featuring pieces by Cayetano Soto, Benjamin Millepied and Barak Marshall, September 27-29 at Place des Arts. The Quartiers Danses festival comes to a close September 22 with a performance by Manuel Roque at Tangente at 6:30 p.m. and with dance performances and a roster of great DJs at the Darling Foundry (745 Ottawa) in Old Montreal, starting at 8 p.m. Twenty-one dancers take the stage in Cas Public’s Duels September 20-22 at Agora de la Danse, and Danse-Cité presents Ta Douleur by choreographer Brigitte Haentjens at Théâtre La Chapelle.

(theatrical times) Verdi’s La Traviata opens the 33rd season of L’Opéra de Montréal, featuring Greek soprano Myrto Papatanasiu, Italian tenor Roberto De Biasio and baritone Luca Grassi, to September 22 at Place des Arts. Metachroma Theatre sticks to the classics while still taking chances with Shakespeare’s Richard III, at The Segal Centre, to September 30, and Theatre Teesri Duniya put on Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Kevin Loring’s Where the Blood Mixes, about the life-long effects of Aboriginal residential school experience – at Centre Culturel Calixa-Lavallée (3819 Calixa-Lavallée) in Parc Lafontaine to September 30.

(art of performance) Art, music and dance converge this weekend, partly due to Pop Montreal. On September 23, see a show by Los Angeles-based performance duo Lucky Dragons, who mix synthesizer sounds, video projections and movement, some of it involving the audience, at the PHI Centre in Old Montreal, 5 p.m. Also on September 23, see dance performance Where the River Gets the Water Remix, with live music by Katie Moore and Matthew Woodley, at the Ukrainian Federation (5213 Hutchison), 4 p.m.. And on September 27, get lost in audiovisual performances from German producer-artist Byetone, co-found of electronic music label Raster-Noton, and French producer and video artist Nohista at the PHI Centre, 9 p.m.

(fresh air) The weather is still warm enough to spend a few hours outside this weekend. Take a walk around the Botanical Gardens and stay until the sun goes down to see the amazing lanterns at the Chinese and Japanese gardens. On September 22, from 10 am to noon, explore one of Montreal’s neighbourhoods by foot at Heritage Montreal’s family workshop on Little Burgundy. Down at the Old Port, check out the Clock Tower Beach, complete with food and full bar, before it closes for the season on September 23. And over at Parc Jean-Drapeau on September 23, daytime dance party Piknic Electronik parties in Pop Montreal style with Pierre Babin, EZLV, J.A.S.S. , PillowTalk and Catz N’ Dogz.

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The tragicomedy of our universal quest through time and space is represented under Totem’s specially-designed grand chapiteau (Big Top) by dancers, acrobats and clowns (dressed as Amerindian tribes, as well as businessmen and scientists) in intricate, evocative costumes. Through amazing feats of skill and agility, they interpret the various phases of human aspiration- providing an alternative, universal creation myth for mankind.

With Totem, Cirque cycles back to what it does best, presenting ideas about the meaning of life as a mélange of motifs and narratives, breathtaking ensemble vignettes that recall Cirque’s roots in circus traditions, and much more. Here, genre-busting multimedia projections, sets that are engineering marvels and the skill of the performers combine to play out the vision of Totems’ creators: a feast of movement, sound, colour and action that’ll make your head swim.

Totem is the latest of Cirque’s “Big Top” shows, and the first touring show created by multidisciplinary artist Robert Lepage. Lepage is one of Canada’s most famous theatre and film directors (he was awarded our most prestigious honour, the Governor-General’s Award, in 2009). In the ‘90s, Lepage created two stage shows for Peter Gabriel, and his first film, Le Confessional, was shown at Cannes for the Director’s Fortnight. Lepage previously created Kà, a permanent Vegas show, for Cirque- with Totem, he wanted to challenge himself to design and create a Big Top show, to go back to Cirque du Soleil’s roots and the possibilities of the genre.

Totem began its life cycle last year with a stand in Montreal, its birthplace, before taking off to Amsterdam. Now, a second run in Montreal this summer gives audiences a chance to experience it.

“[Totem] expresses the evolution of mankind,” says Lepage about the narrative for his show. “How does mankind go from being something slithery in a lake to standing upright?”

The story of man’s evolution from swamp creature to modern aspirant is told through sixteen acts, in which trampoline artists, hoop dancers, clowns, chinese unicyclists, trapeze artists, jugglers, roller skaters and Russian bar acrobats (among others) are dressed as frogs, simians, businessmen and others. According to Lepage, this progression is about man “recognizing that he is not just part of the human species but also part of the evolutionary chain.”

According to Lepage, Totem is “entering the Cirque through a different doorway”—the universal proto-mythology the company is famous for, taken to a whole new level.

THE DETAILS

Cirque du Soleil: Totem, June 15 to July 31, 2011

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Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? We recommend calling in sick to your life and getting on a plane to Montreal.

A weekend getaway with us will provide the escape you need to make it to the end of the year. Besides, we’ve got circus folk waiting to entertain you!

Here are our weekend recommendations.

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[cirque du soleil] QUIDAM – “A nameless passer-by, a solitary figure, a person rushing past. It could be anyone, anybody. The one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the “quidam” that Cirque du Soleil is celebrating.” We have no idea what that means, but heck Cirque du Soleil could do a tribute to toe jam and somehow it would be magical!

[holiday cheer] OLD MONTREAL’S EXTRAVAGANZA – If you enjoy festive lights, holiday caroling, skating rinks and all sorts of wintery delights, then you’re in luck. Even the Grinchiest-of-heart stand no chance.

[history lesson] YOURS TRULY, MONTREAL – In 18 easy minutes, you can get a grasp of how Montreal was born. This is perfect for our contemporary twitter-esque attention spans.

[foodie fun] CHRISTMAS GIFTS – Planning to come to Montreal this weekend? If you have friends and family back home who are into eating, you’re in luck. Montreal is a veritable treasure trove of gifts for the seen-it-all-tasted-it-all foodie.

[spa] BOTA BOTA – The newest spa in Montreal is absolutely stunning. Located on a boat in Montreal’s Old Port, you can sit on the deck in a jacuzzi tub and let snowflakes fall on your eyelashes. This is a HOT ticket right now, so reservations are a must.

[concert] BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE – You need more baroque pop in your life. Thankfully the BSS is in Montreal this weekend to deliver. Tip: wear a bowtie with your converse sneakers.

[gay life] MEC PLUS ULTRA – The theme of Montreal’s hottest “out-of-village” gay par-tay this week is “Electric Youth.” I hear that Debbie Gibson will be making a special appearance. Actually that’s a lie. I didn’t hear that at all.

[theatre] SILICONE DIARIES – Some brave individuals choose their own body as their canvas. Nina Arsenault is one of these individuals. Tickets going very fast.

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Among other notable shows premiering during the festival, Montreal’s fast-rising Cirque Éloize will unveil its latest creation : iD. Showcasing 15 artists from as many disciplines and nationalities, this daring new show, created by Jeannot Painchaud, is inspired by different hiphop dance styles and other urban arts and uses multi-medias effects to tell a modern tale of “indivIDuality” and “IDentity”. Above is a glimpse of what the show has in store. Consult the full schedule at www.montrealcompletementcirque.com

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