“Every year, we discover a bit more about all the ramifications of the festival.”
WHO: Remi Jacques
WHAT: “With gravity-defying acrobatics and dazzling juggling, this family show is full of warmth and side-splitting humour. Nova is proudly presented by Canadian ‘masters of slapstick’ (Scotsman) Les Foutoukours who previously brought you the five-star clown show Brotipo. Nova rediscovers the magic of circus, where dreams take flight and anything is possible. It marries clowning with a celebration of childhood creativity, set in an enchanting attic with towers of books and lit by flickering candles. The audience is left with a sense of wonder and reminded that even in dark times there is light to be found.”
WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Upstairs (Venue 139)
WHEN: 15:45 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
No, this is our fourth time at the Fringe! Each time is an incredibly fantastic but demanding adventure for the entire team. Every year, we discover a bit more about all the ramifications of the festival. Each of our visits has brought us new knowledge but also friends and collaborators that we meet again all over the world. The festival is also one of the most interesting places in the world, I would say, because of its quantity but also because of its diversity in artistic offerings. There is no judgment here, there is something for everyone: dance, theater, puppetry, circus, burlesque, cabaret…
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Many discoveries have been made from years to yers. One of the great finds of 2023 is the Meet the Media event! Having the chance to take 5 minutes with different newspapers and critics is a highlight of the month. We also have discovered plenty of small hidden spaces that can accommodate different forms of art. We have learned that having a strong presence throughout the festival is more coherent than coming with a small team that takes turns. This year we will have 7 people working full time during our stay, compared to 4 last year. We have also set up systems for appointments with professionals for meetings and sessions following the presentations. We are now also part of the companies that participate in the Best of the Fest and also give pitches in different networking events. Handing out flyers is good, but creating a parading team that represents the show works better and is more interesting for everyone, both the audience and the artists.
Tell us about your show.
We are a non-profit organization celebrating its 27th year of existence. The show we are presenting this year was designed and conceptualized to make its debut here! We wanted to offer a signature Foutoukours show. It is a high-level acrobatic clown performance for the whole family, with poetry, performance, and also dramaturgy. Following its appearance at the Fringe, the show will hit the road again in October for tours in Canada, and presentations in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are in discussion! Rémi Jacques, the founder of the company, has ensured the dramaturgical writing of the show, the clown research, as well as the costume, set, and makeup designs. Jean-Félix Bélanger worked in collaboration with Jasmin Boivin to create the magical universe of the music. He also worked for over a year on the magic of the candles!
This show is above all about gentleness, hope, and perseverance. A show that draws its origins and influences from various tales. The universe is magical but also sometimes harsh. We wanted to present a show that touches both through laughter and dram. A show where poetry, movement, clowns, and hope are intertwined!
Both young and old will find their place attending this show. The youngest will find pleasure and wonder for completely different reasons than the adults, who will experience the same emotions. At the end of the show, young and old will leave with a sense of gentleness and beauty, and especially with a spark of hope in their eyes for everyone.
In these darker times, this show speaks of the quest for light within us and around us.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Bill’s 44th Because it is an intelligent, disturbing work that is so representative of life today. A must-see for its puppeteering dexterity! It was in our top 3 shows of 2023.
OH OH by Baccalà Because clowns who do their job well are extraordinary to see, and there are so few of them! A simple and joyful show to savor!
Yuck Circus Feminist as desired, offbeat, funny, and technically strong, Yuck is a must-see.
N.Ormes by Agathe and Adrien A show of poetry in body and movement. An important message for our times is conveyed in this show without moralizing. Circus at its best, raw and true, without artifice.
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