Nomade, Circus To Set Christchurch Spirit Free

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Monday, May 2, 2005.

CIRCUS TO SET CHRISTCHURCH SPIRIT FREE

In daylight, we unconsciously search for images lost in dreams. When we uncover the vestiges of a dream, we are touched by a profound sense of déjà vu and say just seeing it makes us dream. - Salvador Dali

ROLL UP! ROLL UP! ROLL UP! Nomade - At night the sky is endless, Cirque Eloize's latest creation is setting up camp at "Applaud" Christchurch Arts Festival 2005!

Playing at the newly refurbished Isaac Theatre Royal from July 20 - July 26, Nomade invites audiences on a surreal journey along the highways and byways of their imagination. A community of performers stages a carnival filled with song, dance, music, juggling and acrobatic feats. These nomadic travellers wander through their own memories and dreams to a place that's strangely familiar, boisterous and lyrical. Their journey begins at dusk and ends at dawn because at night time, the sky shines with endless possibilities.

This new show promises to seduce festival goers in a dreamland adventure, a celebration of the wandering imagination at the heart of the human experience.

With Nomade, Cirque Eloize, under the artistic direction of Jeannot Painchaud, strives to combine theatre with acrobatic performances, poetry and circus thrills. Nomade director Daniele Finzi-Pasca founded Lugan's Teatro Sunil, which blends clowning with theatre. He made his mark in Quebec with his unforgettable lcaro and Giaccobe. Backing him is a solid team of creative talent: set design by Guillaume Lord; costumes by Meredith Caron; lighting by Martin Labrecque; sound by Daivd Wirtgen; Krysztof Soroczynski as head trainer; and musical score by Lucie Cauchon in association with Maria Bonzanigo.

The company launched its tour of Nomade in the United States giving over 80 performances in 40 venues in its first season. Following its successful US tour, Nomade toured Canada, continental Europe and England

"Nomadism is a state of mind. It's a journey through memories and dreams. As we follow the trail of our inner thoughts, we encounter vestiges of our past and indulge in wild flights of fancy," explains Finzi-Pasca.

The members of Cirque Eloize are modern-day nomads. As they wander the globe, they forge new friendships, showcase their talents, and celebrate the here and now. Nomade is a night time carnival filled with song, dance and acrobatic feats. Though squabbles erupt, peace and harmony eventually prevail in this powerful exploration of the rituals of vagabond life. A seamless blend of the modern and the traditional, Nomade, stars circus artists from across the globe who perform heart-stopping numbers on the bacule, the banquine and the Russian bar. This treat for the senses features a cast of colourful characters and spotlights the amazing virtuosity of circus artists in peak form.

Daniele Finzi Pasca, the creator of this new opus and a bit of a nomad himself, founded his own company Sunil in 1983, a company which has revolutionized the art of clowning. Teatro Sunil's 20 productions have been performed in a variety of languages in two dozen countries. Daniele's profound humanity and playful spirit makes him a natural ally for Cirque Eloize.

The stage design for Nomade draws on evocative natural materials. Aged wood, old world fabric, and golden lighting combine to transport audiences into a festive, raucous and outlandish setting.

Nomadism is a state of mind. So even if you've put down roots, don't be afraid to let your spirit roam free. Spend an evening with Cirque Eloize and travel the highways and byways of your imagination.

ENDS

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