PRofessional Development

SLAM!

By Robert Lepage, Ex Machina, & FLIP Fabrique

“We quickly find ourselves with a phenomenal amount of leads, ideas and images to process. So, my first task is to direct the flow of ideas and information. I’m not trying to impose my vision, but rather to create a fertile ground where video, costumes, music, scenography and all the other components of the show can cohabit and inspire each other.” – Robert Lepage

This September, I am thrilled to spend two weeks observing the early creation of of the new multi-disciplinary circus work, Arène (Working Title) by Robert Lepage, Ex Machina, and FLIP Fabrique in Quebec City (Canada).

The first of a two-part professional development residency – from early creation to application and production – this is a singular chance to observe and learn from the processes and practices of a internationally renown artist and two leading companies of different approaches and disciplines, of a different Canadian culture, and whose work has greatly inspired the philosophies of my own.

About

WORLD PREMIERE AT THE DIAMANT

Starting in September 2023, FLIP Fabrique and Ex Machina will launch the creation of SLAM! – Lutte Cirque Théâtre [working title]. This major new work, directed by Robert Lepage, will combine the spectacular with the exuberant to recreate the passionate atmosphere of wrestling. The show will have its world premiere at Le Diamant in spring 2024.

WRESTLING IS HYPER THEATRE…

Westing is hyper theatre: everything is amplified and intense; Good and Evil clash, embodied by caricatured characters exalted by the reactions of the public, who find a powerful outlet.

In SLAM! – Lutte Cirque Théâtre [working title], Robert Lepage, Ex Machina and FLIP Fabrique will offer you a journey back to the wrestling arena, playing with the conventions of theatre, circus and wrestling. The wrestling ring is a trampoline while the side cables serve as wires for tightrope walkers or the announcer’s microphone becomes an aerial acrobatic apparatus. The first performances of SLAM!– Lutte Cirque Théâtre [working title] will take place at Le Diamant in spring 2024. the production will then tour throughout Quebec, before circulating around the world. SLAM! is possible thanks to the generous participation of the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec.

FLIP Fabrique

FLIP Fabrique is a circus company based in Quebec City, Canada. Born from the friendship and dreams of circus artists in 2011, the troupe is recognized around the world for its unifying shows that combine breathtaking performances with authentic poetry. More info

Robert Lepage

A multidisciplinary artist, Robert Lepage is an actor, playwright, director and director. Internationaly acclaimed, his original, contemporary and unique works, inspired by recent history, transcend borders and challaging the standards of scenographie for the stag, especially through the use of new technologies. More Info

Ex Machina

Under the direction of Robert Lepage, Ex Machina creates, produces and presents multidisciplinary artistic works, most often predominantly theatrical. Twenty permanent employees and a hundred artisans, designers, authors, performers and technicians from Quebec City and its surroundings work each year on the creations of Ex Machina. These works have been seen by millions of people around the world. More info

“It has been a dream of mine since the founding of FLIP Fabrique, nearly 12 years ago, to work with the great Robert Lepage and the creative gang of Ex Machina.” – Bruno Gagnon, General and Artistic Director, FLIP Fabrique

“Throughout the centuries, wrestling and circus have always had many things in common: impressive acrobatic performances, a gallery of colorful characters and the desire to invite the audience to participate in a true catharsis. FLIP Fabrique, with all its passion and audacity, promises to make it a unique circus event.” – Robert Lepage, director, Ex Machina