Interdisciplinary studies took on new heights last week when four cirque performers from Montreal tumbled into town for a day of workshops and a free public performance, titled “Cirque! CarnEvil,” at the Yulman Theater. They delighted a standing room only crowd and challenged the creative side of many who were new to circus artistry.
“This amazing experience brought together students, faculty and staff from varied departments and offices across campus,” said Charles Batson, associate professor of French and Francophone Studies.
“Cirque! CarnEvil” was led by choreographer Louis Guillemette, who teaches at Montreal’s prestigious National Circus School and has served as artistic advisor to several of the city’s circus troupes, including Cirque du Soleil. Accompanying him were Danielle Hubbard, dancer, fire artist, singer and performance artist; Ugo Laffolay, équilibriste and acrobat; and David Menes, clown, juggler and Cyr wheel performer.
The quartet offered workshops and an open class on “Movement and the Circus Arts,” incorporating juggling and balancing, in the Union Dance Studio. Some who showed up for the workshop found themselves on stage later that evening.
“I stayed and practiced a variety of moves, including cartwheels, jumps and spins in the air, ground movements and dancing,” said Benjamin Romer ’11, an interdepartmental major in economics and history. “Although I don't see circus performance in my future, it was a really cool experience.”
The evening performance complemented the study of cultural Quebec in Batson’s upper-level French class, where students are taking an in-depth look at the U.S. neighbors to the north and their influence on world culture. It also celebrated the arrival of the Halloween season with a dash of Mardi Gras festivity and fantasy, beginning with a spectacular entrance in front of the Yulman Theater.
“Students in Anthony Cafritz's sculpture and welding classes provided the backdrop for the outside fire-performance scene,” Batson said. “Staff from Media Services and an international student on motorcycles added light, sound and atmosphere to the two outside scenes. There was real collaboration from across the College.”
The events, including dinner and a discussion with students and performers in Messa House, were supported by the Office of Minerva Programs, with additional support from the departments of Modern Languages and Literatures, Theater and Dance, and Visual Arts; the French Section; the Office of Residence Life; and the French Club.
For one alumnus, Janet Weick '86, the evening was an opportunity to reconnect with her love of dance and movement. Weick, a former College nurse in the 1950s, joined the troupe onstage.
"I didn't expect to be a part of the show," said Weick, the wife of Chemistry Professor Emeritus Charles Weick. "It was the experience of a lifetime to be involved with a group of such talented, athletic, creative performers. I've been active in Union College since 1953, and this was definitely a highlight of my Union career."
Video Highlights
To view excerpts of the performance, videotaped by Adah Keegan '14, click here.