Who are you/what is your show?
We are Agathe and Adrien, a hand to hand duo based in Montreal. For a long time, We suffered from impostor syndrome, feeling either too heavy to fly, or too skinny to base. We compared ourselves a lot with the typical model of a hand to hand duo, which we’re not, until we realised our strength lay elsewhere, we then explored and developed our own language in our acrobatic lifts. The inspiration of the show actually came in 2020, after 5 years of working together, while we were taking our measurements together for some costumes. Even if Adrien is a lot taller than Agathe, we realised that we had the same circumference measurements ! The hips, chest, waist, arms, thighs…Everything ! So we started wondering, Why is Adrien the base and Agathe the flyer ? What would happen if we exchanged roles? Personality wise, who is actually more inclined to base of fly ? And mainly what gender biases are ruling our practice This initial questioning led us to a fruitful journey, and 3 year long creation that completely changed us, our duo identity, our relation to our body, capacities.
N.Ormes is a circus show that highlights this research through some never-before-seen acrobatic exchanges. It challenges the audiences to question their own assumptions through a touching and intimate journey that will move each and every one with a perfect blend of tears and laughter. The show skilfully combines acrobatics and dance, as the audience follows the two protagonists and their relationship, navigating between power struggles.
What sets your show apart from the rest?
Well, that’s an interesting question ! I believe what touches and surprises our audience the most is to go to a circus show expecting solely entertainment and getting out of it this profoundly inspiring
and touching journey where the acrobatics makes the show accessible to each and every one while serving a bigger message. Plus where else do you see a 6 feet tall guy standing and chilling on the head of his 5 feet tall partner?
Your dream audience turns up to see the show, who’s watching? (take this anywhere you like: heroes, full houses, abstractions, whatever!)
We created the show for all audiences, but we are really interested in reaching people who have not necessarily wondered about gender norms. I think circus is a great bridge to evoque those subjects in ways that will reach people where words can’t . And if along the way, we get to inspire some little girls to aspire for more, and to not shy away from their own strength, then, we too, will go home feeling fulfilled !
