SLAM!: When Circus Meets Wrestling @TOHU in a Spectacular Collision of Artistic Direction
When I was small, my mother always told me: “Stop jumping, stop running about, calm down, and stand still for 2 minutes.” –Bruno Gagnon de Flip Fabrique
Beneath the hush of indigo light, the theater breathes in deep suspense. A woman, the embodiment of grace, hovers aloft. She is the painter’s muse, the poet’s verse, captured not on canvas nor paper, but in the very air that swirls around her. Below her, a man awaits. He is more than her support; he is the foundation of her flight, the pedestal upon which her artistry is revered. This is where we really see the genius in an art director like Robert Lepage… The shiny stark white light sculpting the flirtatious geometry. She is slowly spinning around on a support hidden in the darkness. She is quite literally spinning him around romantically…
In the realm of performance art, where boundaries blur and creativity reigns, SLAM!, a unique collaboration between Ex Machina X FLIP Fabrique under the artistic direction of Robert Lepage, emerges as a groundbreaking fusion of circus and wrestling. The result of this brain child, makes its mark as a thrilling spectacle at the TOHU from March 19 to April 7, 2024, following its successful world premiere at Le Diamant in Quebec City. Fasten your audience participation belt for this one! Unleash your inner child & prepare your Boos, Claps and Whistles to celebrate the heros and shame the villains as classic, comedic and unique characters hit the ring!
A Unique Marriage of Theatricality
At the heart of SLAM! is a decisive match between circus titans and theatrical giants, promising a performance that is as unifying as it is original. Robert Lepage, known for his innovative and boundary-pushing work, orchestrates a symphony of physicality and storytelling, weaving together the worlds of theater, circus, and wrestling into a cohesive and captivating narrative. Inbetween fight sessions, we have digital projections to music. This is where the “machine” of Ex Machina takes center stage. Analog nostalgia, calculated repetition, reminiscent of some of Laurie Anderson’s best live performances in the 80s.
The Art of Slamming
Drawing inspiration from the theatricality inherent in wrestling, SLAM! explores the physicality, acrobatics, and storytelling techniques that define both circus and wrestling. Through the artistry of eight talented acrobats, SLAM! presents a larger-than-life gallery of charming characters, each more extravagant and endearing than the last. The acrobats not only showcase their circus skills with virtuosity and humor but also delve into the world of wrestling, reimagining its language and rules to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant performance. One of my favorite scenes, of bone-cracking-fun, is watching & hearing one of the female fighters, end up getting jammed into a garbage bin!
Ex Machina: Pioneers of Multidisciplinary Art
Under the direction of Robert Lepage, Ex Machina is a trailblazer in multidisciplinary artistic creation, particularly in theater. The company’s diverse productions, ranging from original plays to multimedia experiences, blend technology with traditional art forms. With a team of twenty permanent employees and a vast network of artists, Ex Machina’s shows are seen by hundreds of thousands annually, exploring themes of identity and cultural intersections through innovative storytelling techniques.
A bit about Flip Fabrique
FLIP Fabrique is a circus company based in Québec, Canada. Born out of the dreams and the friendship of circus performers in 2011, this troupe is renowned around the world for its beloved production combining astonishing feats to true visual poetry.
Previously: CANTATA Les Grands Ballets…
