Kintsugi
2026 sees one of Canada’s most exciting contemporary circus companies, Machine De Cirque, make their Chamäleon debut with one of their most ambitious works, Kintsugi.
Drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, in which broken ceramics are repaired with gold to emphasise how we are made stronger and more beautiful by our damage, the show stretches the boundaries of circus storytelling.
An ensemble of nine brilliant acrobats gathers at a purgatory-like bus stop, all trying to leave something behind but unsure of where to go next. Over the course of a day and a night, they must find a way forward together, unpacking the complexities of their individual histories before collectively meeting a new dawn.
Set in a dreamlike landscape that flits between past and present, a myriad of circus disciplines interact, showcasing both individual brilliance and collective innovation. Haunting, playful, ethereal and ultimately deeply uplifting, this is a show to reinforce your sense of wonder in an oftentimes difficult world.
Age recommendation: 12+
Language: none
Duration: 110 Minutes including one intermission
Credits
Produced by Machine de Cirque
Supported by Chamäleon Berlin
Artistic Direction: Vincent Dubé
Stage Director: Olivier Lépine
Performers: Maude Arseneault, Emilia Dawiec, Damien Descloux, Raphaël Dubé, Clémence De Luca, Évelyne Paquin-Lanthier, Naomie Vogt Roby, Francis-Olivier Girard, Marie-France Huet
Technical Direction (Creation): Patrick Paquet
Costume Design: Sébastien Dionne
Set Design: Julie Lévesque
Original Music: Josué Beaucage
Lighting Design: Olivier Lépine
Press Quotes
Le Soleil
Circus, by its very nature, has the power to surprise and impress audiences. But Kintsugi captivated the spectators on an entirely different level
Danses avec la Plume
It’s not just about dazzling us with dazzling acts, but also and above all about telling us a story that comes to touch us at the deepest level
La Provence
Rhythmically, the story builds to a powerful climax, (…) The whole constantly oscillates between suspense, torment and exhilaration
About the Company
Machine de Cirque was founded in Québec, Canada, in 2013 and staged its first production of the same name two years later, which won the Charlie Chaplin Trophy at the International Circus Festival in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Since then, the ensemble has enjoyed increasing success with every production and has become a company of international renown; the group has now performed its productions more than 2000 times across Europe, Asia and North America. In Germany, Machine de Cirque has performed several times at the GOP Varieté Theatre. In 2017, Vincent Dubé, as artistic director, won the International Outreach Award from the Cultural Council of Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches. In 2019, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Prix Ville de Québec.
