Palianytsia

Three malicious musicians. Two circus artists in love. Palianytsia traces the journey of a couple that life and history took apart and brought back together again.

Palianytsia is the name of a traditional Ukrainian bread, one that can be prepared even under very difficult conditions, a symbol of resilience in a culture under threat. Compagnie Zalataï have created an extraordinary and deeply touching piece that explores how two people maintain their connection while under extreme danger.

Backed by a live folk trio, juggler Alexander Koblikov and multicordes artist Charlotte de la Bretèque, combine otherworldly technical skill with deeply personal storytelling to not only reflect on the war in Ukraine but humanity’s ongoing ability to survive and flourish in the face of threat.

More Information: 
Duration: 55 Minutes
Age Recommendation: 10+
Language: Moments in German, Ukrainian, Russian, French and English. No language skills are necessary to enjoy the performance.

Performers: Alexander Koblikov, Charlotte de la Bretèque
Musicians: Benjamin Lebert, Aurélien Lebreton, Jean-Sébastien Hellard
Artistic collaboration: Pascaline Hervéet
Light design: Antoine Monzonis-Calvet
Financial support: Department of Maine et Loire, City of Angers, Scène 55 (Mougins), Le Carroi (La Flèche), Espace Senghor (Le May sur Evre)
Residencies: Centre Culturel Jean Carmet FR, Centre Jean Vilar FR, Scène 55 FR, Carré des Arts FR, Le Carroi FR, Espace Culturel L.S. Senghor FR, Théâtre Foirail FR, Up – circus and performing arts BE
Other Partners: Piste d’Azur FR, Ecole des Arts du Cirque La Carrière FR
Photos: J. L. Chouteau

All information about our supporting programmes can be found here.

Dates

• Saturday, 21 February 2026, 8:00 pm Artist Q&A

Compagnie Zalataï was born in 2021 from the shared desire of Charlotte de la Bretèque and Alexander Koblikov to unite their artistic paths and merge their distinct circus languages into a common creative journey.

From the outset, the company has carved out a style of its own. Through its two creations, Palianytsia and Bal(les), Zalataï embraces the language of contemporary circus while pushing its boundaries, blending rare technical mastery with poetic imagery and emotional depth. This precision, far from being purely virtuosic, becomes a means of conveying vulnerability, presence, and authenticity.

The scenography is intentionally subtle, almost invisible. It is the circus apparatus itself that evokes shifting atmospheres, conjures spaces, and shapes the audience’s perception. Each object becomes a storyteller.

Their first production, Palianytsia, features three live musicians on stage – a deliberate and heartfelt choice. For Charlotte and Alexander, live music is not an accompaniment, but a living, breathing presence that deepens the immediacy of performance and roots it firmly in the realm of the here and now.