Résidence de création à Saint-Benoit

Alliance Française is playing host to a performance by the Cirquons Flex Company in the Durban University of Technology, Courtyard Theatre in Durban at 7 pm on Thursday, September 15.

The duo who presented the whimsical story Points De Suspension last year, brings an exciting fresh new production La Pli I Donn. The Reunionese Company has included two talents to make this year’s show an international collaboration. Joining them are acrobats Maheriniaina Pierre Ranaivoson of Chapitô from Madagascar and Zip Zap Circus’ Lizo James from Cape Town.

In Reunion creole, ‘la pli i donn’ is an expression which means ‘it’s pouring with rain’.

The principal performers from Cirquons Flex are both of French origin; Virginie Le Flaouter trained at the National Circus School of Montreal, and Vincent Maillot, a self-taught artist.

The show builds on the experience and encounters brought about during Cirquons Flex’s travels and residencies in India, Madagascar and South Africa over the past two years.

This project opens up a dialogue that is prevalent in but not unique to Reunion Island. It explores and celebrates an intercultural exchange around the diversities of the Indian Ocean region with a script enriched by the particularities of circus performance.

Vincent Frontczyk, director for Alliance Française de Durban said: “We are extremely proud to be bringing this collaboration back to South Africa. Last year Cirquons Flex had such a whirlwind tour that not many people had the privilege of experiencing this act. We are delighted that, by popular demand, Virginie and Vincent return with a different offering, and bring some friends to accompany them on stage.

“The team will also be doing a handful of workshops while they are here in Durban where they will be spending time with students from the DUT Drama and Production Department, exposing them to the ways of international artists.”

The tour of Southern Africa has been made possible through a partnership between Cirquons Flex, The French Institute of South Africa, the French Indian Ocean Department of Cultural Affairs, the Reunion Province, the Alliance Française Network of Southern Africa and venue partners in each city.

Tickets are R50. For advance booking you can contact the Alliance Française on 031 312 9582 or purchase tickets at the door while stocks last.