iD
Directed by Jeannot Painchaud, iD is a production of the Cirque Éloize, widely regarded as Quebec's No. 2 circus after the Cirque du Soleil. But after this show, many may see this circus as rightly stepping out of the shadow of Soleil. A love story told through acrobatics, iD kicked off the festival with panache and has received universal raves. A beautiful fusion of performance art and street culture.
Tabu
This is the Canadian premiere of the critically acclaimed circus company NoFit State, from Wales. The performers use the circus as a way of exploring the darker side of human nature. The Guardian called NoFit "Cirque du Soleil without the Disney and the disinfectant … this is the future of the British circus."
Downpour
This show, from the Australian troupe A4 Circus Ensemble, is based on the short story White Nights by Dostoevsky. Downpour has toured extensively, and has also received kudos for its innovative staging of the work.
Montreal complètement cirque runs until July 25 ( montrealcompletementcirque.com).