Paperplane takes flight
as La Tohu’s season closes

Experience a journey to the heart of life with this modern circus spectacle

By Sophie Jama

April 11, 2025

It’s interesting to note that current circus shows are increasingly exploring themes of life. Paperplane, which closes the season at La Tohu, perfectly illustrates this trend by offering a reflection on the cycle of existence. The show evokes a journey from birth to death, punctuated by chance encounters in airports, where letters, photos, and tissues take on an special value, serving as precious links or comfort in the face of absence.

Punctuated with numerous songs, the show exudes a poetic and nostalgic atmosphere.

The stage is magnificently designed, with a multitude of white paper sheets that seem to dance with the artists, creating a light and airy atmosphere. Vast drapes descend from the flies, while colourful kites fly above the audience, creating an almost magical atmosphere. Video projections punctuate the narrative, evoking childhood memories, scenes of crowds, and the feverish anticipation of a flight. While the beginning may seem a little slow, the whole gains fluidity and leaves the audience with a positive and lasting impression.

Paperplane, du 10 au 21 avril 2025 à la Tohu à Montréal

The eight artists, suitcases in hand, cross paths, meet, and sometimes form friendships, romances, or even start families. A baseball-themed sequence, although somewhat surprising, adds a touch of lightness and allows the artists to demonstrate their juggling and illusionist talents.

‘Acrobatic dance, wheel, aerial straps, hoop… the feats are numerous and varied.’

These circus acts truly capture the attention. Acrobatic dance, wheel, aerial straps, hoop… the feats are numerous and varied. A grand piano, on which an artist plays and sings, also becomes a playground for acrobats and equilibrists.

Paperplane, du 10 au 21 avril 2025 à la Tohu à Montréal

One of the most remarkable aspects of the show is the musical talent of the artists. In addition to their circus skills, they all seem to master an instrument – violin, guitar, piano – and are even able to sing while performing incredible acrobatics, without ever appearing breathless. This performance is awe-inspiring, demonstrating their strength and mastery.

Paperplane

Théâtre Advienne que Pourra

Artists :
Myriam Deraiche – Hand to hand
Samuel Charlton – Hand to hand
Bobby Cookson – Cyr wheel
Evelyne Laforest – Dance, hula hoop, balance
Marceau Bidal – Aerial straps
Hyppolyte – protagonist
Alexandra Royer – Hoop
Sarah Leblanc-Gosselin – voice-piano

A creation by Frédéric Bélanger and Émilie Émiroglou
Director: Frédéric Bélanger
Creative direction and acrobatic designer: Émilie Émiroglou
Acrobatic designer: Nicolas Germaine
Sound designers and composers: Groupe Gustafson | Adrien Bletton et Jean-Philippe Perras
Costumes: Sarah Balleux
Dance: Janie et Marcio
Accessories: Félix Plante
Video Designer: Lawrence Dupuis
Kite Designer: Robert Trépanier

Paperplane
April 10 to 21, 2025
La Tohu, Montréal

Images: Courtesy of La Tohu

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Sophie Jama holds a PhD in anthropology and a master’s degree in comparative literature. She has published several works in Québec and France. For the past fifteen years, she has covered Montreal’s cultural scene in theatre, dance, circus, and other performing arts.