Actapalabra, a deliciously
playful clownish escapade
A wordless performance where gestures and atmospheres shape the tale
December 25, 2025 • WestmountMag.ca
La Maison Théâtre, a cherished Montreal haven devoted to theatre for young audiences, is currently presenting Actapalabra, a fanciful blend of clowning and machinery created by the Swiss company Théâtre Am Stram Gram
Actapalabra elevates clown theatre into something refined and resonant, an ideal way to create lasting holiday memories.
This visually rich, poetic piece, recommended for ages four and up, follows two clowns in a futuristic world where mechanical routine gives way to joyful chaos sparked by a very human quirk, making it a perfect festive outing that blends humour, inventiveness, and subtle life lessons.
Actapalabra offers an elegant escape from the holiday rush. Crafted with Swiss precision, it unfolds without words, relying on commanding physical performance to hold the audience. Joan Mompart and Philippe Gouin, at the heart of the action, bring a blend of burlesque and lyricism that turns everyday automatism into a celebration of creativity and self-confidence.
Synopsis: Machines and mischief
Inspired by silent film greats like Chaplin and Beckett, the production celebrates the urge to break free from monotony, a theme that feels particularly relevant in our technology-saturated era. In this inventive fable, two clowns repeat the automated gestures of daily life inside a hulking machine—tightening, turning, and balancing on shaky ladders amid spinning mechanisms and unruly props.
‘This wordless show, accessible from age four, reaches beyond language to connect with a young, multicultural audience and spark pure imagination.’
The turning point comes with a simple human mistake, a small “bug” that unleashes creativity, freedom, and vital momentum: objects rebel against logic, smoke swirls, and special effects heighten the laughter, all carried by impeccably timed choreography.
This wordless production, suitable for ages four and up, reaches beyond language to connect with a young, multicultural audience and spark imagination in its purest form. Families will find a gentle invitation to instill resilience and playfulness in their children—qualities at the heart of a flourishing generation.
Program and production details
Running from December 10, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Maison Théâtre, Actapalabra fits seamlessly into the holiday calendar. Catalan‑Swiss duo Mompart and Gouin bring watchmaker-precision to each performance, while an unseen technician shapes the mood with a drifting haze, coloured beams, and unpredictable gears for maximum effect.
These experienced performers execute tightly controlled movements that blend athleticism and comedy in the venue’s intimate setting. Brief flashes of red and blue light add a touch of excitement without overwhelming younger viewers, making this a truly seamless family experience.
‘This small gem, perfectly cut to please families, is a vivid expression of Montreal’s cultural vibrancy.’
The city’s theatre scene flourishes with such productions, and Maison Théâtre distinguishes itself by curating works that educate through entertainment, underscoring its commitment to high-calibre international theatre for young audiences.
Critics praise Actapalabra for its infectious humour, poetic depth, and electric energy, with laughter rippling through full houses and young spectators in gleeful hysterics. Its concise 50‑minute running time and strong visual impact hold even the most fleeting attention spans, leaving children and adults alike delighted and inspired.
Bridging generations, the show prompts post-performance conversations about human ingenuity in the face of machines—a timeless theme in today’s automated world.
Tickets can be reserved at maisontheatre.com.
Images courtesy of La Maison Théâtre
