Cirque Le Roux – The elephant in the room
Where did you meet for the first time, and if you remember, what was your first impression of each other?
Philip Rosenberg: Greg and Yannick met when they were 14 years old in their local circus school in the south of France. Yannick met Lolita at a circus boarding school when they were 16. I (Philip) met both Yannick and Greg at the National Circus School of Montreal at 18.
When was the moment when you said, ‘I want to do it in the future”? (about artist’s world)
When I was about 16 years old, I visited Europe for my first time and attended a circus festival in Sweden. After seeing several shows and passing time with many of the artists, I realized that this life was meant for me. I think all of us saw at least one show that confirmed our passion.
Why did you choose the circus?
There is something very excited about circus life. We are always on the move, traveling, meeting people and having new experiences. I love circus because it can be a combination of several different art forms, dance, theatre, music, magic, athleticism, or comedy.
How and when formed it, the “Cirque Le Roux”?
Cirque Le Roux was formed about three years ago when we wanted to create our own show. We have had such great experiences working for other companies, but it extremely fulfilling to create something very personal.
Broadway Tony awards, festivals … Which was the most memories for you, and why?
I think the Tony awards were a pretty incredible moment. Radio City Music Hall is a beautiful theatre and enormous. There was such a feeling of excitement all around, and a real sense of unity and companionship with all the other shows and actors. It was amazing to share that moment with artists of all ages and different disciplines.
What do you think of today’s theatrical performances / theater?
I have seen some great performances in the past couple of years. I think there is a real push for reinvention, which is very important. I also like how many theatrical performances have become multidisciplinary, finding new and interesting ways of combining art forms.
And what do you think about contemporary art? So you have a favorite poem, performance?
I’m not sure I could pick just one, and I certainly could not speak for the entire group.
And what is your impression about the CAFe Festival?
We had such a great time at the CAFe Festival. I only wish we were able to see more shows! The festival seems like a melting pot between so many different kinds of shows, and with the circus tent this year, it added something very special.
What kind of feelings, thoughts, memories you left the Budapest? And what do you think of the city now so that you were here?
We had two days off where we were really able to explore Budapest. The city is so beautiful and old, but the culture feels very young and current. Restaurants, nightlife and art seem to be essential here and we couldn’t agree more.
And then CafeFestival…”The elephant inthe room.” Can you tell me about it, about title? Why is this?
“The Elephant in the Room” is an English saying for an obvious truth that is apparent to everyone, but goes unaddressed or ignored. Like a giant elephant which everyone can see, but no one mentions. The show plays with this idea of how we relate to taboos or subjects left un-said.
If you need a word or a single sentence summarizing that what the show means for you: what would that one sentence?
Circus, comedy and cufflinks
Hungarian phrases in the show…Why? How difficult was it to learn?Have you a favorite hungarian word?
We like to incorporate the spoken language in every country we visit. It is important for us to make the show specific to where we perform it. Hungarian is very difficult to learn, especially in the pronunciation. We had to keep the phrases simple but effective. I think my favorite Hungarian phrase was “van tűzed”. It is very similar to the word for “suction” in French, so it was fun to say.
What do you think is the best in the years of 1920-30?
I think the 1930’s were very interesting for our show because it is a good example of our theme “The Elephant in the Room”. There was a huge gap between the rich and the poor, and the rich, ignoring this social inequality, would hold lavish parties and flaunt their wealth. Other than this, we wanted to bring in the aesthetics of black and white cinema, slapstick and burlesque.
And what do you like in the present?
I think we are a good time for art. People are doing incredible things with technology and art, and there is real reinvention, especially in the world of circus.
What are your plans for the future?
We hope to continue performing this show and to create many others.
Last question… What would you say to those who love you? Or those who are standing applause after your performances?
We would like to say, thank you and to continue go out to the theatre, dance shows, concerts, circus, and support the arts so that is can continue to grow.
Thank you for your answers, Philip! 🙂
