Québec’s Cirque Alfonse returns to The Cultch, delving into the origins of the circus in Montréal through music, video, circus, and “general wackiness.”
Backed by a frenetic electro-trad band, the Cirque Alfonse clan—made up of the Carabinier-Lépine family and friends—sets the stage for Barbu, a show for those aged 15+ that has been touring since 2014 and is one of their most popular shows.
From Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Québec, Cirque Alfonse was founded in 2005, hoping to embody the joy that they had growing up, a fondness for evenings filled with live music and dancing. “Cirque Alfonse grew out of the need to look back fondly at the past. A desire to have more time for family, friends and shared moments took hold,” says the company.
Since their 2011 production of Timber, Cirque Alfonse has gained momentum, growing in popularity with each new show. They are now known worldwide for their unique style and sense of humour. Vancouver audiences first got a taste of Cirque Alfonse when The Cultch and Vancouver International Children’s Festival brought Animal to the Vancouver Playhouse in 2022.
In this edition of Before The Curtain Goes Up, David C Jones speaks with Cirque Alphonse’s Antoine Carabinier Lépine to learn more.
The Cultch presents Barbu at its Historic Theatre (1895 Venables Street) from June 12 to 23. Visit thecultch.com for tickets and information.