Les 7 doigts de la main

Les 7 doigts de la main
Name	Les 7 doigts de la main
Founded	2002
Location	Montreal, Quebec
Genre	contemporary circus, physical theatre

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Les 7 doigts de la main is a contemporary circus collective founded in Montreal, Quebec that blends acrobatics, dance, theatre, and multimedia. The company emerged from the Quebec circus renaissance associated with institutions such as Cirque du Soleil, National Circus School (Montreal), and artists connected to Montreal International Jazz Festival, combining influences from Pina Bausch, Philippe Petit, and Martha Graham. Their work has been presented at venues and events including Lincoln Center, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Sydney Festival, Festival d'Avignon.

History

The collective was established in 2002 by a group of artists influenced by Cirque du Soleil, National Circus School (Montreal), École nationale de cirque, and collaborators from Les Arts Florissants and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Early seasons toured through festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Festival International de Théâtre de Montréal, while members trained at institutions like Juilliard School, École supérieure de théâtre, and programs associated with French National Centre for Circus Arts. Over time the company developed ties with presenters including Lincoln Center, Sadler's Wells Theatre, Teatro alla Scala, and cultural agencies like Canada Council for the Arts and Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.

The company synthesizes approaches from Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Bob Fosse with technical lineage traceable to École nationale de cirque and pedagogies of Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque. Their aesthetic engages theatrical devices used by Robert Lepage, dramaturgy akin to Sarah Kane, and musical collaborations reminiscent of Philip Glass and Max Richter. Themes often explore identity, intimacy, family, and urban life in ways comparable to works exhibited at Festival d'Avignon, La Scala, and exhibitions curated by institutions like Tate Modern and Museum of Modern Art.

Notable productions include pieces that acquired international attention and were presented at venues such as Lincoln Center, Sadler's Wells Theatre, Sydney Opera House, and Théâtre du Châtelet. Signature shows have been programmed alongside presentations from Cirque du Soleil and touring festivals including Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Festival d'Avignon, and Spoleto Festival USA. Productions often feature original scores influenced by composers like Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, and collaborations with choreographers reminiscent of Benjamin Millepied and directors in the lineage of Robert Lepage.

The collective model parallels cooperatives such as Collectif 7ème, Royal Shakespeare Company, and performing ensembles like Cirque du Soleil's creative teams. Leadership has included founding artists who trained at institutions like National Circus School (Montreal), Juilliard School, and conservatories attached to Université de Montréal. Key collaborators have worked with directors and choreographers associated with Robert Lepage, Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, and designers who have credits at La Scala and Sadler's Wells Theatre.

Residencies have been held at centers comparable to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Sadler's Wells Theatre, Lincoln Center, Centquatre-Paris, and university programs linked to Université de Montréal and McGill University. Collaborators include musicians and composers connected to Philip Glass, visual artists linked to Tate Modern, and directors from the circles of Robert Lepage and Julie Taymor. Partnerships span cultural institutions such as Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, City of Montreal, and international presenters like Teatro alla Scala and Sydney Festival.

Tours have taken the company to North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, with performances at Lincoln Center, Sadler's Wells Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Sydney Festival, and festivals like Festival d'Avignon and Spoleto Festival USA. Critical reception has been recorded in publications and outlets comparable to The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde, and arts coverage associated with institutions such as Lincoln Center and Sadler's Wells Theatre.

The collective and its productions have received accolades and support from organizations similar to Genie Awards, Helpmann Awards, Canada Council for the Arts, and provincial arts councils like Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. Recognition has come from presenter awards at venues including Lincoln Center and festival honors from Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Festival d'Avignon.

Category:Contemporary circus troupes