Concordia University

Featuring Professor Jacinthe Rivard (Université de Montréal) and youth participants from the créations collectives de groupe program of Cirque hors piste, this presentation and discussion explores the role of circus as a medium for social change. Cirque hors piste is the first non-profit organization in Canada for social circus. It offers marginalized and vulnerable youth an alternative and inclusive space to find meaning and purpose through circus arts. Presentation in French with English interpretation. Registration required.

In this talk, renowned juggler Sean Gandini will discuss his creative process, his company and his approach. Co-founder of Gandini Juggling, Sean Gandini is one of the pioneers of contemporary juggling. Working as a performer, choreographer and director, he has pushed the boundaries of juggling as a discipline and as an art form for over 25 years. Free and open to everyone. Registration is required.

CEO and Artistic Director of contemporary circus company Circa, Yaron Lifschitz will discuss ensemble work in the performing arts. Over the course of his career, Lifschitz has directed over 60 productions including large-scale events, opera, theatre, physical theatre and circus. Free and open to everyone. Registration is required.

The public is invited to meet participants in the Contemporary Circus Seminar to share what it means to write about/on/with/at contemporary circus. Free and open to everyone.

Boris Verkhovsky (Director, Design and Performance Development, Cirque du Soleil) and Joe Culpepper (MITACS Elevate postdoctoral fellow at Concordia University and Cirque du Soleil) will discuss material creativity, from conception to its realization. Free and open to everyone. Registration required.