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There’s not a person in the entertainment and performing arts world that has not heard of Cirque du Soleil. Founded in 1984, the Canadian circus company from Quebec, Canada, changed the face of theatrical and contemporary circus across the world and forged the entry of a new cultural register which endures until today.
But people are more than the company they create. Behind its unparalleled, global success lies a small group of street performers with humble beginnings. Cirque du Soleil Co-Founder Gilles Ste-Croix is one of them. Gilles’ pivotal involvement included leading the vast majority of creative productions which forged the astounding creative signature Cirque du Soleil has carried for the past 37 years and he continues his deep engagement in the development of circus arts for youth and emerging circus arts in projects across the world.
Following a special guest introduction by internationally renowned Canadian playwright, actor, film director, and stage director Robert Lepage, Krista Monson sits down with Gilles Ste-Croix to talk about life behind and beyond Cirque du Soleil and the man who co-founded one of the most iconic entertainment groups in modern history.
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Gilles Ste-Croix is the Co-founder of Cirque du Soleil. His pivotal involvement included leading the vast majority of creative productions which forged the astounding creative signature that the Cirque du Soleil has carried over the past 37 years. Yet the global impact went well beyond the success of its productions – it generated new horizons of expression, design processes and development of an entire theatrical and cultural register. With his origins as a humble farm boy and street theatre artist, Gilles gained his foundation as a self-taught artist and seeker, constantly researching and learning from the creative people with whom he surrounded. From street theatre troupes to roving musicians to elite performing artists, Gilles’ fascination and curiosity towards new approaches and creative frontiers fueled his unparalleled prolific vision. The vital contribution of Gilles Ste. Croix goes beyond the walls of the sophisticated purpose-built theatres and the famed yellow and blue tents: for over four decades, he has dedicated his professional life as a leading voice and actor developing and honoring circus arts and artists, equestrian arts, convergence of pluridisiplinary performance design and a deep engagement in cultural citizenship across the globe.
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