Over the course of this week, some lucky residents in Montreal will be entertained with surprise circus acts that will pop up around the city at undisclosed locations.
The outdoor performances are organized as part of Montreal’s annual circus festival and are taking place from July 6 to 12 at random locations around the city in order to avoid huge crowds from gathering and maintain physical distancing.
As artistic director of Montréal Complètement Cirque, Nadine Marchand explains, a truck called the “Bonheur Mobile” will roll up to alleys, parks, streets, and squares in Saint-Michel, Anjou, St. Henri and the Quartier des Spectacles (to name a few) over the next week.
Ten Quebec circus performers will come rolling out and put on an hour-and-a-half-long show for any unsuspecting Montrealers who happen to be passing by or looking out the window.
Apart from breathing life and joy into the city, the festival has also been organized with the goal of providing work for the artists, as many have been out of work and unable to perform or tour due to the pandemic and it’s not clear when their industry will be back up and running.
Those lucky enough to happen upon one of these surprise performances are asked to stay on their front steps and balconies to avoid getting too close to others.
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“the circus arrives without warning.”
-erin morgenstern, the night circus
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story credits: marilla steuter- martin, cbc news, daily optimist magazine
This is a superb idea and a beautiful gift to the people of Montreal. The organizers should be recognized for their contribution to keeping the artists working and to entertaining their cities residents, who are desperate for a distraction from everything going on right now. This is such a thoughtful and kind gesture. Thanks for sharing!
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I so agree, I thought it was a wonderful gift for all
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A very innovative way to overcome the virus’ restrictions…
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I so agree, people are really rising to the occasion
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How magical is tne notion of the random ‘pop-up’ circus. May it bring joy to all in Montreal, because one thing’s certain joy is a very big denfence and/or antidote to anything that ails us. The powers that be in so many other places seemed to have forgotten this.
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yes, and this reminds us of what is possible
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Indeed. Thinking outside the box we’ve been boxed into.
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Yes!
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What fun! And I agree with the others about it being a thoughtful gift.
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so thoughtful –
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What a fun and Covid-safe idea.
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right!
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It’s a great way to safely keep up the spirits, Beth.
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it sure is –
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Jeez. I live on the south shore of Montreal and I learn about this from you!!
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Isn’t that funny?)
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Mind you with Covid, I only go into town when I have to, so… Ofttimes I have no clue what’s going on!
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I totally understand that
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Fabulous. I hope the performers stay safe and earn enough to help the circus survive. I loved Night Circus.
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One of the most interesting books I’ve ever read
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Yes, very original and colorfully written.
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How truly wonderful and exciting. 🙂
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Yes, for so many reasons
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I think it’s a fabulous idea.
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Brilliant
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I wish I lived in Montreal.
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The acrobats always blow my mind. It won’t happen in my little town, but there are birds to watch and enjoy.
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They are always stunning and birds are too
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I am usually in Montreal this time every year, except for this one (even though it’s a drive away, I’m still hesitant to travel outside of my city). I’m sad to miss out on this! Thanks for sharing it Beth!
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Another wonderful proof of Overcoming hardship with ingeniosity (or something like that, my E seems to fail me)…. LOVE THE IDEA.
And Erin Morgenstern’s Night Circus is absolutely THE BEST. Unforgettable.
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Indeed it will be great fun..
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it would be
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Someone’s gotta ask (I know, I’m sorry!)..but where are the masks? Is this an older picture?
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I’m assuming this is an old pic of the circus, they are trying to be safe and just have small groups, distance and masks
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phew.
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Love this! Talk about a great way to raise spirits in a time when that is needed more than ever!
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absolutely
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what a wonderful concept! Reminds me of a book I read once called “City of Baraboo” about the last circus on Earth that heads to the stars to survive.
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what a great concept
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this is brilliant!
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What a beautiful idea!
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I thought so too –
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How lovely! I do adore random moments of whimsy- It’s a sort of everyday escapism that we all sorely need right about now. Also, it’s strangely fitting, since life does feel like a circus most of the time…
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What an incredible thing to do. I know I’m not in Montreal but man I’m looking out my window JUST IN CASE !!!
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i’m keeping an eye out too! )
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I wonder if they are still letting people run away to join the circus…
I would definitely watch the fill 90 minute show!
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me too!
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Very appropriate quote! ❤
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thanks!
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How wonderful!
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i love the idea for so many reasons
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Yes!
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How fun of them!
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