Tapatío audiences will have a chance to see an unusual array of chous (shows) falling under the umbrella of Cirque du Soleil, the Quebec-based circus arts troupe that is famed for its theatrical, character-driven performances.
The series of shows take place Saturday, November 21 through Sunday, November 29, at three principal venues downtown and midtown: Alianza Francesa, Teatro Jaime Torres Bodet and Larva, as well as at free street locations such as Avenida Chapultepec, the Via Recreativa and Mercado San Juan de Dios.
The organizing group, called FiCHo (Festival Internacionál de Circo y Chou de México) held an October competition in Guadalajara and ten acts were chosen then. On hand during the competition was a noted talent scout and performer from Cirque du Soleil, Samuel Roy, drawing in possible new acts for the many venues Cirque du Soleil graces, from Las Vegas to Switzerland to the Maya Riviera. The gamut of that contest was wide, including acrobats, comedians, jugglers, balancing acts, aerial acts and more. Performers came from Mexico, Latin America, Canada, Europe, the United States and the Middle East.
Now, during the November performances, circus lovers will see the crème de la crème from that competition. While the complete lineup looks impressive, FiCHo insiders say not to miss the international group Les Optimistes (from France, Norway, Israel, Spain and England) who are scheduled for two performances of “Los Gatos No Pueden Volar” (Cats Can’t Fly) Saturday, November 21, and Saturday, November 28, 8:30 p.m., at Larva. “Gatos” is a dreamlike story performed by some of the best graduates of Le Lido School of Circus in Toulouse, France.
Also recommended is a new competition Monday, November 23, 8:30 p.m., at Larva. Called the Third National Circus Contest, the event features 12 Mexican groups presenting the results of their quest to cultivate a more effective visual and performing language. Talent scout Roy will be in the jury for this event.
Anticipation is likewise high for the Finnish group Kallo Collective and its new act “Tentación” (Tempation), set for Sunday, November 22, 5 p.m. at Alianza Francesa. The show chronicles the “sweet frailty” of a man’s fight with himself to quit smoking.
San Francisco contortionist Julie Bergez will take part in several events, including “Heian” with the Spanish group Zen del Sur Tuesday, November 24, 8:30, Teatro Jaime Torres Bodet.
Ficho, the third International Festival of Shows and Circus, Saturday November 21 to Sunday, November 29. Cost: adults 150 pesos, children 3 to 10 years old 50 pesos; group of four people 100 pesos per person. Show venues: Teatro Jaime Torres Bodet, Plaza España 2020 at the corner of Avenida Chapultepec Sur; Alianza Francesa, Lopez Cotilla 1199 a few blocks east of the U.S. Consulate; Larva, Ocampo 129 at the corner of Avenida Juarez, a few blocks south of the city’s main cathedral. Complete program: www.fichofest.com.