Last Thursday, February 5th, 2026, TOHU once again affirmed its place as one of Montreal’s most vital hubs for contemporary circus and multidisciplinary creation, as members of the media, VIPs, and devoted circus aficionados gathered at Salle TOHU for an immersive and emotionally charged evening celebrating artistic risk, shared emotion, and community through the opening of Paradisum by Recirquel Cirque Danse.
Directed and choreographed by Bence Vági, Paradisum is Recirquel’s latest creation and a striking exploration of rebirth following the silence of a world brought to ruin.
Over the course of 60 minutes, the production unfolds as a poetic ritual in which the body becomes the primary means of communication and movement the only shared language.
Drawing on myth and symbolism, the work traces a journey through purification, awakening, birth, and ritual, as the performers seek the anima mundi or the soul of the world.
Performed by six world-class multidisciplinary circus artists, Paradisum showcases six distinct disciplines: swinging pole, aerial hoop, aerial straps, ladder juggling, drum and dance, and handstand. The result is a visually arresting experience defined by raw emotion, sculptural lines, and powerful body imagery.
Each scene feels both primal and ethereal, as if shaped by the natural forces that swirl through the “fabric of life” surrounding the performers.
The show’s physical intensity and beauty echoed in each act has captured the hearts of the audience overall with long applause at curtain call.
The evening also carried a celebratory tone thanks to the presence of TOHU’s premiere-night partners, Distillerie 3 Lacs and Boldwin Brasserie, who offered guests tastings of their products, further anchoring the event in local collaboration and conviviality.
Looking ahead, the night served as a compelling introduction to the premiere of Kintsugi by Machine de Cirque, that is scheduled to take place next Thursday, February 19 at 8 p.m. in the Salle TOHU.
Set in a timeless bus shelter, Kintsugi brings together laughter, vertiginous acrobatics, and suspended moments to celebrate imperfection as a source of beauty. Inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken objects with gold, the production offers a touching and visually spectacular meditation on resilience, transformation, and the fleeting nature of the present moment.
Together, Paradisum and Kintsugi aim to highlight TOHU’s commitment to presenting bold, emotionally resonant works that push the boundaries of contemporary circus while fostering meaningful connections with audiences and the Saint-Michel community.
- Please note that strobe lighting is used during the performance of Paradisum and that the show is recommended for audiences 12 years and older, with regular tickets starting at $48, and is presented at TOHU.
For more information and tickets please visit : https://tohu.ca/en/season/paradisium