Juggling and magic – Paul-Emmanuel Chevalley & Félix Didou at the Flanders Museum in Cassel

Le 04 september 2026

Enter a fascinating dialogue between circus arts, magic, dance, and visual arts with Juggling and Magic, an original creation conceived by Paul-Emmanuel Chevalley and Félix Didou, presented at the Musée de Flandre in Cassel in partnership with Le Prato – Pôle National Cirque Lille. Designed specifically for the museum spaces, this immersive show offers a rare artistic experience where works of art become the backdrop, the inspiration, and sometimes even the performers' partners in the performance.

Juggler and dancer Paul-Emmanuel Chevalley develops a sensitive practice centered on movement, rhythm, and the poetry of the body. Alongside him, Félix Didou, juggler and magician, explores the boundaries between illusion, object manipulation, and visual theater. Together, they regularly collaborate on site-specific creations designed to engage with heritage or cultural venues such as museums. Their approach draws inspiration from literature, the performing arts, and the visual arts to create performances where juggling, magic, and the body offer a fresh perspective on the works that surround them.

For this exceptional performance, the two artists drew inspiration from the world of Marie-Jo Lafontaine and her exhibition "Tout ange est terrible" (Every Angel is Terrible). Her relationship to poetry, her exploration of the moving body, and her interest in the circus world inform this original creation, specially conceived for the galleries of the Musée de Flandre. Visitors are thus invited to discover the exhibition from a fresh perspective, where each room becomes a space for play, contemplation, and surprise.

Throughout this spectacular stroll, objects seem to come alive, gestures interact with the artworks, and magic subtly permeates the experience. Juggling, manipulation, illusion, and movement intertwine to transform the visit into a truly sensory experience where heritage meets contemporary creation.

Regulars at the Prato will be delighted to see the return of these two artists, who have become familiar faces on the Lille scene. Félix Didou notably presented the premieres of his creation Pauvres Diables there, as well as his show Un Jour de Neige as part of the Belles Sorties series. Paul-Emmanuel Chevalley, for his part, made a lasting impression with Haïku(s) – L'Esquisse d'une pensée bègue, before returning later this season with his new creation Revers de Paillettes, scheduled for November at the Prato and also as part of the Belles Sorties series.

Suitable for ages 6 and up, Juggling and Magic appeals to contemporary circus enthusiasts as well as those passionate about magic, dance, contemporary art, or museums. For 90 minutes, young and old alike are invited to see the collections and temporary exhibition in a new light through an artistic experience that is both poetic and surprising.

The performance will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Musée de Flandre, located at 26 Grand' Place in Cassel. Tickets are €12 for adults and €5 for those under 18. Reservations are required and can be made with the Musée de Flandre.

A unique evening where juggling, magic, dance and visual arts come together to offer a new way to experience the museum and rediscover the work of Marie-Jo Lafontaine, in a show specially designed for this exceptional place.

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Paul-Emmanuel Chevalley and Félix Didou