Shows

The Escape – A burlesque circus show by the Hold up & co company in Lille

Le 30 may 2027
An actor from the Hold up & co company wearing a yellow backpack receives a splash of water in the middle of an action, an image symbolizing the trials and tribulations experienced in the burlesque show "La Fuite" presented at the Les Toiles
The Escape
25 boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas
59000 Lille
France
France
At the crossroads of contemporary circus, physical theatre and slapstick cinema, La Fuite is a sensitive, funny and profoundly human creation by Cie Hold up & co. Presented as part of the Les Toiles dans la Ville #9 festival, organised by Le Prato in Lille, this 40-minute show for all audiences, accessible free of charge from age 4, takes spectators on a visual adventure where laughter becomes a powerful way to talk about universal subjects.

On stage, a man walks forward, a large bag on his back. He runs, stumbles, gets up, and starts again. Is he a vagabond? A fugitive? An exile? A refugee of yesterday or today? Nothing is ever stated definitively, leaving each viewer free to project their own story onto this solitary figure who traverses a world fraught with obstacles.

Inspired by the great slapstick films of the early 20th century and the legacy of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd, The Escape relies on a universal language where words become almost superfluous. Everything is conveyed through movement, the body, rhythm, falls, imbalances, and remarkably precise gestures. Every obstacle encountered transforms into a new absurd situation, every difficulty gives rise to a visual gag, every ordeal becomes a pretext for an incredible display of physical inventiveness.

The main character faces events with touching obstinacy. Objects seem to conspire against him, the elements rage, and unforeseen events unfold relentlessly. Yet, he always finds an unexpected way to continue on his path. This ability to transform catastrophes into adventures gives rise to a generous humor that evokes both bursts of laughter and genuine emotion.

Beneath its apparent lightness lies a profoundly relevant reflection on the experiences of exile, visible and invisible borders, precariousness, wandering, and the search for a place in the world. Without ever resorting to rhetoric or didacticism, The Escape delicately evokes the difficulties faced by those who must leave their homes to survive or simply hope for a better life.

Humor plays a central role in this production. It becomes a true weapon against despair. Laughter defuses even the most dramatic situations, creates an immediate connection with the character, and invites the audience to take a more sensitive look at often complex realities. This constant interplay between comedy and emotion is the show's greatest strength.

Olivier Meyrou's staging favors a fluid visual narrative where every movement contributes to the story. Matias Pilet's performance impresses with its unwavering physical commitment. Acrobatics, imbalances, runs, controlled falls, perfectly timed reactions, and expressive body language combine to create a richly textured piece that captivates both children and adults.

The show also relies on a minimalist aesthetic. A few props, an imposing backpack that has become almost a character in its own right, a minimalist set design, and an urban environment are enough to give rise to a rich imagination. Each object takes on a symbolic dimension and accompanies the protagonist's journey in a succession of scenes where reality constantly veers towards the absurd.

Presented at Cours St So, on the site of the Gare Saint Sauveur in Lille, La Fuite naturally finds its place within Toiles dans la Ville, an essential event dedicated to contemporary circus, performances in public spaces, and art forms accessible to all. The open-air setting enhances the connection between artists and spectators, fostering a convivial experience where everyone can be surprised by the poetry of the performance.

This performance is part of a particularly rich weekend featuring several creations from the Hold up & co company and other guest companies. The audience will notably be able to discover Petites empreintes, Huellas, and Nos monstres de La Troisième Chute, offering a diverse panorama of contemporary circus arts.

The Escape benefits from significant artistic and institutional collaboration. The show is produced by Full Full and Le Monfort, in co-production with Transversales – Scène Conventionnée, with the support of Agora – Pôle National Cirque de Boulazac, the Villa Medici – French Academy in Rome, and the Palacio Pancas Palha in Lisbon. The company also thanks Companhia Olga Roriz, Le Quai – Angers, as well as Sébastien Savine, Arthur Chavaudret, and Pierre Marie Lazaroo for their support during the creation process.

Free to attend, La Fuite (The Escape) is an excellent introduction to contemporary circus for the whole family. Thanks to its universal language, visual humor, physical virtuosity, and profound themes, this show resonates with all generations and demonstrates that circus can be a powerful way to tell stories about the world with poetry, intelligence, and humanity. Between bursts of laughter, spectacular acrobatics, and genuine emotion, this creation by Cie Hold up & co offers a moving experience that lingers long after the applause has faded.
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