Compagnie des Quidams

Kendama

Description

The Kendama is a character inspired by Louis XIV, his posture and aestheticism. His precious and magisterial movement leads us all along the show.

Like a conductor, he handles his oversized toys of the ancient time with an exemplary virtuosity. He rides the music box like a king sublimate by his subjects. Strength issues from this character, which has the power of drawing in space by a movement.

Under his instructions, cup-and-balls perform feats. Their moving is in harmony with the preciseness of the music notes.

Subsequently, gradually, the whole’s harmonious movement, cup-and-ball and music box is getting spoilt: the cup-and-ball gets rebellious, the music becomes oppressive. Afterwards, we find the harmonious atmosphere again. The individual cup-and-ball choreographies, whose actors try to adjust the ball to their body, each have the precious detail of a fresco.

Eventually, every character reveals itself :

In a perfect whole, the balls shine, move up to the sky and come down on the exact same point. After this, the cup-and-balls and the music box slowly switch off. Only Kendama remains in a ray of light, and, with his knob, plays… He plays the cup-and-ball game.

The artistic subject

“Kendama” will take us into a childhood world, one with the toys of yesteryear: cup-and-ball and music box. The aesthetic and chorographic work, as well as the rigour of the stage performance, makes the show full softness, purity and elegance, in the image of ballets of the past.

Strongly inspired by the 17th century marqued by King Louis XIV’s reign who furthered the great coming out of arts and sciences, the show will go through the times: huge cup-and-balls with purified forms will meet the kendama, a precious bearing baroque character. Live music played in the street will go through the times and the repertories.

Characteristics

 musical/non-speaking
 author : Fabienne Clarimon
 director : Fabienne Clarimon
 music : Alain Territo
 year of creation : 2007
 number of artists : 7
 number of technicians : 2
 price : please contact us
 length : 35 minutes
 spectators : for 1000-1500 persons
 ALL KIND OF AUDIENCES
 type of show : fixed
 dimensions : squared, horizontal and smooth play space of 20m x 20m
 nocturnal

More info

Kendama on tour

Technical rider, high resolution photos, press

Photos gallery