– For three days and two nights, the Giants will "live" in Montréal's streets –
MONTRÉAL, May 1, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - At long last, it is Montréal's turn to experience the Royal de Luxe Giants! Setting foot on Canadian soil for the first time ever after dazzling more than 20 million spectators worldwide, these larger-than-life characters, which can reach heights of up to 5 stories tall, will be making their way through the streets of the city from May 19 to 21. The event, which was created exclusively for Montréal's 375th, will turn the city into a stage for an incredible encounter between Montréal and these grandiose beings.
The route
Maneuvered by more than 71 Lilliputians, the Little Girl-Giant and the Deep Sea Diver will "live" in a number of Montréal places and streets between Parc Jeanne-Mance and Old Montréal, which were carefully chosen to stay true to their history. Like humans, the Giants need to move, drink, wash… and sleep! Which is why, day and night, they will occupy some of the city's public spaces to tend to their day-to-day activities. You'll even be able to watch the Little Girl-Giant lie down to take a nap! Everything will wrap up with a grand parade, which kicks off with a departure ceremony, on May 21. Be sure to plan for this incredible weekend by choosing your favourite spots to admire each Giant or come walk beside them—they move at 2.25 km/hour!
The Royal de Luxe company
A street theatre company based in Nantes that was created in 1979, Royal de Luxe counts 61 creations, more than 22 million spectators (including 20 million at the events for the Giants saga), and close to 1,380 performances in over 170 cities, 40 countries and 5 continents. It is the most renowned French street theatre troupe in the world. Royal de Luxe gives audiences the chance to watch creations come to life, to share, laugh, admire breathtaking artistry and enjoy simple yet epic stories that are imbued with history. Train stations, windows, trees, rivers, boats, hangars and entire cities are just some examples of the artistic terrain the company has been exploring for the past 37 years.
The creator
In 1984, Jean-Luc Courcoult gave up acting to devote himself uniquely to directing. He wanted, above all, to create stories that would add new depth to reality and infuse it with poetry where it was least expected. He has pursued his journey with the Giants to offer the entire world a magical universe, in the hearts of cities themselves, where they are transformed into grandiose theatre stages. In his quest to reinvent theatre traditions, Jean-Luc Courcoult continues to give the public a chance to dream of a world where everything is possible.
About the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the celebrations and socioeconomic contributions that will mark Montréal's 375th anniversary in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montréal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for local forces in carrying out its mandate: to mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, rigorously manage public funds, develop quality programming and ensure the visibility of the celebrations.
The Society benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal, the Québec government, the Canada government and private funding from 12 Great Montrealers. For more information, see http://www.375mtl.com
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SOURCE Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal
Society of the 375th, Isabelle Pelletier, Media Relations, 514-238-4178, [email protected]
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