March and April are not among my favorite months in Thailand. You barely step out of the shower before you’re already feeling sweaty and sticky again. Trying to get your hair to look halfway decent — well, that’s not even worth the effort.
It’s this time of year in Thailand that always makes me think of Karin Boye’s poem “Yes, of course it hurts.”
It’s probably the only poem that’s ever fully stuck with me. I picture delicate greenery, cherry blossoms bursting into bloom, lighting up with their soft pink color, and pussy willows that immediately make me think of Easter. I imagine birch trees with fresh, lime-green leaves…
This is the time when you really ought to be in Scandinavia or northern Europe.
In Thailand, we now await Songkran. Once upon a time, it was a beautiful holiday where the younger generation showed respect to their elders by gently washing their hands and feet.
Today, in my opinion, it has turned into one big water fight. For a few days, it’s impossible to go out unless you’re willing to accept getting completely drenched.
Café Oui-We
On the 13th of March, I was invited to a media event at Alliance Française, a preview of the circus show Café Oui-We. This is a unique show blending dance, aerobatics, and theater. If you are familiar with Cirque du Soleil, you know what I’m talking about.
Alliance Française has since September last year had a new director, M. Jean Bourdin. M. Bourdin welcomed us together with a dedicated team consisting of Chloe Farah, general and artistic director; Emelie Michelon Paquier, executive producer; Michel Rioux, adviser for creation, production, and operations; and Benoit Pailette, strategy lead.
Café Oui-We is a comedy set in a café in the south of France. In this show, you’ll experience performances featuring the German wheel, Chinese pole, juggling, hand-to-hand acrobatics, aerial hoop, aerial rope, and Chinese hoops.
One of the stars of the show is Emelie Silliau, who started her career as a gymnast before transitioning to circus arts at the age of 24. Over the years, she has worked with renowned companies like Cirque Starlight and Les 7 Doigts de la Main.
Emelie is married to Julien Silliau, who grew up in his mother’s circus school in France before continuing his training at the Circus School of Montreal, where he developed a unique style with the German wheel. In 2011, he set a Guinness World Record in Milan and later joined the 7 Fingers company. He eventually founded his own company, Collectif A4, and became a well-known creative artist.
Another performer, Tom Proneur, is a multidisciplinary artist. He began his career in contemporary dance before specializing in circus arts.
He’s known for being an innovative show creator and a respected figure in the circus world.
From Brazil, Alluana Ribeiro has been passionate about circus from an early age. She holds a master’s degree in literature and, after completing her studies, moved to France to train in circus arts. Over the years, she has worked with many prestigious companies.
Finally, we have Frederic Langevin and Matthieu Larose, two incredibly talented young men in their 20s. Frederic discovered the world of circus at the age of 8 and trained at the National Circus School of Montreal, specializing in Chinese hoops and hand-to-hand acrobatics. Matthieu, a circus artist from Quebec, also graduated from the National Circus School of Montreal, specializing in hand-to-hand acrobatics and aerial movements. These two young men give 100% of themselves in their performances.
For the performances at Alliance Française, Chloe Farah (formerly of Cirque du Soleil) is the director. Chloe is a medical doctor specializing in osteopathy. She practices both classical and holistic medicine and is also a renowned acrobatic designer, coach, and choreographer. She has worked extensively with Cirque du Soleil, starting as an aerial straps performer. This multi-talented woman truly wears many hats.
If this has sparked your interest, don’t miss the chance to attend one of their performances, running until May 18 at Alliance Française. The ticket price includes a complimentary cocktail at the newly opened and very charming bar on the ground floor.
This is the future of circus—no animals trained to perform, just pure artistry and creativity. Café Oui-We’s manager welcomes you warmly to the stylish new bar.
Book your tickets now so you don’t miss out on this truly exceptional show.
I and photographer Daniel Herron really enjoyed the short pre-show. I am sure you too will enjoy the full show!
