ROZÉO: A MESMERIZING AERIAL SPECTACLE IN JAIPUR ON 10 OCTOBER
The French Institute in India, in collaboration with the Alliance Française network in India, is thrilled to announce the arrival of an extraordinary aerial show that promises to captivate audiences across India.
Jaipur,8 October : The French Institute in India, in collaboration with the Alliance Française network in India, is thrilled to announce the arrival of an extraordinary aerial show that promises to captivate audiences across India. The acclaimed French company Gratte Ciel, renowned for their acrobatic and meditative performances, is set to present RoZéO, a performance that stormed the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The show will take place on 10 October (Thursday) at the Shubhat Niwas, main courtyard in Jaigarh in Jaipur.
H.E. Mr. Thierry MATHOU, Ambassador of France to India, said: "With 'RoZeo' and other exciting cultural performances, the Alliance Française network is strengthening the artistic exchanges between our two countries. This innovative production serves as a vibrant bond connecting our artistic communities, and exemplifies our commitment to offering Indian audiences access to the best of France’s contemporary art scene.’’
Chairman, Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh said: “Jaigarh Fort has long been a symbol of Rajasthan's rich heritage, and we are pleased to host this spectacular international collaboration. The majestic backdrop of the fort will enhance the beauty of RoZéO’s breathtaking aerial performance, offering a unique experience for audiences in Jaipur. We look forward to being a part of this cultural exchange that celebrates the convergence of history and contemporary art."
RoZéO, created by Stéphane Girard and Camille Beaumier, with compositions by Pauline Frémeau and costumes by Anne Jonathan, stands as a unique living installation that encourages viewers to observe and immerse themselves in the experience. Set against the backdrop of the sky, this show is made to take a moment of reflection and engage with the poetic and delicate movements of the performers. The swaying figures, gently perched on metal poles (6m of height), evoke the reed beds of the Camargue – where the company is originally from –, moving as if guided by an invisible breath of wind.
Accompanied by a live musician and a soundscape featuring electronic and field recordings, the 42-minute performance creates a contemplative atmosphere where art and nature intertwine. RoZéO premiered in 2023 and has since gained international acclaim for its dreamlike choreography Following their Olympic performance, as part of the opening show curated by artistic director Thomas Jolly, the company has solidified its reputation for engaging communities with mesmerizing productions that leave a lasting impact.
The performances are scheduled to take place across various cities in India, offering a range of outdoor venues for attendees. The tour kicked off in Chandigarh on 5 October, in Ahmedabad on 16 October, in Pune on 20 October. Finally, the tour concludes in Pondicherry on 26 October.
By showcasing iconic productions emblematic of French culture, Alliances Françaises continue their proud tradition as the foremost promoter of cultural ties between France and India. RoZéO is one among several exceptional performing art productions that have graced the stages earlier in the year. This ongoing cultural season, which extends until the end of December 2024, provides Alliances Françaises with an opportunity to host a diverse array of performances. Most of these shows also serve as occasions to organize workshops between French and Indian professionals, fostering relationships in the arts and facilitating further collaborations.
About Compagnie Gratte Ciel
Gratte Ciel is a company established in Arles in 2013 and co-directed by Stéphane Girard and Camille Beaumier, in close collaboration with a core group involved on a daily basis. Gratte Ciel follows in the footsteps of Les Studios de Cirque de Marseille and continues the repertory piece Place des Anges, co-written by Pierrot Bidon and Stéphane Girard.
Their performances have been presented by the world’s leading festivals, the Institut Français seasons, the European Capitals of Culture, and other major celebrations, cementing the company’s national and international relationships.
About the French Institute in India
The French Institute in India (Institut Français en Inde) is the educational, scientific, and cultural department of the Embassy of France in India. It facilitates academic and scientific exchanges between higher institutes of learning and research, enables student mobility, and promotes the French language, as well as artistic and cultural dialogue. Cooperation between India and France takes place through several sectors: Arts and Culture, Books and Ideas, French Language and Education, the Study in France program, Academic Partnerships, Science and Technology, as well as Innovation and Multimedia. Website: www.ifindia.in
About the Alliance Française Network
The Alliance Française aims to promote the French language, showcase French culture, and develop cultural ties between France and India. In India, there is a strong and vibrant network of 15 Alliances Françaises. Some centers have different branches in one state, such as Indore for Alliance Française de Bhopal, Baroda for Alliance Française d’Ahmedabad, or Coimbatore for Alliance Française de Madras.
