Archaos
Archaos (Cirque Archaos) was a French contemporary circus[1] created by Pierrot Bidon in 1986. It was an alternative, theatrical circus without animals, featuring dangerous stunts like chainsaw juggling, fire breathing, wall of death, etc. Archaos found fame in the UK through Pierrot's association with Adrian Evans, who promoted the company there. Shows included Chapiteau des Cordes, Bouinax, BX91 and Metal Clown. Archaos sold out for 12 weeks on Clapham Common in 1990, following a UK tour. [2] [3] The 1991 tour of Metal Clown encountered financial difficulties after the tent was destroyed by gales in Tallaght, Dublin. This, and a number of artistic differences, led to the demise of Archaos.[citation needed] A number of Brits who trained with the company have gone on to pursue careers in the entertainment industry, with companies such as Mischief La-Bas and Flambeaux & The P-Cult. [4][5]
Archaos also helped inspire the British New Circus movement, led by companies like Mamaloucos (formed in 1996), who went on to collaborate with the Royal National Theatre.
In September 2010, an exhibition in London displayed the Archaos archive of films, photos, audio, etc. Ex-members travelled from all over the world to be at the five-day event. The exhibition was held in memory of Archaos founder Pierrot Bidon, who died earlier in the year. A website hosting an archive of Archaos is online.[6]
Major acts created
- The tent ropes (1987)
- The last show on earth (1989)
- Bouinax (1990)
- BX 91 and Archaos1 + Archaos2 (1991)
- Clown Metal (1991)
- DJ 92 (1992)
- Game Over 1 (1995)
- Game Over 2 (1997)
- Parade (1998)
- Just For (1999)
- In Vitro or the legend of the Clones (1999)
- Jewel (2002)
- Margo (2003)
- Anatom (2004)
- Parallel 26 (2006)
- In Vitro 09 (2009)
Awards
- In 1989 Archaos received "The best name" Oscar for best artistic of the year in Britain.
- In 1989 in France, the Grand Prix National Circus was presented by the Minister of Culture.
- In 1991 Archaos was nominated for the Metal Clown the award for best show of the year in Britain.
References
- ^ Tait, Peta (2005). Circus bodies: cultural identity in aerial performance. Routledge. pp. 120–140. ISBN 978-0-415-32938-5.
- ^ The Progress, Cathy Dumoux, Des antics in the cabin, Lyon, 25/05/2001, Article portrait with the cap, "Pierre-Jules Billon: the ball orchestra to the Company of the Steam Chamber. Itched by the circus virus, the former Archaos and Baroque Circus embarks on a new adventure in the marquee.
- ^ The Progress, "Pierre-Jules Billon, baroque drummer", by Mark Dazy, Jan. 07, 1999
- ^ lepolediffusion.com Pierre-Jules Billon
- ^ ecolengt.com, Pierre Jules Billon
- ^ Institut de formation professionnelle, Luis Orelha
- An archive website for Archaos Circus 1988-1991 was launched after the passing of Pierrot Bidon in 2011. It holds film, images, press coverage and stories. You can add your own memories and content at http://www.archaos.info/
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