GÉANTE! takes over Place Ville Marie in new visual spectacle

For a third year in a row, Le GÉANTE!, a 52-foot steel giant has taken over Place Ville Marie in a new exhibition and musical performance. Part of the 15th edition of Montréal Complètement Cirque summer festival’s celebrations, the spectacle will highlight the cities passion for the arts.

Located at the center of the Ring art installation, the colossal human-looking structure will be part of a show by ‘Les 7 DOIGTS’ which is offered free of charge and performed twice a day from July 4 to July 14 at 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

In a press release, the annual summer festival is said to bring people together to offer a ‘dazzling circus lineup’ dedicated to circus art and performances.

The release notes that on Monday, July 8 the showing will not be available, though circus performances will be happening at the Centre Eaton de Montréal on July 6 and 13.

Gypsy Snider, co-founder and artistic director of LES 7 DOIGTS, said the GÉANTE! spectacle tells the adventure of a child (played by ten-year-old Adeline Kerry Cruz), raised by a village she will one day inherit and having to manage the obstacles and weight of her responsibilities.

“This hyper-dynamic show is a reflection on the positive impact that every human being – children and grownups alike – can have on society and on the planet,” Snider said in the release.

Snider said after each performance she hopes people understand their power and strength in their ability to change things and influence the future.  

Montréal Complètement Cirque are saluting all Québec women who have the heart of a giant and for those who create, innovate, dare and mobilize across all sectors, generations and cultural backgrounds, the release reads.

“I’m delighted to see the Géante back at the heart of Montreal,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante. “This emblematic installation brings Montrealer’s together and shines a light on the richness and creativity that make Montreal an international capital of the arts and of circus.”

Since becoming the first woman to lead the city of Montreal in 2017, Plante also echoes the festivals sentiment to highlight and recognize the importance of women in society.

The giant structure will show choreographies from 11 dancers and acrobat artists and their ability to grasp, climb and hang from it’s body in a ‘vibrant choreography’ aimed at emphasizing a young girls ability to touch the world like a giant.

“So, this child who sees herself as a giant embodies strength and hope, and I believe that we all have a giant soul in us,” Snider said