People’s Plaza on Necklace Road got a curious addition on Monday. A huge structure with a bell in the centre was being set up a group of French men and women. Amidst the hustle-bustle, Gilles Rhode sits with a notebook and a box of water colours. “These are the houses that you can see on the other side of the road,” says a worker, pointing towards Gilles’ water colour pictures. The French group is from the company Transe Express that’s in the city as part of Bonjour India’s exhilarating show ‘Celestial Carillon’ that was slated to be presented on Tuesday.
With a ring dangling in one ear and a T shirt which screams, ‘Os reis Preguicosos’ ( ‘I am a lazy king’), Gilles jokes that he is old man of the team. Gilles is the creator of the ‘Celestial Carillon’ show; he and his wife have been street theatre performers since the ’70s. “We like to work on the street; we have worked on different themes till now. We like to perform on the open spaces because everybody can come, see and enjoy the performance,” points out Gilles.”
Production manager Nicole Ragaigne says that 18 artistes are part of this India tour including three acrobats, eight musicians and two actors.
Artistes during the performance
While Gilles has retired, he has passed on the baton to three directors who create and bring new concepts. “But Gilles never stops. He does small shows alone and with his wife even now,” she shares.
Speaking about the concept, she informs that Carillion is a musical instrument which involves bells. There is music, poetry and this open-air circus has drums, both big and small which add to the beat. Gilles was inspired by American sculptor Alexander Calder. “This show is born with bells. The bells are interesting; it is a strong symbol to bring people together. In a village, when a bell rings, it is a sign for people come to Church,” shares Gilles.
Different flavour
Although they have travelled to different continents and have given more than 200 shows, it is their first time in India.
‘Celestial Carillion’ show
The duo share that every new place brings in its own flavour to the city. “Each time it is different because it is in a new country and city,” points out Nicole. “We take the help of local people and work with them to help us set it up. They become a part of the show.” Having been together for more than 20 years now, the group shares a close bond.
Gilles loves these spectacular open-air shows. “It is free and the common public can be part of it. Even those who are passing by will stop to watch it and they will be mesmerised by the scenes. Later, they will remember and experience that magic moment.”
The group is looking forward to their new show which premiers this year in Philadelphia, USA “It is a like a giant chandelier and the artistes will dance under it. This dance showcases different dance styles from the 19th century until today; It will be spectacular.”
