immersed in the magic of the Christmas Circus in Pau

The most forward-thinking move forward in the queue, while others head towards the cash register to get the last places in the Christmas Circus, where we sometimes meet Karl Lassus himself. This orchestrates the show, enriched each year with talents from all over the world, with numbers specially created to celebrate this 49^e edition.

Heir to his father’s passion for the performing arts, Karl Lassus, originally from Salies-de-Béarn, continues the family adventure with ambition. Three years ago, he marked a turning point by buying the big top of the Cirque Bouglione, a structure with 1,800 seats, among the largest in New Aquitaine.

To create his show, he travels to festivals in search of new talent. This year, this quest has led around twenty artists to shine under its big top, from Italian jugglers to Moroccan acrobats, including aerial virtuosos from South America.

However, it was not he who took on the role of Monsieur Loyal, which he bequeathed for the first time to Christophe Ivanes, a big name in the circus world, former presenter of the Massy circus festival, in the Paris region. Dressed in a blue suit, he brilliantly hosts the entire show, elegantly embodying the master of ceremonies.

Clowns to perpetuate the tradition

The only number to make a return is that of the clowns Les Kinos, already applauded last year. Hugo Rech plays Augustus, a comic character par excellence. His grandparents, pioneers of this art, passed the torch to their children, then to him, now his uncle’s trail companion.

In his caravan, at the sacred moment of makeup, he explains the symbolism of this ritual: “Makeup is what allows you to have your signature,” hence the importance of doing your own makeup. By exaggerating the features, the character comes to life, visible from every corner of the marquee.

But beyond laughter, Hugo also confides his attachment to the preservation of traditions. After the animals disappeared from the ring, under pressure from defenders of the animal cause, he defended the art of traditional clowning, as a bulwark against the gradual erasure of the ancient circus.

Behind the cheers of the public, another spectacle is played out: that of life behind the scenes. Around the marquee, “it’s a whole village traveling,” confides Binh Dong, right-hand man of Karl Lassus, cook and versatile manager. For three years, he has ensured that the team is fed by concocting meals adapted to the artists’ tastes and diets.

Between shows, the artists share moments of complicity, prolonging the magic in the spotlight. However, some intense days test their endurance. “One session at 4 p.m. is fine, but three from 10 a.m. is bad! », confides the august clown… with a smile.