From January 31 to February 24, 14 performers, a bird, and a host of multidisciplinary designers will bring their unique brand of whimsy to the magnificent Saint-Charles de Limoilou Church—an exceptional heritage site—for a very special celebration. After a decade of wowing crowds all around the world, Machine de Cirque is coming back to its hometown with this new show.
The Grand-Mess' experience
In February 2024, Machine de Cirque invites Québec City locals and visitors to a spectacular festive experience.
Grand-Mess’ is a jubilant, existential procession of pomp and pageantry, tailor-made for Saint-Charles de Limoilou Church. Spectators will delight as they watch the eclectic and playful band of misfits who have made the church their home parade before them. Grand-Mess’ is chaotic and celebratory, a shared festival in which we seek to extract—kicking and screaming, laughing, and gnashing our teeth—some kind of meaning in the absurdity of our existence. Because life is a never-ending procession dragging us along whether we like it or not. And it’s going nowhere—except onward and upward!
Through Martin Genest’s perceptive and playful directing, the church will be transformed night after night into a place of miracles for all to celebrate in their own way. Artists and audience members together look on as before their eyes life is born again in a tangle of joy and self-mockery, the sacred and the secular, poetry and irreverence. Grand-Mess’ is an immersive event, an exhilarating acrobatic parade, a tender and teasing look at our human condition, and a collective ritual to warm up the month of February.
Grand-Mouss' is the balance between good and evil, between tart and sweet. Go from cocktail to lollipop (and vice-versa!) and give your taste buds an epiphany. Because balance can't be eternal: only constant readjustment will enable us to find it again. Make this your new...ritual!
*Cocktail created especially for Grand-Mess'.
This is a Québec Winter Carnival partner event! A complimentary drink will be offered to Grand-Mess’ spectators with a 2024 Carnival effigy (on presentation of the effigy upon arrival get a free drink of your choice, excluding the signature cocktail).
Première heure - Radio-Canada - Retour sur Grand-Mess' par Patricia Tadros (segment de 6h39)
Arts et Culture - Grand-Mess’– Un spectacle festif et déjanté à l’église Saint-Charles de Limoilou
Le Journal de Québec - Première de «Grand-Mess’» par Machine de Cirque: l’église n’aura jamais été aussi excitante
Le Soleil - Grand-Mess': un sacré spectacle
Le Devoir - Une «Grand-Mess’» pour marier à l’église Machine de cirque et son public
Ici Radio-Canada - La Grand-Mess dans Limoilou
Le Journal de Montréal - Du cirque dans une église: du jamais vu pour cette artiste française
Salut Bonjour - Pascale Robitaillenous présente son incursion chez une dresseuse d’oiseaux de proie
Stay informed about our current and upcoming shows.
Consult technical specifications and other relevant documentation in the Distributor Space.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the online form.
