La Catalepsie

Catalepsy refers to the complete suspension of voluntary movement of muscles in their current position.

In this experimental performance project, I wish to pursue my experiments on the perception of reality and the momentary suspension of perception mechanisms, through the prisms of juggling, object manipulation and illusions. What happens when we imagine that the air around us becomes so dense, so thick, that we can sit on it or sink into it as if on a comfortable mattress?

Could we place an object on it without it escaping us, reminded by Newton’s principles of gravity?

This is the experience I propose to carry out in a 360° performance lasting around fifteen minutes.

Compagnie Longshow

Nicolas Longuechaud – object manipulator and illusionist

After university studies in visual arts and a self-taught apprenticeship in juggling, Nicolas continued his training at the Académie Fratellini, a circus arts school from which he graduated in 2011.

An object manipulator, curious about shapes, kinetic properties and optical effects, he creates his own language on the bangs of juggling, imbued with his visual artist’s eye.

He is particularly keen to bring out the possible manipulations and illusions induced by the object.

He has been involved in numerous creations, including Kazuyoshi Kushida’s K-Faust à Tokyo and Matsumoto, Les Pantins de compagnie du 13e quai, le cabaret des Frères Kazamaroffs, Valérie Mrejen’s Le cinéma est né dans un chou in co-production with the Musée d’Orsay…. His collaboration with the research group of apprentices at the Académie Fratellini (GRAAF), directed by Denis Paumier-Cie Les Objets Volants, resulted in the Prix de la Ville de Paris and a silver medal at the 33rd World Festival of the Circus of Tomorrow for Dropline.

His work is mainly concerned with the circus field, using a magical, circus-like technique that can be defined as part of the repertoire of juggling and object manipulation.

Building on these rich experiences, in 2013 he created Opticirque. The show has been performed hundreds of times in Europe and around the world. The show won the Jury Prize at the Festival Au bonheur des mômes in Le Grand Bornand and the Audience Prize at the Festival O4 vents in Paris.

In 2017, he created the piece Membre Fantôme, affirming his sensitivity and mastery of juggling optical illusions.

Enriching his repertoire with multiple experiments, he was also rewarded and recognized by more classical magicians in 2022 with the silver trophy at the Fay aux loges festival of circus and magic stars, for Narcisse.

In 2023, he created Le vertige de l’enverswith Pauline Barboux for Envolée cirque.

For Envolée cirque, he also took part in the Ceux qui nous hantent project at national monument centers, where he began experimenting with the beginnings of what was to become Catalepsy.