MKFM interviewed Jeannot Painchaud the company’s co-founder and the show’s director ahead of the performances at Milton Keynes Theatre on 10 & 11 October.
Award-winning Canadian company Cirque Éloize are bringing their latest show iD Reloaded to Milton Keynes Theatre on 10 & 11 October. We talked to Jeannot Painchaud, the company’s co-founder and the show’s director ahead of the performances….
Can you tell us the story of how iD Reloaded came into being? We hear that it was caused by a disaster - which will hopefully end in triumph!
In the summer of 2024, we were hit by a major flood in our warehouses which forced us to halt operations for a while. We lost about 80% of our equipment, although we were fortunate enough to salvage the set from a previous production. This unfortunate event ended up accelerating an idea I had been wanting to explore for some time: using an existing set as the foundation for a new creation. I had been thinking about iD for a while—the show’s international success had always inspired me to imagine a sequel. The idea naturally took shape, especially since we already had the music. ID remains a highly relevant piece, and we decided to create iD Reloaded, a new version of iD—more futuristic, more cartoon-like, and enriched with video projections.
The show has been described as an intoxicating blend of circus arts and urban dance music, breakdance, hip hop and more. Can you tell us more about what audiences can expect to see on stage?
The show has often been described as an intoxicating blend of circus arts and urban culture—breakdance, hip hop, street dance, and more. It’s a high-energy fusion where Chinese pole, aerial silks, hoop, floor acrobatics, straps, trampoline and B-boying come together. Each artist brings their own personality and background, pushing their discipline—and themselves—to be as unique and expressive as possible.
What’s always fascinated me is the natural connection between acrobatics and urban dance. They share a common spirit: a drive for individuality, a sense of risk, and a deep commitment to community. That’s something I discovered back in 2009 when I first created iD. I saw it in the way circus artists and B-boys trained - how they both balance the desire to stand out with a collective energy that lifts everyone higher.
That fusion, to me, is where the real magic happens. It’s where style meets substance, and where physical performance becomes something emotionally charged and unforgettable.
As one of the co-founders of Cirque Éloize back in the early 1990s, you have been at the forefront of the circus scene for over 30 years. How do you think circus has changed as an artform in that time?
Circus has evolved in an absolutely phenomenal way. All the work that’s been done over the years has led to real recognition of contemporary circus in general to become a legitimate art form in its own right.
People now understand that through acrobatic language, we can tell stories. That in itself is an artistic approach. And by breaking down the barriers between disciplines, we’ve only strengthened the impact and relevance of this language.
Today, the boundaries between dance, acrobatics, and theatre have all but disappeared. Circus has become an auteur-driven art form. And honestly, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. When we first started, even the idea of presenting circus in a theatre was seen as completely absurd.
When we began performing on North American and European stages, we were practically the only circus company included in theatrical or contemporary dance programming. Now, no one questions the place of circus anymore. Its artistic relevance speaks for itself - and that changes everything.
One of the things audiences love about watching circus is the sense of awe and jeopardy – seeing people do incredible stunts which most of us wouldn’t even dare to contemplate! Did you have a specialism as a performer? When and why did you give it up?
I think there are really two layers to that question. First, there’s the spectacular, physical thrill—the instinctive fascination we all have with watching someone defy gravity, sometimes even flirt with danger. That immediate, breathtaking connection with the audience is something very unique to circus.
And then, there’s a more personal side. I performed for over twelve years, specializing in trick cycling and juggling. But eventually, as Cirque Éloize was gaining international momentum, I made the decision to step off stage and fully commit myself to the direction and artistic vision of the company. It was a pivotal moment - a choice to focus all my energy on pushing the boundaries of what Cirque Eloize could become.
Even after stepping back from performing, I’ve always believed that acrobatics must remain at the heart of what we do. I’ve never supported the idea of reducing the physical elements in favor of pure storytelling. It’s almost an existential stance for me—if we call ourselves “circus,” then the acrobatic language needs to be strong and central.
For me, the ideal balance is a blend of powerful acrobatics, meaningful narrative, emotional depth, and a touch of poetry. High-level performance isn’t just spectacle - it’s what gives the emotion real weight and resonance.
What three things do you hope that people will come of the theatre feeling after seeing iD Reloaded?
First and foremost, I hope the audience is moved by the performers’ interpretation. These artists are not just acrobats or dancers. Each of them steps into a character, so what you see isn’t just a series of physical feats, it’s a performance with heart and intention.
Second, I hope they’re impressed by the sheer level of skill. This show truly pushes the physical limits of what the human body can do. There’s precision, power, and an energy on stage that I believe is both captivating and deeply inspiring.
And finally, I hope they simply have a great time. iD Reloaded is a celebration - for the eyes and for the heart. It’s a show that brings people together, accessible to the whole family, but it also carries a deeper message about pushing beyond your limits, about the value of community, and about mutual respect. It’s entertaining, yes - but it also leaves something meaningful behind.
