Solostück

There are pieces that enchant, with no scenery, no props, no music, no text, but solely by the power of an actor. Julien Cottereau, a boyish man, who is sensitive and naïve – with trousers that are too short and a funny hat – looks like a mix of Charlie Chaplin and Pinocchio. As a mime and foley artist, he creates a world of fantasy, a world full of monsters and princesses, full of affection and emotion.

»Imagine-toi« (»Imagine«) is the story of a man, who brings out the child in every adult and who makes every child laugh. Behind the charming joviality, for those who are willing to discover them, there are also hidden references to dangers and disasters. The manner of illustration focuses on Nouveau Cirque (new circus), an art form that originated in France in the 80s and which differs strongly from the circus in Germany by the inclusion of dance, music and performance.

Julien Cottereau, who was born in Le Mans, was employed by the famous Canadian Cirque du Soleil as the clown Mime Eddy in 1994, after his acting degree in Paris. Alongside his cinema, television and theatre work, Cottereau performed around 1.500 representations with the Canadian Cirque du Soleil in every metropolis worldwide – until he left in 2006 and ventured into his first solo evening with »Imagine-toi«. His celebrated performances at the Festival d’Off in Avignon and in Paris were followed by countless invitations to numerous countries. In May 2007 Cottereau received the »Molière Award« in Paris for the best newcomer of the year.

»This clown will amaze you! Expectations were high, but the result on the stage is irresistibly funny. Julien Cottereau has done well to make the leap. He will go a long way« (Hubert Lizé, Le Parisien, Paris 16.10.2006).