A one-off event in the history of euro-scene Leipzig: the same piece is being invited to return. With its unique charm, »Imagine-toi« (»Imagine«) enchanted in 2007 – Julien Cottereau was the celebrated star of the festival. This meeting has been facilitated once more before the piece is discontinued after hundreds of performances all over Europe.

There are pieces that enchant, with no scenery, no props, no music, no text, but solely by the power of an actor. Julien Cottereau, 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 in 1969, was employed by the famous Canadian Cirque du Soleil as »Clown« and Mime Eddy in 1994, after his acting degree in Paris. Alongside his cinema, television and theatre work, Cottereau toured with the Cirque du Soleil in approx. 1,500 performances through every metropolis in the world, until he left in 2006 and ventured into his first solo evening with »Imagine-toi«. In May 2007 Cottereau received the »Molière award« in Paris for the best young actor of the year and in 2008 the 1st prize for the best »One-man-show« awarded by the »Société des auteurs et compositeurs dramatiques«.

»A star is born. Being a worthy heir of pantomime Marceau, Julien Cottereau also compares favourably with Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.« (Nathalie Simon, LE FIGARO, Paris, 22.10.2008).