Photo: SFIAF
N.Ormes with Agathe and Adrien is presented in San Francisco May 8 and 10 at the 2025 San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF). Canada’s duo Agathe Bisserier and Adrien Malette-Chénier created and perform N.Ormes, which is an intriguing expression and investigation into gender norms. They blend their physical expertise integrating circus acrobatic balance skills seamlessly into elements of dance, theatre, and performance art.
While we may imagine traditional hand /balance skills punctuated by a broad flourish after each daring balance of the female partner on the shoulders of the male partner, Agathe and Adrien turn this idea upside down completely! Their visual and physical storytelling has no words and relies only on the physical aspect of strength plus subtle looks or gestures to each other or the audience that speak volumes. Their approach to their creation and performance is to apply the physical skills learned from their professional training at the Circus School of Quebec to develop their unique form of storytelling.
Agathe and Adrien perform variation upon variation of balances with hands, head and limbs and movement around the space as they build their imaginative story, which develops based on a relationship. They have joyous moments as well as disagreements – the addition of theatricality is relatable and draws the audience in effectively. What follows is no less than a continuous flow of action with cleverly coordinated jumps, rolls, runs, balances on head and limbs accompanied by fascinating music by Simon Leoza.
The athletic strength of Agathe and Adrien is immense and the basis of this story. While the pairing of both Agathe and Adrien during the physical moves is traditional at first, Agathe sees that she is as strong as Adrien and the only difference is their height. The acrobatic dance in this piece is original and visceral, it follows a relationship and also makes a statement. Agathe is determined and soon she finds the fairness and equity she sought. Her response is outstanding!
Costumes by Sophie El-Assad are white, straw and black, and look like everyday clothes, which is a smart choice and sets the tone for the physical storytelling that develops organically and becomes significant in the latter half of the show.
Lighting by Claire Seyller adds atmosphere and pin like focus on the movement, expert balances, creative lifts and interesting shapes Agathe and Adrien form on and around each other. The build of the show is dynamic as it develops brilliantly although the last ten minutes might benefit from streamlining.
This is a must see show if you are interested in movement and acrobatics with theatrical and unexpected action in creative unique exploration of gender norms – Provocative and emotive!
More Information:
Date(s) & Time(s): Thu May 8, 8:30pm; Sat May 10, 8:00pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Venue: Dance Mission Theater
Location: 3316 24th St, SF, CA 94110,
Ticket Information
Early Bird: $20, Advance: $25, Door: $28
For the best deals, see multiple shows with a discount Festival Pass.
TICKETS FESTIVAL PASS
Agathe & Adrien Website:
https://www.agathe-adrien.com/
SFIAF
https://www.sfiaf.org/
Jo Tomalin studied with Jacques Lecoq in Paris. She completed the two year professional course at Ecole Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris, France, where she also completed the Laboratoire du Mouvement (LEM) scenography, mask and movement course.
Originally from England, Jo is currently based in San Francisco, where she reviews Theatre & Dance for www.ForAllEvents.com & www.FringeReview.co.uk. She is a Professor in the School of Theatre & Dance at San Francisco State University where she teaches performance subjects and directs MainStage plays. She also works in the performing arts field as a freelance movement & voice specialist, director + actor. Jo’s play “Jessica” which she also directed was produced at the Fringe of Marin – a One Act New Play Festival in Northern California.
Jo Tomalin graduated with a degree from London University’s Laban Centre Teaching Credential program in Modern Dance, Art of Movement & Choreography; studied Classical Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London; completed a teacher’s diploma (ATCL) in Voice and Acting from Trinity College of Dramatic Art, London; and studied classical ballet for 12 years.
Jo also holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University, MN, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University in the USA.
