The call of the embers
2023-2025
The call of the embers is Charles-Alexis Desgagnés's first full-length solo. In a liminal space where walls rise as they fall, the choreographer-performer transforms, shamelessly melting skin upon skin on stage. This virtuoso and visceral composition invites a conversation about solitude, the divine, authenticity, and the masks we wear, immersing the audience in a triangular sensory experience where music, light, and movement intertwine.
Fusing dizzying vulnerability, bubbling fluidity, insectoid physicality, and queer sci-fi aesthetics, this first full solo evening is an introduction to Personne Danse's choreographic universe. The call of the embers is an ode to dance movement as a spiritual manifesto, a celebration of inner fire, and an invitation to reconnect with our animal nature.
The work had its world premiere at thel'Agora de la danse in October 2023 in Montreal, then in Dance Series 10 in Ottawa, at theDCL Space in Lévis and The Citadel in Toronto. The Call of Embers was also selected in the official program of the biennial Parcours Danse in 2023. A 15-minute excerpt of the work will be presented and toured 2025 times in October XNUMX as part of the festival Masdanza in the Canary Islands in Spain.
Photo credits : Damian Siqueiros and Marie-Eve Dion
***** AGORA DANCE SHOW SHEET *****
Interpretation & translation services : Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Choreography : Charles-Alexis Desgagnés in collaboration with the creative team
Rehearsal director and dramaturgy advisor : Sophie Michaud
Light design and technical direction : Claire Seyller
Music and sound design : Mada Mada
Scenographic design : Olivia Pia Audet
Costume design : Amelie Charbonneau
Choreographic mentor : José Navas (Flak Company)
Sporadic external gaze : Harold Rheaume and Janelle Hacault
Photographer : Damian Siqueiros and Marie-Ève Dion
Production management : Charles-Alexis Desgagnés and Géraldine Lavoie-Dugré
Coproduction : Agora de la danse
Residency partners : Agora de la danse, École supérieure de ballet du Québec, Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique, La Rotonde, José Navas / Compagnie FLAK and Ottawa Dance Directive / Danse 10 Series.
Financial support : Quebec Council for Arts and Letters and Canada Council for the Arts.
A Dying Tree
2025
As his workday draws to a close, a 45-year-old office worker encounters the enigmatic gaze of a chimpanzee, initiating a silent exchange that pushes him to make an irreversible decision.
Photo credits : Marie-Eve Dion, Marc-Antoine Hallé and Alexandre Nour
Choreography: Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Achievement: Vincent Rene-Lortie
Scenario: Vincent René-Lortie & Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Interpretation & translation services: Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Direction of photography: Aklexandre Nour
Operating manual: Thomas Bellefleur
Its: Nataq Huault
Artistic direction: Genevieve Boiteau
Music: Wilhelm Brandl
Production: Samuel Caron – Telescope Films, in collaboration with Personne Danse
Financial support : The Quebec Council for Arts and Letters and the Canada Council for the Arts
J'ai pleuré ce matin dans le métro
2022
At the equilateral intersection between head, belly and heart, J'ai pleuré ce matin dans le métro is a bereavement, an ode to courage and a cathartic celebration of madness. This sweet madness where so much beauty can emerge. You just have to give him the chance. The work came to life during an intensive 4-week summer course with 23 amateur and emerging performers. Everything was presented at QUAI 5160 – Maison de la culture in Verdun for three evenings.
Photo credits : Marie-Eve Dion and Vanessa Fortin
Performers : Charlotte Beaulieu, Hélène Belanger, Krystale Crockett, Angélyk Delisle, Sandrine Nelson-Drolet, Sophie Fournier, Megan Gaudreault, Juliette Ieva, Solène Laurin-Laliberté, Deya Lemière, Santiago López, Léo Lussier, Sarah Manipou, Ciro Melgaço, Myrtille Miroulotte, Laura Perron, Mathilde Richer, Sarah Roy, Manon Sérignat-Daléas, Johanna Simon, Jade Solis, William-Nicolas Tanguay and Saphia Weladji.
Choreography : Charles-Alexis Desgagnés in collaboration with the 23 performers.
Lighting design : Catherine Fournier-Poirier
Music and sound design : Alexis LP / Mada Mada
Rehearsal director : Janelle Hacault
Official photographer : Marie-Eve Dion
Teaser director : Vincent Rene-Lortie
Poster illustrator :Joshua Sailo
Graphic artist : Mathilde JPA
Production management, administration, ticketing management, social media and advertising management : Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Duration of 75 minutes without intermission.
Thank you to White Wall Studio Montreal, José Navas/Compagnie Flak, Studio Bizz, Circuit-Est center chorégraphique and Quai 5160 – Maison de la culture de Verdun for the warm welcome in the rehearsal spaces.