After a wildly successful Fringe debut in 2023, circus duo Agathe Bisserier and Adrien Malette-Chenier return to the Edinburgh Fringe with N.Ormes.  Once again challenging assumptions that prevail around the expectations of bodies and gender norms, this beautifully provocative and tender production takes audiences on an intimate journey that offers a perfect blend of tears and laughter.

Dynamic, dysfunctional and deftly acrobatic, N.Ormespushes the limits of their bodies and gender norms through a skilful combination of acrobatics and dance.  The captivating piece follows Bisserier and Malette-Chenier, the two protagonists, and their relationship as they navigate between power struggles.  Turning the stage into an arena for the duo to battle and explore, one by one, the archetypes fall to unearth a quest for friendship and fairness through shared strength and fluidity.

An inspiring journey through the psyche of society and our expectations of gender roles, N.Ormes blurs our preconceptions through the mind-bending, stereotype-smashing acrobatics of this Montreal-based circus duo. Matched with an original score by Simon Leoza and lighting of Claire Seyller, moments of frenzy and exhaustion highlight an honest and physical trial of shifting roles.

N.Ormes promotes the reappropriation and acceptance of our own bodies, as well as the exploration of what our bodies can really do.  Through an evolution-like exchange of roles and lifts, Bisserier and Malette-Chenier present a new language that alters our perception.

Agathe Bisserier comments, N.Ormes emphasises the importance of having a circus show and industry that challenges gender norms, and supports the emancipation of female acrobats, while questioning the inequality between the sexes.  We trace new avenues to use our bodies in a new and exciting way, challenging assumptions of what bodies can do.

Interpreter/Co-Creator: Agathe Bisserier (she/her)

Interpreter/Co-Creator: Adrien Malette-Chénier (he/him)

Original Score: Simon Leoza (he/him)

Costume Designer: Sophie El-Assad (she/her)

Lighting Designer: Claire Seyller (she/her)

Tickets are available from https://assemblyfestival.com/

Main Image: N.Ormes, Photo by Tibault Caron