Pascal Jacob: Building Bridges Through Circus

As the 44th edition of the renowned Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain approaches, our CEO Anna Robb had the privilege of sitting down with Pascal Jacob, the festival’s Artistic Director, to discuss his inspiring career, the legacy of the festival, and his latest exciting project—a museum initiative. Pascal Jacob, a celebrated artistic director, designer, and circus historian, has been shaping the future of contemporary circus through his visionary leadership and decades of expertise. Check out this sneak peek, and don’t miss the full-length podcast episode next week!
Pascal, your career spans opera direction, set design, and circus artistry. How did you navigate such diverse paths, and what inspired your move from opera to circus?
My journey reflects the Renaissance idea of being open to everything. While opera was a significant part of my life, I had a longstanding passion for the circus. My career took unexpected turns due to serendipitous encounters, like meeting a talent scout while selling books, which led to a collaboration with Ringling Brothers. These moments shaped my trajectory. Transitioning from opera to circus involved adapting to a new creative language, but both disciplines share a foundation in storytelling and spectacle.
As a lecturer and author on circus history, how do you approach collecting and sharing this knowledge?
My passion for circus history began in my teenage years, collecting books and learning from a mentor, Jean Villiers, whose home was a treasure trove of circus artifacts. For 15 years, I visited him weekly, deepening my understanding of circus traditions. Writing my first book, La Grande Parade du Cirque, was a natural progression of this lifelong passion. Teaching circus history involves merging documented research with oral traditions and firsthand experiences, emphasizing the global and cultural dimensions of the art form.
Without scripts, how do you approach directing a circus show, and what drives your creative process?
I often start with what Franco Dragone called a “dark intuition”—a vague but compelling idea or feeling. For example, when creating Era, The Spirit of Shanghai, I was inspired by the transformative moment after rain in Shanghai, using this imagery to shape the show’s themes and visuals. The creative process is deeply collaborative, involving illustrators, choreographers, and performers, all contributing to build a cohesive vision from a simple spark.
You’ve worked extensively in China and India. How did these experiences influence your perspective on acrobatics and performance art?
China’s deep-rooted acrobatic traditions and India’s rich cultural tapestry were incredibly inspiring. In China, I felt an immediate connection to their acrobatic heritage, which dates back over a thousand years. Working in India was an equally transformative experience. We built a show from scratch in three months, immersing ourselves in the vibrant world of performers like Mallakhamb athletes. Both countries reinforced the universal language of acrobatics while showcasing their unique cultural flavors.
What do you love most about your work, and what would you change about the industry?
Meeting and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds is the most fulfilling part of my work. It’s about creating something beautiful together, despite cultural or language barriers. If I could change anything, it would be to foster peace globally, as harmony encourages collaboration and creativity. Our industry, with its focus on building together rather than competing, could serve as a model for the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Diverse Career Path
Pascal Jacob’s career evolved through serendipitous encounters, transitioning from opera to circus, driven by a lifelong passion for the latter. - Circus History Expertise
His deep knowledge stems from decades of collecting materials and mentorship, culminating in books and lectures on circus traditions. - Creative Process
Pascal’s shows often start with a “dark intuition” or simple inspiration, building collaboratively into immersive productions. - Global Influence
Experiences in China and India shaped his understanding of acrobatics, emphasizing universal connections and cultural uniqueness. - Core Philosophy
For Pascal, the essence of his work lies in collaboration and human connection, with a vision for the arts as a model for global harmony.
Featured Image: Courtesy of Daniel Hambury/@stellapicsltd
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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