TRACES

Traces is poetic and explosive, humorous and thoughtful. Combining traditional acrobatic forms with street elements such as skateboarding and basketball, mixed in with some theatre and contemporary dance, it surprises, awes and delights at every turn.

Traces takes place in a make-shift shelter, an unknown catastrophe waiting outside the doors of tarp and gaffer tape. The seven characters constructed this clubhouse to live to the fullest what they believe could be their last moments, hoping to leave nothing unsaid or undone. In the face of this impending disaster they have determined that creation is the only antidote to destruction, and their brand of creation is the fleeting impulses and desires that extend through their bodies and unfurl onto stage – the story is told through music, song, dance, speech, illustration, and high-risk acrobatics. The characters use every mode of expression available to them, hoping to leave a lasting mark… to leave their traces as best they can.

As they tell the stories of their past and share their various personal strengths and weaknesses, the audience gets to know these seven performers from every possible angle. The familiarity grows, and the acrobatics – a seemingly “inhuman” element – takes on a startlingly human nature. At its heart, Traces celebrates seven individuals, their particular bond and their particular talents; their risk-taking; the ultimate affirmation of life; and their unbridled energy, proof of a collective pounding pulse.

The Artists

Mason Ames
Mason moved to Montreal from New Hampshire to train at the National Circus School, specializing in hand to hand. Previous credits include: Cirque Eloize’ s iD, Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis, Circus Smirkus and other productions of 7 Fingers, notably joining them for their participation in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Most recently, Mason spent over a year performing in the Off-Broadway production of Traces and just completed a four month European tour.
Valérie Benoit-Charbonneau
Valérie trained for seven years at Montreal’s National Circus School, specializing in hand to hand and banquine. Previous credits: Eclipse in Shawinigan, Quebec, during two summers while training at the National Circus School; Cirque Eloize’s iD (Korean production); Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis. Valérie also performed in Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and more recently, in the Off-Broadway production of Traces as well as in the four month European tour.
Lucas Boutin

Lucas discovered cir- cus arts at age six, learning to juggle and uni- cycle in a small town near Paris. His passion for movement led him to expand his acrobatic skills, entering the Châtellerault National Circus School at age 15, followed by the Circus Space in London at 18. Performing credits include the Generating Company in Hong Kong, the Circa Festival in France, numerous events, and the English National Opera. Lucas just returned from a four month European tour of Traces.
Mathieu Cloutier
Originally from Gaspe, Quebec, Mathieu spent three years at the Circus School of Quebec, specializing in acrobatics, rollerblade and diabolo. Previous credits include: GOP (Munich, Munster), Cirque du Soleil (special events), Les Grands Opéras de Québec and more than 275 acrobatic shows at Seabreeze amusement park in Rochester, N.Y. Most recently, Mathieu spent over a year performing in the Off-Broadway production of Traces and just completed a four month European tour. Mathieu also enjoys playing guitar and writing music.
Bradley Henderson
Brad was one of the original Traces cast members and has been touring the world with 7 Fingers since 2006. A San Francisco native, Bradley trained at the S.F. Circus Center, learning Chinese acrobatics with Master Trainer Lu Yi. In 2002 he moved to Montreal to attend the National Circus School and upon graduation was hired by 7 Fingers. Most recently, Bradley spent over a year performing in the Off-Broadway production of Traces and just completed a four month European tour.
LJ Marles

London-boy LJ (Kalyn) fell in love with the circus arts at the age of 18 after taking part in a youth project with the Bassline Circus. A self taught street and hiphop dancer, he spent the next three years at the Circus Space, specializing in aerial straps. After developing his skills and approach, he performed in projects such as Finland’s Turku Festival, France’s Circa Festival, and an out- door series with the British National Theatre. LJ just returned from a four month European tour of Traces.
Philippe Normand-Jenny
Philippe was born and raised in Montreal. He trained at the Circus School of Quebec, specializing in hand to hand, teeterboard and trampoline. Other per- formances include: GOP (Munich, Munster), Cirque du Soleil (special events), Les Grands Opéras de Québec and more than 275 shows at Seabreeze amusement park Rochester, N.Y. Most recently, Philippe spent over a year performing in the Off-Broadway production of Traces and just completed a four month European tour.