MONTREAL Gilles Doré, general director of CINARS, the Montreal performing arts Biennial, to tells us about the 21st edition that is ready to welcome more than 330 professionals from every corner of the globe. Dance is the heart of the program, both in the official section and the Off section, and Italy is showcasing three projects in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Quebec (Marco D'Agostin, Silvia Gribaudi, Parini Secondo). From November 11 to November 16 in Montreal.

Mr Gilles Doré, dance at CINARS is part of a large multidisciplinary event aiming at create links between disciplines and also between professionals from all over the world…
The CINARS Biennial is a crossroads for contemporary performing arts. Contemporary dance is the main artistic discipline of our Biennial representing more than 60% of the works presented. In addition, the Biennial also presents circus, theatre, music and multidisciplinary works. Contemporary creations are increasingly hybrid so that audience will find works mixing dance with theatre or even circus, not forgetting creations using new technologies.

Which thoughts have guided the choice of the companies for this 21st edition of CINARS? We wanted to take a look at contemporary dance works for the general public, shows that we consider “celebratory”. We also propose a program of works with a more provocative slant, pushing the audience to reflect. Moreover, CINARS 2024 hosts a section called “nouvelles écritures” dedicated to experimental works by the latest-generation choreographers, and also works for a young audience for all artistic disciplines, including dance shows for children.

CINARS has an official programming and several OFF sections. The CINARS programme includes 25 shows in its official programme, and over 100 shows in the Off section. We take care of promoting the whole programme to over 330 programmers from all continents. This year the OFF section will offer shows from Italy, from the Nordic countries, Argentina, South Korea... CINARS is a true international crossroads and point of reference for international networking.

The shows are framed by panels and talks. Which are the main topics you will discuss? The CINARS Biennale is also an opportunity for professionals to reflect and share common global issues. This year we would like to share common ideas about international circulation of artists to support openness to difference and inclusion. Global migration should be a source of cultural enrichment, it should not push us to close our borders, to put on the brakes. The turbulent climate and the toil of our beloved planet are also global issues, of which artists should not be victims. The international movement of artists across borders should not be not held back, but celebrated as a chance to share humanistic values.

Which are your ideas about the future of the performing arts? The performing arts celebrate the many different ways in which people express themselves on earth; by coming together, we affirm our love for coexistence, even if we are different. The performing arts will continue to vibrate for a long time to come and we must continue to move them across borders and oceans, especially in this age of inward-looking attitudes. Programmers must affirm the values ​​of openness and welcome artists from beyond borders.
 

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