Place des Anges
Written and directed by Pierrot Bidon and Stéphane Girard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Place des Anges?
Place des Anges (“Place of Angels”) is a spectacular outdoor performance by the French aerial circus company Gratte Ciel (“Skyscraper”) which brings together climbers, circus performers and dancers to create unique performances of spectacular, high-altitude aerial circus.
The show has been performed many times around the world in places such as London, Stockholm & Montreal, as well at WOMADelaide in 2018. We don’t want to give too much away to those that missed out last time, but the show involves angels (who like to have fun), fabulous music, swirling feathers, and aerial theatrics to create a playful, visual, and inspiring spectacle that will enchant audiences of all ages.
When and where will the show take place?
Place des Anges will be performed after dark each night at WOMADelaide 2023 and will take place high above (and woven amongst) the audience in the arena in front of the Foundation Stage. The show duration is around 40 minutes and the full festival timetable will list the exact performance times when released.
Where do the feathers used in the show come from?
The feathers used in Place des Anges come from European suppliers of down used for the manufacture of winter clothing and bedding. They are duck feathers usually destined for use in clothing, mattresses, pillows and duvet materials. The feathers are sourced from farms that meet strict European regulations regarding animal welfare and that humanely farm the birds for the production of meat, with the feathers being a by-product of that industry.
The company supplying the feathers has been awarded the DOWNPASS certification (valid 2021 - 2023) for stringent traceability and quality standards. This certification requires that feathers are not sourced from any live animals and in adherence to the strictest European standards of humane farming practices.
In addition IDFL, the world’s largest down and feather testing laboratory, has completed a further independent Supply Chain Traceability Audit of the company’s feather supply and passed them in accordance with the requirements of the EDFA Codex and EDFA Traceability Standard (valid 13 Oct 2021 – 13 Oct 2023).
The feathers used in Place des Anges are clean and safe in accordance with similar strict European regulations. They have been washed, sterilised and dusted, and are provided for the wider manufacture of down quilts, mattresses and clothing are certified free from allergens and contagious diseases.
The supplier of the feathers also have the following certificates:
- Certification of Compliance for DOWNPASS from the IDFL Laboratory and Institute
- IDFL EDFA traceability Certificate. The supplier’s white duck down and feathers have been inspected and assessed according to the EDFA Traceability Audit.
- The supplier is an official and active member of the Japan Bedding Goods Association Traceability Audit System (J-TAS)
Are the feathers used in Place des Anges hypoallergenic?
The feathers used in the show are washed, sterilised and dusted, and have undergone antibacterial treatment to prevent allergens.
The down and feathers used in this performance have been processed via a hygiene laboratory. The brands of the Association of the European Bedfeather and Bedding Industries document that the filling material conforms to EN 12935. (Feather and down – Hygiene and cleanliness requirements).
What can I do if I suffer from Asthma?
When Gratte Ciel performed at WOMADelaide in 2018 it was an extraordinarily dry and a particularly hot and dusty year in Botanic Park, made worse by the failure of the park irrigation system some weeks out from the event. This made for challenging conditions particularly for those with respiratory concerns. The Botanic Park watering system has been upgraded this year and watering programs are in place to manage dust issues at the event as far as possible. However, Botanic Park can - depending upon the prevailing weather conditions - become dusty after 4 days of use and asthma sufferers should consider their personal circumstances and take appropriate precautions.
Anyone who feels they may be at risk should take the following steps:
- Bring the specific medication they need
- Noting the location of nearest first aid tent in case they do need any assistance
- We recommend wearing a mask at the performance for anyone who may feel they are likely to face a risk of a negative reaction to the feathers used in Gratte Ciel's Place des Anges performance
- For patrons who have particular concerns regarding a possible adverse reaction to the feathers used in the performance, we recommend they avoid attending the performance itself (nightly at the Foundation stage from around 845pm) and plan to visit different areas of Botanic Park at that time. There are many vantage points at some distance from the performance area where audiences can still witness the show ‘at a distance’ if they wish
- For more information on asthma first aid please visit Asthma Australia's website
WOMADelaide will be consulting with health professionals and organisations such as Asthma Australia to inform and support the event & risk management plan for the festival. The onsite first aid stations & the attending medical professionals will be fully briefed regarding the performance in addition to the general first aid assistance they provide due to heat, injury or any other situations that may arise at the event
How will the feathers be cleared after the show?
The festival will employ extra staff for significant clean-up following each night’s performance, with a final clean taking place after the festival. All feathers are to be composted along with the other green and compostable waste captured by the festival.
Clean feathers are used for each of the four performances.
Many people will take feathers home with them and some will inevitably find their way across the city as a brief memory of this magical spectacle.
Why do the company use feathers?
“Through this show, Gratte Ciel presents a peaceful allegory. Through the symbolic Angel characters, we move away from their religious identification, developing a burlesque and spectacular show.
"Influenced by the romanticism of our culture, it is essential to echo the dehumanisation of modern society, creating a real poetic « shock » to live and to share fraternity and the peace which are at the roots of the development of our modern societies. And because we have grown up in natural and spectacular surroundings, and because we believe that humour and derision are serious matters."
To promote these beliefs, our vocabulary is acrobatic and our stage is the sky. The feather is undoubtedly the most pertinent object to engulf the public in this joyful gentleness that we defend.” – Compagnie Gratte Ciel
For any additional information please contact us HERE