I grew up watching the great masters of comedy (Chaplin, Marx Brothers, Tati, Keaton…). They were my mentors. They taught me about the seriousness of comedy, about the art of storytelling, about the importance of precision and of timing, but above all, they taught me that body language is the most eloquent of all.

Dancer and choreographer Sylvie Bouchard introduced me to dance. My theatre training focused on voice and text but very little physical expression was explored in class. This left me frustrated. With dance, I discovered abstraction, and an art form that generally lends itself better to the power of the imagination.

Now I navigate between the two, searching for ways to surprise audiences where and when they least expect it. Invading public spaces is always an interest. So is highlighting the absurdity of our actions in daily life and the comedic elements of human relationships.

I continually look to understand the invisible rules of creation and performance, and once identified, break them as quickly as I can.

I look to surprise myself in order to better surprise audiences.

I believe in art that respects and honours people’s imagination and intelligence.

I believe that the role of art is to ask questions, and let its audience answer them.

These are principles that I take with me to the studio as I develop new creations.

The work of CORPUS is shaped by many. Our team is composed of talented people from all walks of life. I thank them for their continued work and support.

The arrival of COVID-19 has not slowed us down. On the contrary, we are more compelled to animate city streets and rural spaces than ever! Our new creations (La bulle and Divine Interventions) were both imagined and created in confinement. In these difficult times, our role is to continue to challenge the ordinary and offer surprising moments of performance.

by David Danzon, Artistic Director

Co-founded by Sylvie Bouchard and artistic director David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour that combines movement with theatrical imagery.

CORPUS’ unique and engaging performances are presented in both traditional and unusual locations for large and diverse audiences. Created in 1997, CORPUS now has 15 pieces in its repertoire and has presented over 2500 performances at venues and events across Canada and around the world in 34 countries on five continents. CORPUS is particularly acclaimed in Japan where the company has performed annually since 2008.

CORPUS’ work can also be seen on television and on film. The Bravo!FACT short Peep Show has been programmed in over 50 film festivals around the world and won the Audience Award at Cinedans (Netherlands) in 2004. CORPUS also co-created with Treehouse TV, 4-square, a popular educational television series for pre-schoolers.

Several of CORPUS’ productions have been nominated for Dora Mavor Moore awards and in 2002, CORPUS was the recipient of the Prix Hommage for Arts awarded by the Fédération Culturelle Canadienne Française. In 2001, CORPUS was also the gold-medal winner at the IV Games of la francophonie (Street Theatre category) with A Flock of Flyers.

In 1993, Sylvie Bouchard created Dusk Dances, a summer outdoor dance festival, which takes place in urban public parks. In 1996, Bouchard and Danzon partnered to produce the festival annually. Dusk Dances was produced by CORPUS for 8 years. Dusk Dances, now an independent entity, is one of the most popular events in Toronto and Ontario.

In 2022, CORPUS is proudly celebrating its 25^th anniversary.

During the past two decades, CORPUS has taken its artistic activities to major cities and remote communities throughout Canada and abroad, including some of the world’s most prestigious theatres and festivals that celebrate creativity in all its forms.

We have a clear desire to constantly redefine ourself to ensure artistic growth. Thematically speaking, we continue to challenge the role of the audience by offering a different viewing experience in an attempt to break habits and make the ordinary seem extraordinary.