Médrano is putting on its Circ'Oval with Religion Rugby
Two months ago, Médrano Circus contacted us for a partnership based on the theme of circus and rugby. As a circus enthusiast, no doubt thanks in part to Claude Lelouch, Richard Anconina, and Jean-Paul Belmondo, I was immediately excited by the project. I then contacted Sébastien Azema, Médrano's communications manager, to discuss the topic and share some ideas. As Sébastien is a former rugby player, just as passionate, this magnificent project was born, sublimated by the hand of the artist Jean-Pierre Rives. Before introducing you to the project that will give birth to Circ'Oval, we will briefly review the history of Médrano Circus and what it embodies for me.
A brief history of Médrano Circus
Médrano Circus is one of the oldest circuses in the world. Initially, the circus was not itinerant and was located in Paris on Boulevard Rochechouart. In 1897, Médrano took over the operation of the Fernando Circus, which was in great financial difficulty. By taking over the operation, he gave it his name and became its director.
With Médrano, the circus became "the Circus of Clowns." He introduced a new style, that of popular, comical, and light "Latin" clowning. The three Fratellini clowns were hired, as well as many other trapeze artists, magicians, jugglers, and acrobats.
In the 1930s and until the beginning of the World War, the circus took on a music-hall appearance with artists such as Charles Trenet, Buster Keaton, and Fernand Reynaud performing there. Médrano inspired many Pigalle artists such as Seurat, Toulouse Lautrec, Auguste Renoir, Picasso, and Derain.
In 1956, the Gruss-Jeannet family (Alexis Gruss Sr., André Gruss, and Lucien Jeannet) stopped the Radio Circus and toured for a year under the Médrano name. For the next two years, their circus was called "Cirque-zoo Jean Richard" before becoming the "Grand Cirque de France."
The Medrano family, who did not own the circus, were evicted from the premises in the early 1960s by competitors who had bought the building. The circus then passed into the hands of several owners, including Joseph Bouglione, the last owner of the circus that occupied the premises. From this period, Medrano became a brand name whose name has been leased by Raoul Gibault since 1987. The Médrano Circus, now itinerant, travels across France, presenting the greatest acts of today.
The world of the circus
For me, the circus is about dreaming. Moments suspended between sky and earth. Family memories, children's smiles, adults laughing and forgetting their worries. The circus is a community of life, the union of artists who don't speak the same language but who share the same passion and who use their bodies like great athletes. The circus is red, popcorn, colorful costumes, it's Mr. Lion enjoying life to the fullest. The circus is a refuge for children and Peter Pan's island. Finally, the circus is a way of life, an itinerant solidarity that doesn't mix easily but which, in times of great distress, can welcome you and become a big family.
Similarities between rugby and circus
My conception of the circus is similar to that of rugby. A team is a bit like a troupe of artists. Each has their physical or mental qualities, each has their strengths that will serve to bring coherence and magic to a show. Each is different but all united under the same banner, behind the same objective, that of winning the hearts of people together by making them dream for the duration of a match or a performance.
The Circ'Oval project
It is these parallels and this shared passion for both worlds that gave birth to the Circ'Oval exhibition. The common thread between rugby and circus is art, and who better than fashion through Religion Rugby and Jean-Pierre Rives through painting to portray their visions.
A Religion Rugby photo exhibition
Medrano gave us the extraordinary gift of attending a private performance during which the artists, dressed in Religion Rugby clothing, brought rugby into their world. Thus, each artist, under the lens of photographer Sylvain Truc, brought our rugby ball to life. The juggler, the acrobat, the contortionist, the clown, and even the magician transformed the ball into a dream, a game, a light. We witnessed improbable tries, incredible technical gestures, and unforgettable moments in the eyes of our children. A big thank you to Sébastien and the Medrano artists for this. This show shooting is immortalized through a series of Religion Rugby art and fashion photos that you can discover at the Circ'oval exhibition, which begins on Wednesday, May 17th in Toulouse and will continue until the end of the World Cup.
An unprecedented collaboration on derivative products: Religion Rugby X MEDRANO
This project has given rise to some derivative products on the theme of the circus, which you will soon be able to discover online on our website. We are already presenting a photo of the Medrano sailor shirt.
Men's sailor shirt: Religion Rugby X Medrano
A rugby ball, socks, and boxers will complete this unique and superb collection.
Exceptional works signed by Jean-Pierre Rives
Who is more legitimate than Jean-Pierre Rives to create a series of unprecedented works to pay homage to the world of the circus? A world whose dreaminess the artist shares. Jean-Pierre Rives thus follows in the tradition of the greatest French painters for whom the circus has always been a source of inspiration. You will also be able to discover these works at the exhibition, as well as through the following link: Jean-Pierre Rives and Médrano.
Old rugby jerseys:
This photo and painting exhibition is set up in a big top in the heart of the circus world. Old club jerseys, hung here and there, the fruit of the circus's itinerancy and the human bonds forged, will complete your immersion in the wonderful dream of clowns, painters, jugglers, rugby players, and shared love.
We invite you to follow Medrano's news via the following link and to leave a review of the exhibition in the comments.
Long live the circus, long live childhood, and long live the magic of rugby!
Special mention to Sylvain Truc, a young photographer who is starting out in photography and who opened his company the day after our shoot. A talented, easygoing, friendly, and professional young man. Discover his Instagram and don't hesitate to contact him.
