L’Insolite Mécanique: Lift Off (Je brasse de l’air)
London International Mime Festival 2018


Be transported into a mysterious world of shadow and light, where mechanical installations come alive, illuminating Magali Rousseau’s childhood dream of achieving flight.
An enigmatic yet charismatic artist tells her story, of a little girl wishing to escape by becoming a master of the air. As she leads us all to different parts of the atmospherically lit stage, her simple words become a symbolic force for this promenade performance in which exquisite metal creatures emerge from the dark. Some small, some very large, each is an actor, a work of art in its own right, set into action through steam power, flame, time or weight, all playing their part in this ingenious theatrical tale.
Rousseau’s astonishingly engineered machines are born out of a career working in set and prop design. Here she collaborates with musician Stéphane Diskus, whose live clarinet playing heightens the unusual ambience, to relate a most personal memory: how trying to fly became an act of resistance. A journey into the imagination, then, for all the dreamers, young and old alike.
45 minutes/no interval
Age guidance 7+
Performed in English and French
France
Sat 27 Jan, 3pm
Post-show talk
This is a promenade performance. Please contact box office with any access requirements.
This performance contains a fish
Presented by the Barbican in association with London International Mime Festival
Supported by Grand Parquet – Paris, Vélo Théâtre – Apt, Anis Gras le lieu de l’autre – Arcueil, La Mécanique des Anges, Jardin d’Alice – Paris and Cie Les Anges au Plafond
This visit to London is supported by Institut français du Royaume-Uni
Creative Team
This is a past event. Subscribe to our newsletters to hear about upcoming events
Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Reviews
Discover
Watch: Barbican on YouTube
Subscribe to the Barbican's YouTube channel for weekly videos, every Friday, featuring artist interviews, music performances, poetry and short films.
Watch: Barbican Young Reviewers
Our shows, their voices... We hear from from our Young Reviewers as they explore our programme, develop their skills as arts critics and learn how to film and edit video.
You might also like

London International Mime Festival 2018

London International Mime Festival 2018

London International Mime Festival 2018
The Pit
Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
The Pit floor (level minus 2) can be reached via the main lifts – please note that only two of the four lifts go to this floor. Access Step-free access from the Pit floor foyer to any front-row seat. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Spaces for two wheelchair users in the front row (at stage level), with companion seats. Front row seats are also suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Because space in the auditorium is limited, we recommend that you leave your dog to be cared for by a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Amplified sound
Amplified sound is provided through a headset for people with impaired hearing. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset a live description of the scenery, costumes, facial expressions and action. Headsets are available. You can obtain one 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the Pit Theatre entrance.
Large-print exhibition information
To request a large print copy, please call the Theatre on 020 7638 8891 before your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.