Théâtre Quartier Libre in Ancenis will host a unique performance on November 28, 2025, as Belgian collective Back Pocket premieres “The Award,” a show promising to deconstruct the conventional awards gala format. The production blends high-level acrobatics with satirical commentary on the entertainment industry, inviting audiences to question the spectacle of celebrity culture [[2]].Tickets range from €13 to €26, with a recommended dress code of formal attire, offering audiences an immersive experience blurring the lines between performer and spectator.
Get ready for a red carpet event unlike any other. Théâtre Quartier Libre will host Ancenis on Friday, November 28, 2025, for “The Award,” a performance that promises to turn the traditional awards gala on its head.
The show, created by Belgian collective Back Pocket, blends high-flying acrobatics with a satirical take on the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Expect the unexpected as the lines between ceremony and chaos blur.
“The Award” invites audiences to believe they’re attending a real televised awards show – complete with last-minute rehearsals, technical difficulties, and, of course, demanding stars. But this isn’t a typical gala; it’s a playground for nine international artists who expertly navigate breathtaking physical feats and a sharp critique of the entertainment industry.
A Show Within a Show
The performance is designed to immerse the audience, transforming them from spectators into unwitting participants caught in the whirlwind of a media spectacle. The show intentionally blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction, stage and backstage.
The artists will juggle – literally and figuratively – between gravity-defying stunts and a biting commentary on the world of show business. This innovative approach to circus arts is gaining traction as performers increasingly challenge traditional formats.
Back Pocket: Belgian Circus Excellence
Back Pocket previously earned acclaim for “La Vrille du Chat,” which was presented at Théâtre Quartier Libre in 2019 and won the Prix Maeterlinck twice. With “The Award,” the collective, under the artistic direction of Michael Hottier, continues to demonstrate its unique ability to combine technical skill with a playful, subversive edge. The production team includes composer Yann Perreau and lighting designer Julien Bier, promising a fast-paced and visually stunning experience.
Théâtre Quartier Libre: When Circus Disrupts the Red Carpet
“The Award” – Collectif Back Pocket, Friday, November 28, 2025.
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Suitable for ages 8 and up.
Tickets:
General Admission: 26€ | Reduced Admission: 24€ | Under 26: 15€
Adult Member: 20€ | Young Member: 13€
Unemployed/RSA: 20€
Formal attire is recommended, but not required.
