THE ALCHEMIST OF
THE PERFORMING ARTS
1
2
“A moment etched for all eternity, As unforgettable as it was intense ”
3
A hedgehog with the eyes of a child He walks down quai de Meuse, opposite the Notre Dame de Huy Collegiate Church...He strolls this way and that, in the side aisles of cathedrals...he treads the paths in the park of “little Versailles”, as the Château de Beloeil is known...always in the same posture: with his hands behind his back, and his head facing down to earth. On edge. Pensive. Somewhere else. He certainly is somewhere else! You can sense the torrent of images rushing through his mind. No - you can feel it, and see it. A momentary firework, a fresco he is struggling to halt, and seeking to grasp. What if Luc, this taciturn poet and rather withdrawn rambler, were the other side of the entertainer torn to and fro by the exuberance of these impressions? This ‘devouring’ singles him out, so much so that he can seem absent. This deceptive solitude often wrongly makes him appear cold, which can be unsettling. It has nothing to do with the pretension of a mandarin, as some might think - it is the other face of an inner tumult. There may even be a familiar timidity of precisely these ideas devouring him from the inside. He is a hedgehog who uses his spines to defend himself, hiding within his armour, and a gentle and exuberant hedgehog for anyone who can win his trust. This ‘rambler’ along the banks of the Meuse and through gloomy naves can, if he lets himself be approached, become friendly. I cannot think of a better term to describe the ‘craftsman’ that is Luc. He travels like a journeyman in search of places to perform his art and where he can hone his skills. His professionalism does not make his inspiration dry up; far from it - it gives him the power to personify it. His openness to all forms of expression and his eclectic range of interests provide a myriad of outlets for his imagination. He is a dream craftsman, in some way still the child who cobbled together his own theatre sets and (even then!) staged the incredible stories of his fleeting heroes.
4
A child inside who draws on the techniques he masters and the people he encounters (who become resources for new adventures), his expertise to overcome the hazards and surprises of high-risk creations, and his aggressive stubbornness to pierce the mysteries of what is often a difficult profession. A ‘journeyman’ who has become a crafter of dreams...He is also a travelling companion when, once he has finally let down his hedgehog armour, he devotes his art and his energy to a shared project. An adventure that was supposed to be fleeting has, for us, become a lasting commitment. Our desire to ‘inhabit’ emblematic locations and thus promote the heritage of our regions, to bring life to traditions and, in so doing, to honour our duty to remember and to bear social responsibility allowed us to combine our passions with our ambitions. This common commitment gave rise to and deepened our mutual appreciation and our enjoyment of each other’s company. After all, when hedgehogs bring their spines together, they do it to keep warm! I began by mentioning the first time we met, on the banks of the Meuse. After a long silence, the man with his hands balled into fists raised his head towards the Collegiate Church: “You could have acrobats performing on that tower...” The taciturn man’s armour was no match for the shining eyes of the child, who has always dreamed of stars, dances and lights; he was destined to become a craftsman of the imagination. michel teheux man of letters
5
6
Qingshow 2019
7
8 Inferno 2015
“Strong, symbolic images laden with emotion that leave us with unforgettable memories”
थोड़ े बहुत ही शब्द कहते हैं अक्सर, पारखी नज़र रखते हैं अक्सर,जीवन जीने की कला में मसरूफ रहते हैं अक् सर और क्रान्ति की और अग्र सर है ं अक्सर .. मै ं अपनी पूर्ण विनम्रता से इन महानु भाव के आगे नतमस्तक हूँ.. जिनकी सोच की शुरुआत वहाँ से शुर ू होती है जहाँ औरों के रास्ते ख़त्म होते
“MOST OF THE TIME, HE IS VERY DISCREET. MOST OF THE TIME, HE IS A KEEN OBSERVER. MOST OF THE TIME, HE IS VERY CONCILIATORY, AND MOST OF THE TIME, HE REALLY WANTS TO DO SOMETHING REVOLUTIONARY. I BOW DOWN IN RESPECT FOR THIS ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDING CREATOR, WHO STARTS THINKING WHERE MOST OTHER PEOPLE HAVE STOPPED.”
दिखते हैं. .
SAMIT GARG CEO & JOINT FOUNDER OF EFACTOR & SKYWALTZ
9
“He brings light to mysteries, and when he includes the sacred in his art, Luc PETIT really reaches for the stars.”
10
11
LUC PETIT “MY AIM AND WHAT I REALLY WANT IS NOT ONLY TO ENTERTAIN THE AUDIENCE BUT ALSO TO MOVE THEM, TO MAKE SPECTATORS BURST OUT BOTH LAUGHING AND CRYING.” Internationally renowned artistic director, designer and impresario. He has worked with such world-famous artists as SHAKIRA, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, JEAN-MICHEL JARRE, EMELI SANDÉ, ARTURO BRACHETTI, GÉRARD DÉPARDIEU, ALICIA KEYS and KATY PERRY. This extraordinary, multimedia creative mind draws his virtually cinematographic style from his career and his first steps into the world of cinema, advertising and television, including in regional television studios (Notélé): his shows are designed to be immersive excursions into an oversized film set bursting with actors, special effects, soundtracks, dance routines, acrobatic feats, stunts and pyrotechnics. Luc PETIT has staged events including the DISNEY CINEMA PARADE in Paris, the EUROFOOT 2000 opening ceremony in Brussels and even the inauguration of the ALTIRA HOTEL in Macau, attended by actor Chow YunFat, for the person who has called on his talent for many years now: Franco Dragone, particularly renowned for his original productions for CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, Céline Dion’s show in Las Vegas and the HOUSE OF DANCING WATER show in Macau. Further highlights of his creations include a sumptuous Indian wedding in Venice, featuring guest stars Shakira and Gotan Project, and the DISCOVERY OF A NEW WORLD show in Harbin, China for WANDA GROUP. He also oversaw the casting of STORY OF A FORT, LEGACY OF A NATION in Abu Dhabi. He has carried out projects for NESPRESSO, BNP PARIBAS FORTIS, PROXIMUS, ORANGE, THALYS and BESIX. He devised two events for AMWAY China that incorporated video mapping, water fountains, large-scale magic acts and performances. In collaboration with FILMMASTER EVENTS and under the artistic direction of Marco Balich, he thought up a show in Ukraine performed on a stage floating in the middle of a lake. Following that, he organised an incredible aquatic show for TELENET featuring high-wire divers. Luc PETIT also revisited the glory days of the legendary studio Cinecittà with a tour of its spectacular cinema sets in Rome and a dinner show featuring singers Emeli Sandé and Alicia Keys. In Lebanon and Florence, he orchestrated large-scale receptions graced with the presence of Puff DADDY and Katy PERRY. He has worked extensively in Belgium and designed and produced the festivities for the opening ceremony for Mons 2015 - European City of Culture as well as a sound and light show in Bastogne as part of the ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Ardennes, for which he and Tempora were awarded the Exceptional Event Award at Cannes. 12
In June 2015, he produced INFERNO, the opening show for the Bicentennial of the legendary Battle of Waterloo, an impressive event performed on a stage with a 170 m opening that sprung up in the middle of a wheat field and involved 300 re-enactors, around fifty horses and 250 artists. The events of this Bicentennial won 8 awards at the EuBEA 2015 Festival in Seville, including for best European event, best cultural event and best artistic director. At Hougoumont Farm, Luc PETIT designed the set for a multimedia room and brought the fight between Napoleon and Wellington back to life with images projected onto three gigantic mobile bas-reliefs. Together with Michel Teheux, he created LES NOCTURNALES ASBL, a non-profit association that develops heritage operas that aim to showcase architectural gems still held dear in our collective memory. The NOËL DES CATHÉDRALES (“CATHEDRALS AT CHRISTMAS”) on tour and now LES FÉERIES DE BELOEIL (“BELOEIL ENCHANTMENTS”) are merely some illustrations of his imagination. In 2019, the non-profit association put on the spectacular show LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ (“THE ROADS TO FREEDOM”) to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Ardennes. This show was awarded the Gold Elephant Award by the jury of the Bea World Festival 2020, in the Education category, and the Silver Elephant Award in the Best Cultural Event category. Luc PETIT has also produced urban operas, including the famous DÉCROCHER LA LUNE (“REACHING FOR THE STARS”), and the sixth production of this work won the Thea Award for Best Exceptional Event in Los Angeles. He produced the ORIGIN underground video mapping event in the Han Caves and several parades, including one devoted to Jean Paul GAULTIER in Montreal, under the artistic direction of Danielle ROY. For years, these two were jointly responsible for the artistic management of the outside and street arts portion of the JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL. Luc PETIT and his team also came up with the concept of a musical inspired by the story of PETER PAN, combining dancing, singing, acrobatic, lighting effects and videos: this musical, the largest video mapping show ever for Arena, followed its successful run with a world tour and was admired by hundreds of thousands of spectators in Europe as well as in Dubai, Doha, Singapore and Taipei.
Luc PETIT worked alongside an international team to design and produce a unique and successful permanent spectacle in Qingdao, China. This spectacle, QING SHOW, is inspired by the popular Chinese legend of the Eight Immortals. It was performed in a theatre designed and built specifically for the purpose. Luc PETIT is a veritable magician of performing arts, combining all disciplines and the most cutting-edge technical equipment together to portray astounding ambiances in every show that are always devoted to his personal approach as an artist and as a person.
13
14
15
PRIZES & AWARDS 2 awards at Bea World 2020 for “LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ” GOLD MEDAL BEST EDUCATIONAL EVENT
SILVER MEDAL BEST CULTURAL EVENT
PRIZE FOR THE BEST EVENT LOCATION FOR ORIGIN AT BEA WORLD 2019, MILAN THEA PRIZE 2017 IN LOS ANGELES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENT ON A RESTRICTED BUDGET FOR DÉCROCHER LA LUNE 6
BEST EXCEPTIONAL EVENT AT CANNES EVENT AWARD 2015 FOR THE SHOW TO COMMEMORATE THE BATTLE OF THE ARDENNES “TEXAS AGGIES GO TO WAR” IN BASTOGNE
EVENT AWARD 2016 FOR THE WATERLOO 2015 EVENTS, WITH THE COMMEMORATIVE SHOW “INFERNO”
2 AWARDS AT THE 2016 BEA IN BELGIUM
16
GOLD MEDAL WATERLOO 2015
SILVER MEDAL DÉCROCHER LA LUNE
Golden Lion at Cannes for LE MONDIAL DE LA PUB
“Nothing Is Impossible” Award for CIRQUE DE CANNES, Saatchi & Saatchi
4 awards at EuBEA 2016 in St. Petersburg for DÉCROCHER LA LUNE 6
“Trophée Coup de Cœur de la Presse” (“Press Favourite Award”) for the JUST FOR LAUGHS Festival Montreal, 2010
GOLD MEDAL BEST OPENING CEREMONY/ CELEBRATION GOLD MEDAL BEST CULTURAL EVENT SILVER MEDAL BEST EUROPEAN EVENT BRONZE MEDAL BEST EUROPEAN AGENCY
GOLD MEDAL BEST CULTURAL EVENT FOR INFERNO BEST PUBLIC EVENT WATERLOO 2015 BEST CELEBRATION PARTY WATERLOO 2015 BEST PRODUCTION WATERLOO 2015 SILVER MEDAL WATERLOO 2015 GOLD MEDAL WATERLOO 2015 BEST CELEBRATION PARTY WATERLOO 2015
GOLD MEDAL WATERLOO 2015 BEST AGENCY WATERLOO 2015 BEST CREATIVE DIRECTOR INFERNO BEST EUROPEAN EVENT OF THE YEAR WATERLOO 2015
Third Prize for the Best Internal Corporate Event at EuBEA 2011 for the 5th BIRTHDAY OF METINVEST
17
360° creativity The productions of Luc PETIT are aimed at both the public and the private sector, and take the form of a broad range of artistic projects: shows for the general public or companies, inaugurations, parades, heritage and urban operas, fashion shows, product launches, exhibition design, etc. Every time, the concept, development, message and shape are all derived from an original and tailor-made creative starting-point. Every show is thus a completely original production intended to leave a powerful impression on its audience as it showcases a historical event in its original setting, glorifies an aspect of heritage and illustrates the values dear to the client.
LUC PETIT, SHOW CREATOR With the ability to draw on an exceptional network of acts and performers including the finest international artists, Luc PETIT and his crew design and stage productions throughout the world. Luc PETIT also works with the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), which brings together the leading creators, developers, designers and producers of themed entertainment in the world: theme parks, water parks, museums, zoos, casinos, distributors and hotel complexes.
18
19
LES NOCTURNALES ASBL, THE PARTNER OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS The Nocturnales can boast a unique concept among productions for the public sector interpreting heritage in a poetic manner. This subtle blend of all forms of artistic expression (dance, music, theatre, set design and performance) also involves cutting-edge technologies such as video mapping and large-scale laser projections to bring out the architecture of buildings until they become veritable living frescoes, without losing the all-important human side of their approach. The magic of the show lies in the unique way it showcases original locations like cathedrals, entire towns, commemorative monuments, châteaux and their gardens or even vast plains, which, for a few nights, play host to an enchantment that captivates the audience. This showcasing weighs in favour of preserving the heritage in question; it also earns the heritage a place as a not inconsiderable economic vector for the town or region in question. Since they began, the shows of Les Nocturnales ASBL have been seen by hundreds of thousands of spectators.
20
The activities of Les Nocturnales ASBL are placed under the auspices of the Fédération des employeurs des Arts de la Scène (French Federation of Performing Arts Employers) (FEAS) and the Fédération professionnelle des Arts forains, des Arts du Cirque et des Arts de la Rue (French Professional Federation of Fairground, Circus and Street Performers) (Aires libres).
21
22
“Our devoted crew focus their energy on devising experiences that incorporate magic and emotional surprises”
23
24
25
As soon as they receive the initial briefing, our crew gets to work in search of the central theme that will determine the overall structure of the show: documentary research, brainstorming, sketches, illustrations, initial feasibility studies and so on. Finding the right idea and the right way to approach it is really an essential step in ensuring that the project is a success. Luc PETIT’s original productions are to entertainment what haute couture is to fashion. Our aim is to “create something custom”.
26
27
28
Indian Wedding 2012
29
“Luc PETIT offers custom shows and unique original productions that use a universal language composed of theatre, dance routines and visual and musical performances.”
30
31
QINGSHOW Permanent show - Qingdao, CHINA - 2019
THIS THEATRE SEATS OVER 1,500 PEOPLE AND WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED AND CUSTOM-BUILT IN QINGDAO, CHINA TO HOST QINGSHOW, WITH A WATER STAGE 50 METRES IN WIDTH, AND A PROJECTION SCREEN 15 METRES HIGH BEHIND IT. OVER 430 ITEMS OF SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT, 263 COSTUMES, 2D AND 3D FLIGHT SYSTEMS AND THOUSAND OF ACCESSORIES ARE DEPLOYED ON STAGE FOR THIS UNIQUE SPECTACLE. THE ACTORS SPENT MONTHS TRAINING WITH PROFESSIONAL COACHES IN NUMEROUS DISCIPLINES INCLUDING BUNGEE JUMPING, KUNG FU, AERIAL ROUTINES, DANCE, THEATRE, ACROBATICS AND SWAY POLES.
32
33
“In 2019, Elementz Art collaborated with Luc PETIT for several shows with different types of storyline. Some memories of this experience that stand out are the veritable race against the clock in China for “Qingshow”, the lavish productions inside cathedrals in Belgium for “Noël des Cathédrales”, the dramatic whirlwinds of snow for “Les Routes de la Liberté” in Bastogne and the foliage lit up in green for the “Les Féeries de Beloeil” show. One thing has never changed: the gratitude embodied by the “Thank you” that Luc expresses to all participants at the end of his shows.”
ELEMENTZ ART Creator of performances
34
35
36
37
38
艺术家和艺术从业者的不同之处，便在于 是否有对艺术的执着要求和天马行空的想 象力，毫无疑问，Luc同时具备了这两点。 他工作的时候一丝不苟，表情严肃，私下相 处却又是那么的和蔼可亲，纯粹的像个小孩 子。他对东方文化的理解和尊重让人敬佩， 我喜欢他。 阳东霖
“The difference between an artist and a practitioner of art is that an artist has a persistent need for art and a highly creative imagination. Without a doubt, Luc has both of these. He was meticulous, professional when at work and so friendly in private that he was almost childlike. His understanding of and profound respect for Oriental culture are admirable.”
Yang DONGLIN Costume designer
The “Eight Immortal Beings” whose stories are told in this epic tale represent archetypes in traditional Chinese society. It is an antique saga of successes and setbacks, combats and collaboration. 39
“The first time I met Luc PETIT was in his office in Brussels, over a scale model of the crazy project that was to become Qingshow. It was thanks to Qingshow that I met Luc. His passion for and perseverance with the project were always impressive and inspirational, and he trusted his crew to achieve the virtually impossible, in spite of all the vagaries of the project! Behind this imposing figure is the humour of Luc PETIT, a little chink in the armour that makes him human and so sensitive to what he creates.”
Melissa COLELLO Aerial choreographer & Acrobatics designer 40
41
“The first time I met Luc was at the Amway evening event in 2010. The task of Scène-Concept for this event was to build three giant rings 8, 10 and 12 m in diameter and make them fly. Initially, this presentation was intended for a sequence lasting 3-4 minutes, but after 3 days’ rehearsals, that turned into over 20 minutes in the air with the 3 rings! Virtually every time we tried different flight combinations, Luc came to see us and said “We’re keeping that figure.”
42
Luc’s strength is knowing how to pick and surround himself with people from different universes, bring them together and, like an orchestral conductor, make them work together to create fabulous, unforgettable shows. Thank you to him and to his team!”
Jean-Claude BLASER Director & Designer of flying machines
43
Colour concepts for the 10 acts of Qingshow
I
II
III
IV
V 44
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X 45
46
“Even though his character and attitude precede him through the comments of others, you never know exactly how a show designer or producer will behave until you get to know them. Meeting Luc is like meeting a friend you have known all your life, or a father who takes care of you.
Working with him was tough, fascinating, stressful, exciting and rewarding - a lesson in how to manage a show and promote creativity. Taking some time off to travel through Asia and tear around on rollercoasters in an amusement park was simply unforgettable.”
Pietro PAOLUCCI Showcaller
47
“After over 20 years of working closely with him, one thing is clear to me: Luc’s shows are the perfect reflection of his great artistic sensitivity and the depth of his personality. They combine emotional or epic tales masterfully with moments of sheer visual magic. If you want to know more about his personality, however, and decipher what goes on behind this shadow puppetry, you will have to sneak into his eccentric abode, his imaginary world, and try to strike up a conversation with his hosts in colourful outfits - his parrots!”
Pierre MUSSCHE and Renaud CHARLIER Co-founders and CEO of MUSICOM
48
49
50
51
52
53
PETER PAN the never ending story
Arena World Tour - BELGIUM, NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, SINGAPORE, QATAR, TAIWAN - 2012
IN 2012, LUC PETIT AND HIS TEAM DESIGNED THE LARGEST VIDEOMAPPING SHOW IN HISTORY FOR ARENA, INSPIRED BY THE STORY OF PETER PAN. AFTER A TRIUMPHANT RUN IN FRONT OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS IN BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS, THIS SHOW BY LUC PETIT - COMBINING DANCE, SONG, COMEDY, ACROBATICS, LIGHT EFFECTS AND VIDEOS EMBARKED ON A WORLD TOUR (UNITED KINGDOM, DUBAI, SINGAPORE, ETC.).
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
“I met Luc for the first time when we were working together on a ‘musical’ version of the story of Peter Pan, which premiered in Brussels in 2012. I was brought on board to write and arrange the music for the show and Luc designed and directed this incredible world, enchanted by video mapping, 3D flight systems and actual flight using a wind turbine on stage! His creative ambitions are limitless and it was thus a wonderful challenge to use my music to make his mesmerising direction resonate. I had never been so inspired by so much creativity and, although the work was exhausting and stimulating in equal measure, the final result was really amazing.” Matt DUNKLEY Composer
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
INDIAN WEDDING Private event - Venice, ITALY - 2012
FRANCO DRAGONE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP ASKED LUC PETIT TO STAGE AND PRODUCE AN INDIAN WEDDING IN VENICE. THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED THREE SHOWS OVER THREE DAYS IN THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. EACH SHOW WAS A UNIQUE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION WITH GOTAN PROJECT AND SHAKIRA AS THE CLOSING ACTS.
70
71
72
73
“When you work with Luc PETIT, you feel confident and certain that the collaboration will go perfectly, in a sector, in my case the temporary events sector, where you almost always have to work live. Since he has seen every type of event under the sun, Luc is one of the very few directors who can always make things seem fresh and unique, adapting them perfectly to the scale of the event.
74
Thanks to his talent and his vivid imagination, he manages to transform even the most mundane acts into haute couture shows, perfectly suited to the situation, and to propel us into his magical world of colours, music and impressive sets: a veritable world of wonder, which to me is a dream world.”
Matteo CORVINO Events and interior decoration
75
SHAKIRA
76
77
“I met Luc a long time ago, back in 1990. He is first and foremost a friend, and our professional collaboration did not start until much later. In 2011, he contacted me to ask me to design the costumes for a massive private event produced in collaboration with Franco Dragone in Venice (where I live!): an Indian wedding that was to take place over three days, with three different shows in three different locations. Magical! Most of my work has been in cinema and my incursions into Luc’s universe are always very inspiring and packed with new experiences. Luc places his full trust in his colleagues and, while the instructions he gives me are very precise, he often allows me great freedom to explore my ideas and creative solutions, and that is very rare.”
Catherine BUYSE Costume designer
78
“Working with Luc PETIT means leaving your comfort zone. He put me up against the ropes and forced me to react and find resources and solutions. It was the best school I could have hoped for and I learned a huge amount working alongside him. I hope to continue learning for a long time to come. If I don’t, I get bored. He has a real talent for creation and for anticipating the technical problems that may arise. By the time you get to putting on an original production, my work is virtually done, the vast majority of it anyway, because there will obviously always be adjustments to be done. The result is speed and efficiency: in just under 3 days’ rehearsal, the show was in the bag and we could start performing on the third day...”
Jessica CRESPO Showcaller
79
80
« Io volevo dire che per me lavorare con Luc è stato un sogno realizzato che mi ha permesso di crescere molto.. vederlo al inizio ero in imbarazzo ma poi ho scoperto la sua ironia e ci siamo credo trovati pur non parlando la stessa lingua!
“I wanted to say that for me working with Luc was a dream come true that allowed me to grow a lot... seeing him at first I was embarrassed but then I discovered his irony and we found each other even though we didn’t speak the same language!
Luc è un Artista Regista pazzesco che stimo molto e sono stata fortunata a lavorare con lui. »
Luc is a crazy artistic director that I respect a lot and I had the chance to work with him.”
Veronica PEPARINI Choreographer
81
DÉCROCHER
LA LUNE ALL THE EDITIONS
Urban opera - La Louvière, BELGIUM - 2000, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018
ORIGINALLY LAUNCHED BY PHILIPPE DEGENEFFE, “DÉCROCHER LA LUNE” WAS FIRST PERFORMED IN 2000 WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF FRANCO DRAGONE, WHO ENTRUSTED THE DESIGN AND STAGING OF ALL SEVEN PERFORMANCES TO LUC PETIT. RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING, THE AIM OF THIS URBAN OPERA WAS TO INVOLVE A LARGE NUMBER OF LOCAL INHABITANTS AND AMATEUR ARTISTS FROM THE REGION, AND IT BECAME A VERITABLE CITIZENS’ PROJECT. THUS, OVER THE YEARS, OVER 1,000 PEOPLE WORKED ALONGSIDE A MULTITUDE OF PROFESSIONAL CAST AND CREW MEMBERS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD TO PERFORM TWO HOURS OF MAGIC AND EMOTIONS. THE SHOW, EACH PERFORMANCE OF WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 35,000 PEOPLE, ALSO WON PRIZES AT TWO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS (LOS ANGELES AND ST. PETERSBURG).
82
“DÉCROCHER LA LUNE” BECAME MORE THAN A SHOW; IT BECAME A VERITABLE URBAN PROJECT. IT IS ALSO A LOVE STORY. IT IS THE STORY OF LA LOUVIÈRE’S LOVE FOR SANCHO GILLES, AN INTREPID GIANT AND A HERO OF PERFORMING ARTS WHO EMBODIES ALL THE STRENGTH, LIFE AND HISTORY OF THE CITY AND ITS INHABITANTS. HE BEARS THEIR DIFFICULTIES, AND CARRIES THEIR WISHES AND THEIR HOPES.
83
“I met Luc for the first time in 1998, when I was working on the production of the first urban opera, “Décrocher la Lune”, which he was directing. It was an incredible adventure and the beginning of a friendship that is just as strong over 20 years later.
84
Over the past two decades, we have collaborated successfully on numerous events both with the Dragone company and as part of “Mons, European City of Culture”. Luc has developed a unique artistic signature that is instantly recognisable and is now in demand in all four corners of the globe. Hats off to him!”
Philippe DEGENEFFE Managing Director of MARS Mons arts de la scène
85
86
87
“Just like the moon, Luc has 4 phases: Phase 1 - first quarter: by some stroke of luck, you get a chance to speak with Luc. Phase 2 - half-moon: he sees your CV and suggests you change career. Phase 3 - three-quarter moon: you work together for the first time, and the moon can be as hot as the sun. Phase 4 - full moon: you now work together...you have changed career. This is when the dark side of the moon appears...”
Fred DECOUX Assistant Administrator, MEDIA RES
88
89
90
91
“From the piece of cloth to the finished product, the art of couture is revealed over time.”
92
93
94
TEA AWARDS 2017 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CALIFORNIA 4 AWARDS AT EUBEA 2016 IN SAINT-PETERSBURG SILVER AWARD AT BEA 2016 IN BELGIUM 95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
“Luc PETIT is a conductor. There are few idealists left in the world of urban entertainment who can conduct a perfect symphony that features several hundred people, artists and troupes, from Belgium and abroad (spanning 300 metres in the middle of the street for “Décrocher la Lune”), based on a solid score that has been cunningly orchestrated.
Luc keeps this music in his head until the very last minute and he brings forth each artist as though playing a note from a score, and the results are always spectacular.”
DEUS EX MACHINA Aerial performance director
103
“The first time I met Luc was in La Louvière on the enormous stage of “Décrocher la Lune”. Working on that production and collaborating with him and his staff was so impressive. Another thing I remember is during a rehearsal in Geneva. My technical director was on the verge of solving a technical issue in the roofing with our ropers for the percussionists. Just when Luc was about to start the rehearsal with his entire team of artists and technicians, we were standing on a girder and the lift was in motion. Luc came to talk to me, as over 200 actors were waiting to get started. He started yelling at me in English, in my face from half a metre away, then he switched to French, but I had no idea what he was saying.
104
I had to admit though that he was right and I apologised. I also remember the anniversary show at Cinecittà in Rome, when Luc gave us some antique golden frames so that we could fly through the air under the drums. Unfortunately, the 4 frames went missing after the show... At our most recent major show in Brussels, for ATOMIUM, Luc came looking for me on the day we were dismantling everything and waited to meet me in order to thank me. It was a real honour for me.”
TEAM X TREME Aerial performances
105
106
107
108
“An ineffable world that combines Baroque grace and avant-garde poetry”
109
TOURNAI D’ÉTÉ Heritage Opera - Tournai, BELGIUM - 2020
FOR ONE SUMMER, THE FORMER GARDENS OF THE ABBEY OF SAINTMARTIN OF TOURNAI BROUGHT HISTORY AND TOURNAI FOLKLORE TO LIFE IN A BEAUTIFUL AND ORIGINAL ALLEGORICAL SETTING. AS THE AUDIENCE SET OFF ON THEIR TRIP THROUGH TIME, SEATED IN COMPLIANCE WITH SANITARY PRECAUTIONS IN A SETTING CROWNED WITH MAJESTIC FOLIAGE, THEY WERE TRANSPORTED AND PLUNGED INTO A STARRY OPERA IN A SHINING CATHEDRAL OF GREENERY WHOSE PILLARS STRETCHED UPWARDS TO THE FIRMAMENT. THE SPACE WAS REIMAGINED BY ORGAN MUSIC SEQUENCED WITH LED PROJECTORS AIMED AT EACH SURROUNDING TREE, CREATING AN ENTIRELY VERTICAL AND CONTEMPORARY SYMPHONY, PUNCTUATING AND LEADING THE POETIC, CHOREOGRAPHED EVOCATIONS.
110
111
“1978. Notélé, Tournai’s regional television station, was 1 year old. Luc PETIT was 15. The young teenager felt boxed in by a school education that stifled his boundless creativity. Even though some teachers allowed him to use short films to illustrate his essays, the world of school remained very suffocating. As a release, Luc presented programmes on Radio Interim, the most popular free radio station in Tournai. He joined the young team at Notélé “on a volunteer basis” to provide musical illustrations. Before long, his nascent creativity and talent “exploded” into the world of audiovisual media and the beginnings of video, via a wide range of different productions, musical recordings, clips promoting local and regional artists, and more.
112
For three years, he thus led a double life. During the day, he sat at his desk at secondary school, and in the evening and often into the night, he sat at the editing table at Notélé. In 1982, after obtaining his secondary school leaving certificate, he joined the production department at I.A.D. I was won over by his talent and the skills he had acquired, combined with his education, and I commissioned him to direct a dozen 30-minute fictional films for a project we had been awarded as part of a call for tenders from the Belgian National Employment Office. He respected the educational nature of the project, but Luc PETIT already began to give free rein to his imagination, his sense of original and remarkable scenery and his skill at choosing and directing actors.
He willingly trusted young Belgian actors with a bright future ahead of them, including Christian Hecq, future member of the Comédie-Française, Natacha Amal, Bernard Yerlès and Luc Van Grunderbeeck. In 1994, he was given the opportunity to direct one of the giants of international cinema. During the filming of Germinal, in the Valenciennes region, Gérard Depardieu agreed to participate in the production of an advert to raise awareness of inclusion for disabled people. At a moment’s notice, in under two hours and with the cooperation of the great actor and a young actor with Down’s syndrome, Luc PETIT wrapped six different adverts, one of which went on to win at the Cannes Lions Awards.
But the world of cinema, advertising and directing was beginning to feel ‘small’ to him. He knew it inside out by then. His aspirations moved elsewhere. His encounter with Franco Dragone was to prove crucial in his choice to explore the wider and more varied world of events. There, he was able to flex the full range of his talents as a veritable property manager for events and shows. I am particularly delighted and proud that Notélé was able to contribute for nearly fifteen years to the birth and then the affirmation of the internationally renowned artist he is today.
Jean-Pierre WINBERG Directeur of NOTÉLÉ from 1977 to 2015
113
114
115
v ie wed by r e t n i T I Lu c PET m a ck , s el Ha r r y R o i s t nal TF1 jour
116
117
118
119
INFERNO Commemorative show - Waterloo, BELGIUM - 2015
A BATTLEFIELD FULL OF DREAMS AND EMOTIONS. THIS WAS LUC PETIT’S AND VO COMMUNICATION’S VISION OF INFERNO, THE OPENING SHOW FOR THE COMMEMORATIONS OF THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO. DRAWING HIS INSPIRATION FROM VICTOR HUGO’S POEM “L’EXPIATION” (“THE EXPIATION”) FOR THE STORY AND THE SET DESIGN, HE TRANSPORTED THE 12,000 SPECTATORS TO THE HEART OF THE HELL OF WAR AND THE POETRY OF THE PERFORMANCE. ON A STAGE 170 METRES IN LENGTH, 300 RE-ENACTORS, 50 HORSES AND 150 ARTISTS RECREATED THE APOCALYPTIC ATMOSPHERE OF EMPEROR NAPOLEON’S FINAL BATTLE.
120
121
“The first time I met Luc PETIT was in Seville in 2015, for the 10th annual EuBEA festival. He presented the “commemoration of the bicentennial of the Battle of Waterloo”, an event that was revolutionary in the live entertainment industry thanks to the complexity of its production and, above all, the visionary approach taken to the challenge of combining an opening night with three nights of commemoration, attended by 128,000 people! Thanks to this event, Luc was awarded the Grand Prize and, thanks to his other 7 prizewinning projects, was named best creative director of the year. A magician or an alchemist of the events industry...how can you sum up Luc PETIT in one word? The thing about him that surprises me the most is how he combines innovative disciplines with cutting-edge technologies to produce ambiances that take your breath away, without ever losing his own personal artistic and people-focused approach.”
Salvatore SAGONE Chairman of ADC GROUP BEA Awards
122
Bernard YERLÈS
123
124
125
“Does one work for or with Luc? I think the best way to describe our collaboration is as a combination of the two: it involves transcribing his ideas, adding value in response to his requests and exceeding his expectations.”
Jean-Marc VOET Founder of LPL FIREWORKS
8 PRIZES AT EUBEA 2015 IN SEVILLE BEST EXCEPTIONAL EVENT AT THE SALON DES TROPHÉES DE L’ÉVÉNEMENT 2016 IN CANNES GOLDEN PRIZE AT THE BEA 2016 IN BELGIUM 126
“He is a designer, producer and director of magical, enchanted shows...there are countless facets to his talent, which has long been internationally renowned. Like a phoenix, he is always born again in every one of his original productions, and his world has no limits. Every time we meet, it is a real delight. Over and above his work as an artist, he is above all a great person.”
Jean-Pierre TORDEUR Manager of Paris Match BeLux
127
HOUGOUMONT FARM Museography - Waterloo, BELGIUM - 2015
IN THE PRESENCE OF PRINCE CHARLES AND OF THE DESCENDANTS OF NAPOLEON, WELLINGTON AND BLÜCHER, HOUGOUMONT FARM, A STRATEGIC LOCATION THAT PLAYED A DECISIVE ROLE IN DETERMINING THE OUTCOME OF THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO, WAS UNVEILED DURING THE CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY. TEMPORA, A COMPANY SPECIALISING IN THE DESIGN AND REALISATION OF EXHIBITIONS, COMMISSIONED LUC PETIT TO DEVISE A MODERN, INNOVATIVE SET DESIGN. THANKS TO IMAGES PROJECTED ONTO THREE LARGE MOBILE BAS-RELIEFS, VISITORS DISCOVERED AND EXPERIENCED THE EMOTION OF THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN THIS SYMBOLIC PLACE AND LEARNED HOW THE FARM FOUGHT OFF THE ONSLAUGHT FROM THE FRENCH. IT COMBINES A CINEMATOGRAPHIC APPROACH WITH 3D TECHNOLOGY AND HIGH-TECH VIDEO MAPPING TO PRODUCE A UNIQUE VISITOR EXPERIENCE.
128
“My first encounter with Luc dates back to almost twenty years ago, in the Trench of Arenberg, where Claude Berri’s Germinal was filmed. Luc was filming a report there about the restoration of historical mining sites. He invited me along because, at that time, Tempora was wrapping up the museographic and scenographic layout of the Bois du Cazier coal mine. This encounter was the opportunity for me to meet a character who was ploughing an artistic furrow far-removed from the trends and cliques that are so toxic to the cultural scene. We have worked together on other projects since then. Some I particularly remember are “Mémorial de Waterloo” (“Waterloo Memorial”), at Hougoumont Farm, the “From Texas to Bastogne” show and now the exhibition “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, un Petit Prince parmi les hommes”. During these great adventures, Luc would light a fire under his staff, not for fun but to ensure they rose to the artistic ambition that these fantastic projects justified. He also provided a form of cross-pollination and transversality by calling on disciplines that are too often used on their own, but that when combined in a harmonious whole can express and support the full power of the message. Finally, Luc has always been and still is driven by a desire to unveil the world using poetry, wonder and emotion, the only thing that can stir us up. Thank you, Luc, for all we have done together and especially for what we will do in the future. I cannot help but think, as the poet Alphonse de Lamartine wrote, that we undoubtedly share “that aspiration that proves there is another atmosphere”. ”
Benoît REMICHE Founder of TEMPORA 129
ORIGIN Permanent show - Han-sur-Lesse, BELGIUM - 2018
IN THE HEART OF THE HAN CAVES (3 STARS IN THE MICHELIN GUIDE), THE MAJESTIC ARMS ROOM IS THE SETTING FOR A BRAND-NEW SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW, UNDERNEATH THE VIDEO PROJECTIONS, USING CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS PROJECTION MAPPING AND LASERS. FOR THIS NEW CHALLENGE IN SUCH AN ORIGINAL LOCATION, LUC PETIT RECRUITED SOME OF THE BEST ARTISTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISCIPLINES. “ORIGIN”, AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, PLUNGES VISITORS INTO THE ORIGINS OF OUR UNIVERSE, GOING BACK TO THE BIG BANG, BUT ALSO COVERS SPACE TRAVEL AND TAKES THE AUDIENCE ON A TRIP TO THE UNDERSEA WORLD AND TO THE PLANT AND ANIMAL KINGDOMS. THE IMAGES PROJECTED ONTO THE NATURAL WALLS OF THE ROOM REVEAL THE FULL BEAUTY OF THE CONCRETIONS AND RELIEFS CREATED BY THE RIVER.
130
131
“The thing I particularly appreciated about our conversations was his intuition, which is the prerogative of talented people. He is not necessarily someone who communicates very much, but his artistic integrity allows his vision of what a show should be to shine through. I particularly enjoyed working for the show in the caves at Han-sur-Lesse and I think it was a great success - it was so poetic and perfect for such a location! I would like to thank him for the trust he placed in me.”
Marie-Jeanne GAUTHÉ Set Designer, Video Designer
BEST EVENT LOCATION AWARD 2019 132
133
“One day, Luc PETIT came to us and said: I want to create a show in the Han Caves. Our existing sound and light show was 25 years old at that point and for several years we had been wanting to replace it with something with a greater ‘wow’ factor, something that would use the latest technologies to show off the beauty of the Caves. We had not yet chosen a partner for this project, however. We wondered if we could afford such a great artist. The answer was clear: the Han Caves deserved the best. We worked very closely with Luc. He enlisted the finest artists in video mapping, musical composition and sound and light techniques, lending his own personal touch to create a breathtaking and completely immersive experience with a world of colours, images and sounds that takes you back to the origins of the world and the Caves themselves. It is not a show in the Caves; it is the show of the Caves. Over 30,000 people come to see it every year and walk away amazed. Thank you Luc and all your team.”
Brigitte Malou Assistant Administrator, Han Caves Estate
134
135
136
137
MIDNIGHT SUMMER WEDDING Private event - Beirut, LEBANON - 2017
FOR A LEBANESE WEDDING IN BEIRUT, LUC PETIT PLUNGED SPECTATORS INTO A MAGICAL FOREST FILLED WITH MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES. OVER 100 ARTISTS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD POOLED THEIR TALENTS TO CREATE A LIVING FRESCO THAT COMBINED ACTORS, MAGICIANS, MUSICIANS, DANCERS AND AERIAL PERFORMERS.
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
FORT LEGACY STORY OF A NATION Commemorative show - Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - 2013
“STORY OF A FORT LEGACY OF A NATION” IS A VISUAL AND MUSICAL POEM PRODUCED BY FRANCO DRAGONE THAT PAYS A MOVING HOMAGE TO BEDOUIN CULTURE AND TO THE 250-YEAR HISTORY OF THE EMIRATES. FRANCO DRAGONE COMMISSIONED LUC PETIT AND HIS TEAM TO HANDLE THE CASTING FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY PRODUCTION.
148
149
150
151
DISNEY CINEMA PARADE Grand Parade - Paris, FRANCE - 2002
DISNEY ASKED FRANCO DRAGONE, LUC PETIT AND DANIELLE ROY TO DESIGN AND CREATE THE DISNEY CINEMA PARADE, A FUN AND POETIC PARADE THAT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE SILVER SCREEN AND CELEBRATES DISNEY’S GREATEST CLASSICS. ALTHOUGH MODERN, IT STAYED FAITHFUL TO THE IMAGINARY WORLD OF DISNEY.
152
153
154
“Some encounters mark you for life...when you are a real creator in your soul, you are always dreaming and thinking up stories. When you feel the urge to dance as soon as you hear the first notes of music ring out. When you love artists and you love watching their talent bloom. When you love art in all its forms, you cannot remain unmoved by an encounter with Mr Luc PETIT... For the past 20 years, and thanks to him, I have been able to explore some incredible artistic universes all around the world, often in the most surprising locations. Thanks to him, I have been able to push the limits of my creativity like never before and turn an artistic scene into a moment of grace. He is a painter of living pictures. His brushes swirl over the canvas to bring forth explosive combinations that raise up art to the heavens...Thank you for being able to make art resonate like no-one else can. Thank you for all the emotions you have created. Thank you Luc...”
Serge KYPRIOTTI Events director for DISNEYLAND PARIS
155
THE PERGOLA SHOW Private event - Florence, ITALY - 2018
ON THE FIRST NIGHT, A SURREALIST DINNER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARLES KAISIN WAS HELD IN THE SALONE DEI CINQUECENTO IN PALAZZO VECCHIO. ON THE SECOND NIGHT, THE TEATRO DELLA PERGOLA WAS ILLUMINATED BY AN INTERNATIONAL CAST AND CREW. AN UNEXPECTED BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH UNIQUE SETS, PROJECTION MAPPING, AERIAL PERFORMERS, REALISTIC EFFECTS AND MIRRORED PERFORMANCES, AND STARRING SPECIAL GUESTS SUCH AS ARTURO BRACHETTI AND KATY PERRY.
156
157
“We have been working on and off with Luc for several years now. Brussels, La Louvière, Vienna, Tournai...the list goes on. Every time, it has been a challenge and an adventure, the opportunity for us to bring the distinctive perspective of clowns into the poetic world of Luc’s creations: a clown’s unique point of view projected in these massive enchanted machines. Our longing for the imaginary is fulfilled by the dreamlike, living images that are created.”
OKIDOK troupe Clowning
Arturo BRACHETTI
158
159
160
161
162
“Luc very poetically combines performing arts and entertainment with themes that pique our curiosity. He uses light to play with the space he occupies in order to showcase his performers. Music and costumes contribute to the topic he has chosen to explore, allowing spectators to travel through his dream, which he is passionate about sharing with us. From their finest detail to their most impressive structure, his stage productions, whether large or small, will surprise, amaze and challenge young and old alike. He is a trailblazer in the performing arts industry and gives every artist he meets a share of the spotlight in order to bring out the best in them. I respect that!”
Charles KAISIN Designer
163
THE ENCHANTED CASTLE Corporate show - Munich, GERMANY - 2012
FOR THE AMWAY CHINA GALA IN MUNICH, LUC PETIT DESIGNED A UNIVERSE WORTHY OF THE CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES. INSPIRED BY THE GREAT ILLUSIONS OF DANI LARY, HE DECIDED TO ELEVATE THE MAGICIAN’S ART BY INCORPORATING IT INTO A PRODUCTION COMPRISING 30 DANCERS, 15 MAGICIANS, 20 SWORD-FIGHTERS, 3 DRESSAGE RIDERS, A FLOCK OF PARROTS AND WATERFALL FOUNTAINS.
164
165
166
“When Luc asked me to work with him, I would never have imagined that I would still be a member of his crew 20 years down the line. Thanks to him, I have been able to develop a facet of my artistic work with which I had been largely unfamiliar up to then: the work of the clown and of the master of ceremonies. Over the course of these original productions and events, I met international artists from across all artistic worlds, and developed performances and techniques that were extremely original. Over and above the incredibly rich professional aspect, it has also been an exceptional human experience, involving dedicated and talented people. Thank you, Luc, for all these magical adventures, from your friend and travelling companion.”
Gilles MONNART Dancer, Actor, Choreographer
167
How did I meet Luc? (in 1985, in the corridors of the Lycée Campin school in Tournai, the town of our birth): from the back, a rhetoric student who walked as though he were floating on air called out to me... A few years later (1990), we met up again when he was the director and I was a dancer for the first triennial of the Tournai Museum of Tapestry, and I was giving a performance for the inauguration... Luc will say that he remembers me, wrapped up in a rug like Cleopatra! One of my first shows with him was about Leonardo da Vinci, for the inauguration of the Luminus factory in Ghent. My first flight (hooked up to a crane). First fireworks above the dancers (almost among the dancers). That was back in 1998...it is a wonderful memory. Another thing that brings us together is our Baroque nature, locations like châteaux (Enghien, Beloeil, etc.) and of course Venice and its carnival. One highlight for my troupe and myself was when Luc took us to Venice to dance at the Hofburg. Of course, there were the first performances of “Décrocher la Lune”, the tours to Munich and other places, “Noël des Cathédrales” and “Les Féeries de Beloeil”. There have also been a great many original productions in Belgium, in which my dancers from Danses & Cie and myself have participated as often as possible. Thank you, Luc, for giving of yourself. Thank you for letting us make people dream, together... long may it continue!
Xavier GOSSUIN Dancer, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Centre d’expression et de créativité Danses & Cie 168
169
“The first time I met Luc PETIT, I thought he was a madman. He asked me to realise my vertical levitation act offstage. He came with his stage manager in order to assess the space it would take up, and we were already starting to dream. Luc PETIT has a sharp eye and an unrivalled sense for the artistic. I remember the most beautiful show I’ve put on in my life - it was with him. “Amway Munich” was based on the concept of the château, which was a reference we had in common. The decor was recreated, entirely in white, and featuring video mapping. At that time, I had never seen this before. A surface 30 metres in length, with overhead projection, water fountains, the presence of Mario Luraschi, walking on the ceiling, and one final crazy request: reveal a horse inside a carriage. I had already achieved this at the Stade de France stadium, but never with the restrictions imposed by the stage. It was a first for me, and I then had the opportunity to do it again on the “Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde” (“The Greatest Cabaret in the World”) TV programme on France 2. Luc PETIT wanted to add six magicians around my act, “Le Magicien du Roi” (“The King’s Magician”), illustrating the flowered château.
170
The water fountain sequence, originally planned as part of my show, was multiplied a thousandfold and became a spectacular performance. For one night only, the richness, the number and the quality of the acts on offer meant this show could easily have been scheduled for 31 December on any major TV channel in the world. From the very first rehearsals, I was surprised at how calm everyone was, and I discovered the job of topper, which was brand-new to me. I heard the stage managers tell people that I was ready, ask for everything to be brought onstage and then give me the cue to come on: 3, 2, 1, go! Great peace of mind for a great show, led by a great professional. In Rome, he told me that a girl would be flying, surrounded by balloons, while a giant camel would come towards me during the show. Unheard of and remarkably complex. There are very few great directors who have a backbone solid enough to take on projects of this scale. Luc PETIT can call on me whenever he likes.” Dani Lary
Magician & Illusionist
“I have had the opportunity to work with Luc PETIT on several occasions on some very interesting projects, including one that was born out of an amazing idea: working in a limited space, placing a horse inside a water curtain onto which Luc projected some incredible lighting effects. We were in Cinecittà, the legendary studios that had fallen into disuse but that he brought back to life for a single evening, a show worthy of the silver screen.”
Mario LURASCHI Chairman of CAVALCADE 171
“Original productions that encourage the audience to use their imagination.”
172
173
METINVEST Corporate show - Donetsk, UKRAINE - 2011
IN COLLABORATION WITH FILMMASTER EVENTS AND UNDER THE ARTISTIC DIRECTION OF MARCO BALICH, LUC PETIT THOUGHT UP A CORPORATE SHOW IN UKRAINE FOR METINVEST PERFORMED ON A STAGE FLOATING IN THE MIDDLE OF A LAKE.
174
175
“When I think back to that period, I immediately see you as one of the most elegant directors of original productions with whom I’ve worked. In Donetsk, I was able to congratulate you for your unique ability to combine different techniques and staging configurations to create wonderment and awe for the audience. Your unique trademark style always produces beauty and admiration.”
Marco BALICH Chairman of BALICH WORLD SHOWS
176
THIRD PRIZE OF BEST INTERNAL COMPANY EVENT AT THE EUBEA 2011 177
LES BASTIONS Opening ceremony - Tournai, BELGIUM - 2018
FOR THE OPENING OF THE GIGANTIC LES BASTIONS SHOPPING CENTRE IN TOURNAI, LUC PETIT WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE VO EVENT EVENTS AGENCY TO DEVISE A SUITABLE INAUGURATION. THOUSANDS OF TOURNAI RESIDENTS TURNED UP TO ATTEND THIS BREATHTAKING SPECTACLE. DANCERS, DIVERS, JUGGLERS AND FIREWORKS JOINED FORCES TO MAKE IT AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT.
178
179
“Luc PETIT’s original productions are to entertainment what haute couture is to fashion.”
180
Jean Paul GAULTIER
181
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Fashion Parade - Montreal, CANADA 2011
FOR THE 2011 JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL IN MONTREAL, THE FESTIVAL’S STREET ARTISTS PUT ON AN ORIGINAL PRODUCTION BY ROY BOX, A CARNIVAL INSPIRED BY DESIGNER JEAN PAUL GAULTIER - SOCIAL, ELEGANT AND FUN - AS PART OF A COLOURFUL WEEKEND. NOT EVEN FRANCE HAS EVER PAID SUCH SPECTACULAR HOMAGE TO THE ENFANT TERRIBLE OF FASHION! BASED ON THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION BY DANIELLE ROY AND IN LINE WITH THE “LA PLANÈTE MODE DE JEAN PAUL GAULTIER - DE LA RUE AUX ÉTOILES” (“THE FASHION WORLD OF JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FROM THE SIDEWALK TO THE CATWALK”) EXHIBITION AT THE MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, THE CANADIAN ARTIST WORKED WITH LUC PETIT TO PRESENT A SUPERB PARADE INSPIRED BY JEAN PAUL GAULTIER.
182
183
184
THE PARADE HAD AN INTERNATIONAL FLAVOUR AND INVOLVED A LARGE NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, BUT ABOVE ALL IT GAVE OVER 1600 CITIZENS OF GREATER MONTREAL THE CHANCE TO JOIN THE PARTY. IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT JEAN PAUL GAULTIER HAS ALWAYS DRAWN INSPIRATION FROM THE STREETS WHEN DESIGNING HIS EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTIONS. THIS TIME, THE STREETS TOOK INSPIRATION FROM HIM. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE QUINTESSENTIAL MARINIÈRES WERE ON DISPLAY, BUT BUSTIERS WITH CONICAL BRAS, AS CREATED FOR MADONNA BY JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, ALSO FILLED THE STREETS.
185
WHEN DANIELLE ROY ASKED HIM TO DRESS ROSE, THE WIFE OF THE FESTIVAL’S GREEN MASCOT VICTOR, FOR THE OCCASION, THE DESIGNER DECIDED TO ADD A DASH OF EXTRAVAGANCE BY GIVING HER ONE OF HIS FAMOUS POINTED BRAS TO WEAR...ON HER HEAD. HE PROMOTED GENDER EQUALITY: “HE’S GOT HORNS, SO SHE CAN HAVE THEM TOO!”. FESTIVALGOERS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY ON SATURDAY 16 JULY TO WITNESS THIS GRAND “READY-TO-WEAR” CATWALK AS IT MADE ITS WAY FROM THE MUSEUM TO PLACE DES ARTS. ON SUNDAY 17 JULY, THE CATWALK WAS STAGED BY LUC PETIT AND DANIELLE ROY, AND IT TRANSFORMED INTO A LARGE-SCALE URBAN SHOW IN PLACE DES FESTIVALS. THE GUEST ARTISTS SHARED THE STAGE WITH THE LOCALS AND BROUGHT AN ENSEMBLE OF EIGHT TABLEAUX TO LIFE, INSPIRED BY THE THEMES ADDRESSED IN THE DESIGNS OF JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND DANCING TO ROUTINES THEY HAD LEARNED DURING VARIOUS PREPARATORY WORKSHOPS. THE COSTUMES MAY HAVE BEEN DAZZLING AND THE HAIRSTYLES AND MAKEUP MAY HAVE BEEN REMINISCENT OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS CATWALKS IN THE WORLD, BUT THE MAIN AMBITION OF THIS PROJECT WAS TO COMBINE EMOTIONS WITH THE SPECTACULAR. THE CARNIVAL WAS PRODUCED BY ROY BOX AND PRESENTED AS PART OF JUST FOR LAUGHS. IT FEATURED JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, WHO SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY TOUCHED BY THE SIGHT OF THE PROCESSION, WHICH HE SAW AS A “CHILDHOOD DREAM”.
186
- Jean Paul GAULTIER -
187
188
189
MAIS IL EST OÙ LE SOLEIL ? 3 editions
Fashion shows - Brussels, BELGIUM / St-Tropez, FRANCE Berlin, GERMANY - 2009, 2010, 2011
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY FOLLOWED BY THE 2ND ANNUAL SHOW AND THEN THE “AUTUMN/WINTER” FASHION COLLECTION ARE 3 FASHION SHOWS THAT LUC PETIT DESIGNED FOR THE BELGIAN BRAND “PRÊT-À-PORTER” FOR “MAIS IL EST OÙ LE SOLEIL ?” DANCERS, ACROBATS AND EVEN A HORSE SURROUNDED BY A WATER CURTAIN HARMONIOUSLY JOINED FORCES WITH THE MODELS ON THE CATWALK TO ENHANCE THE POETIC PRESENTATION OF THE ITEMS IN THE COLLECTION.
190
191
“Our crew really enjoyed working with Luc PETIT, as he is very clear in his work with technicians and creates and maintains a common language that brings out the best in our water effects for his shows. I remember that the event we did for Nestlé ended with a very unusual scene, as the artists were still annoyed about the cold water from our Aqua Graphic waterfall, so our crew and Luc’s ended up dancing in the falling water to show them that the temperature was OK.”
Olivier JACOB Communications Officer AQUATIC SHOW 192
193
194
195
196
197
CINECITTÀ SHOW Private event - Rome, ITALY - 2013
IN AN ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY SETTING ON THE LEGENDARY “CINECITTÀ” CINEMA STAGE, LUC PETIT COMBINED A SERIES OF ASTOUNDING ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES TO OFFER THE AUDIENCE AN INCREDIBLE PARADE AND A NEW INDOOR SHOW IN ROME, FEATURING TWO WORLD-FAMOUS SINGERS: EMELI SANDÉ AND ALICIA KEYS.
198
199
“We did participate in a number of spectacular artistic projects directed by Luc PETIT: it was always a rewarding challenge and a powerful moment of togetherness with all the artists and technicians involved in the show. Luc knows how to pick the right artists and technicians, the greatest toppers and the most professional and original troupes. We always formed a warm, tightly knit group from a human and an artistic perspective, and this saw us through the production of magical and even, I might say, phantasmagorical shows. Given Luc’s impetuous nature, this solidarity always acted as a powerful glue that held us together during the events.
200
As soon as the idea for the show was put forward, I started work on the aerial dance routines in order to try to follow the director’s synopsis as closely as possible, asking him questions, drawing inspiration from his own personal universe and keeping the overall result in mind, as the peculiarity of his shows is the way in which they juxtapose troupes of very different characters from around the world to form a fairy tale from his own imagination.”
Brigitte MOREL Choreographer for MOTUS MODULE
201
202
203
“My first experience of working with Luc was on a major private event in Ukraine. It was a very exciting experience, and Luc and his crew managed to transform a run-of-the-mill business convention into a high-level theatrical performance. Our job was to use fireworks to extend the stage area; at one point in the show, the theatre background (erected on a massive platform floating on a lake) was to fall down onto the water, to the amazement of the audience, and thus open up the stage area to cover the entire lake.
204
I was fascinated by his abilities and his impressive vision of the show, which was able to stir up a range of different emotions among different types of audience. Working with him is always an emotional experience, and a great pleasure.”
Antonio PARENTE Creative director & Partner Parente Fireworks Group
205
206
Alicia KEYS
207
208
209
210
211
“I met Luc in 1994, at the opening of the ‘Paradisio’ wildlife park, now known as ‘Pairi Daiza’. At that time he was working for a communications agency that handled the park’s advertising. I remember meeting him at the entrance to a parrot aviary and being impressed at his knowledge of the birds. The man I met was very inquisitive and very sensitive to beauty, which really brought us closer together. Back then, I was a clueless gardening business owner. I was just starting out and Luc PETIT had not yet embarked on his solo career. We were following the same star: the star of beauty. I couldn’t say whether it worked out for me, but it certainly did for him.”
Éric DOMB Founder & Chairman of PAIRI DAIZA
212
213
214
215
“Luc PETIT is a magician of mysteries and enchantment, and a master storyteller with plenty more dreams in store”
216
217
LES FÉERIES DE BELOEIL 1st et 2nd edition
Heritage opera - Beloeil castle, BELGIUM 2018, 2019
A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF FAIRYTALES AND LEGENDS A MAGICAL EVENING IN THE GARDENS OF THE BELGIAN VERSAILLES, HUNDREDS OF ARTISTS ILLUMINATED BY A GRANDIOSE FIREWORK DISPLAY CREATED A SPECTACULAR PRODUCTION IN THE SKY, ON THE WATER ANDUNDER THE STARS.
218
219
“The first time I met Luc was in May 2016, in Namur. I had invited several event organisers there to promote our pyrotechnics shows. I still remember seeing him in the audience before the show and telling the rest of the crew that he was there. Luc has a presence and an aura about him. The young people I was supervising at the time were a little intimidated, but above all they wanted to give everything they had and push the boundaries of the show. He hit us with some pretty cutting comments at the end of the performance, but I could nevertheless tell that he wanted to work with us again. Luc’s words are sometimes harsh and his criticisms piercing, but they are always fair. He gave us time to let our shows bed in and invited us to join the first project on which we worked together: Atomium, in Heysel, in April 2017. This gigantic project was the beginning of a beautiful adventure, with dancers, fireworks operators, choreographers and even skysurfing over the Heysel pond. Since then, we have been involved in most of Luc’s projects.
220
I have to admit that he has made a huge contribution towards letting my group of artists develop as professionals. His sometimes imposing presence has now become a form of rapport. We are openly delighted to welcome Luc’s ideas and dance routines, whether at Beloeil, on the “Noël des Cathédrales” tour or playing an allegory of the German army in Bastogne in the process of reconstituting the Battle of the Ardennes. By now, a mutual trust has developed between us and we, the 14 members of Pyronix, never skimp on putting in the hours required for the original productions of this giant of the Belgian and international events industry.”
Benjamin PLACE Director of PYRONIX PRODUCTION
221
222
223
“The first time I worked with Luc, he asked me to squawk like a parrot! He then asked me to do a voiceover and work with him to come up with a killer slogan, all for...200 Belgian francs, the cost of broadcasting a commercial advert on Notélé in the 80s. A little later, Luc was there when I took my first steps on stage in the North of France, in small and poorly lit cabarets, which actually meant you couldn’t see when there was no audience. More recently, he asked me to perform for “Les Féeries de Beloeil”. What a delight it was, playing the philosophy teacher in “Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme”; Luc even dared commit the delicious sacrilege of using my prose to replace the words of a certain JeanBaptiste Poquelin, better known to the world as Molière. Luc has 1,000 ideas a minute and enough ambition to accomplish all of them. For him, nothing is impossible. He was born with the wings of ecstasy. He lost no time in spreading those wings and taking flight, and since them his shows have been 100% fiat-free.”
Bruno COPPENS Comedian and author of comedy books
224
“I had the opportunity to meet Luc a few years ago during a work meeting with Franco Dragone. Our eyes met and it was clear that we already knew each other... undoubtedly from another life...we trusted each other instantly and magic did the rest. The artistic realisations were intense, packed with unexpected twists and turns and, at the end of the day, always just as spectacular. I am honoured to form part of Luc’s crew and I would define him in only one word: “RESPECT”. I remain discreet but always faithful to his fairytale artistic fancies!”
Nana FRANÇOIS Dancer & Choreographer
225
226
“Meeting Luc is first and foremost like meeting a painter, a craftsman whose apron is too taut, too stretched and too short. He thinks big. He can see the final composition of the image he is aiming for, even if he has to make do with what is actually there when he is creating.”
John John MOSSOUX Improvisor, Actor & Street artist 227
NOËL DES CATHÉDRALES Christmas shows - Wallonia tour, BELGIUM / Lille, FRANCE from 2016 to today
NOËL DES CATHÉDRALES IS A TOUR OF INCREDIBLE SHOWS ORGANISED BY THE ‘LES NOCTURNALES’ ASSOCIATION TO SHOWCASE LEGENDARY HISTORIC LOCATIONS IN WALLONIA, BRUSSELS AND FRANCE. THESE SHOWS ARE UNIQUE AND HAVE BEEN PROMOTING WALLON AND BRUSSELS HERITAGE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THE IDEA STARTED OUT AS A SINGLE SHOW DEVOTED TO A SINGLE CATHEDRAL OR CHURCH. SINCE THEN, THE CONCEPT HAS BEEN BROADENED TO INCLUDE SEVERAL SHOWS, WHICH FASCINATE YOUNG AND OLD VIEWERS ALIKE.
228
229
“We have had some wonderful experiences working with Luc and one of the main things that struck us was the stunning quality of his crew across the board and the skill with which we found and brought together so many different casts and crews and unified them with the magic that you need to create a show. Luc is a theatrical wizard!”
LOS KAOS Interactive performances
230
“The second time we met was at the Dirty Monitor studios, for the inauguration of Quai 10. I remember feeling very small next to this imposing man with an imposing reputation. When he came into the studio, I felt a kind of ‘silence’, like “Shhh...Luc is here.” Not out of fear, but out of respect for this great man. That evening, we exchanged a few words and a few weeks later he called me for the “Les Sonneurs de Noël” (“Christmas Bell-Ringers”) show. That was the start of our working relationship. For the original production of “Les Sonneurs”, he spent the best part of two long evenings with me, guiding me and explaining his vision of things to me. Since then, time has passed and we have come to trust each other.”
François VANDERMEEREN Lighting designer
231
“Working with Luc PETIT is an unparallelled opportunity to get involved in creating fantasies, emotions and spectacles. When I think of Luc PETIT, I think of his clear and discerning view of shows, his extensive and finely honed knowledge and his touching sensitivity. His shows give us and the artists, dancers and choreographers that we represent the chance to work in a professional setting, supported by a structure and a crew worthy of the largest-scale show productions.
It is a real pleasure. Luc PETIT remains a reference in his field in Belgium, as he masters every aspect of creating and producing shows with panache. It is a difficult balance to strike, as well we know, but he manages it! I hope that the future holds many more thrilling moments, shows and original productions! I also hope that as many artists as possible get to meet him and encounter his work.”
Jeremy LEPINE ASBL Dance Corner & ASBL Association Francophone de la Danse
232
233
234
“We spent a few days together in Hong Kong, where, thanks to Luc, I got the chance to go with him to discover some incredible locations, several shoe shops and, above all, the remarkable person he is. We then returned to Qingdao for the original performance of the show... «the rest is history.»
Some encounters really stand out, and some people artistically and humanly drive you out of your comfort zone so that you can grow. Luc is one of those people. His world embodies dreams and offers a radical new form of escapism.”
Kylian CAMPBELL Choreographer
235
236
237
238
“My encounter with Luc was astonishing, as Luc is himself, in fact. It was the first time in my entire career, all 30 years of it, that a director suggested I approach my act in a different way. It was the first time a director took all the elements of my story and gave them a different slant.
I have to admit that I was sceptical at first, but I decided that, given the references, I was going to trust him. I was right - Luc’s bet paid off, and he breathed new life into the Frères Taquin’s act! In spite of his sometimes domineering personality, working with Luc is a fascinating and very enriching experience! Thank you!”
Les frères TAQUIN Mime & Visual comedy
239
“The stars in the sky shine less brightly than the stars in the eyes of those who trust their dreams”
240
241
“Luc is a creator brimming with passion and energy, and he is always trying to go that little bit further and dream up scenes that will move people. Our troupe has worked with LPC on numerous occasions for events both great and small, and his vision sets him apart from his peers and is guaranteed to wow the audience.”
Hugo NOEL Director of Circus Concepts & Catwall Acrobats
242
243
244
245
15th anniversary of
AMWAY CHINA Corporate show - Amway, CHINA - 2010
AMWAY CHINA INVITED 1,200 OF ITS DISTRIBUTORS TO GENEVA FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY GALA EVENING. THE SHOW’S DECOR FEATURED A CENTRAL STAGE AND FOUR SIDE STAGES SURROUNDED BY 220 METRES OF VIDEO SCREENS. A SUCCESSION OF AMAZING SCENES FLASHED ACROSS THESE SCREENS, GIVING THE IMPRESSION OF A TIME MACHINE.
246
247
248
“It is not easy to find such a creative producer in this milieu who is capable of creating two magnificent shows based on a completely original concept, entertainment, decors and so on. Luc is so creative and multitalented that his total commitment to his work will impress anyone. Bravo!”
Bert LI Assistant Director of AV & Event Production Amway
249
250
“Inspirations, atmospheres and words - that is the briefing Luc gives me before I start designing his costumes. Once we have decided on the choice of fabrics, colours and materials together, the magic happens. The technical challenges you face when working with Luc are numerous, as he is always fiercely trying to showcase the artists’ performance. I could tell you any number of memorable anecdotes, such as a performance involving dancing on the ceiling, in gardens suspended from the set of the Amway China “The Enchanted Castle” show in Munich, when I had to design a dress that stayed in place when upsidedown, in defiance of gravity! I also remember having to design an outfit that could resist a pressure of 200 km per hour when the artist playing Peter Pan took off and flew for over 20 metres in the “Peter Pan” show.”
Florence BAQUIAST Costume designer
251
ET LA PIERRE SE FIT LUMIÈRE Heritage opera - Collegiate of Huy, BELGIUM - 2019
THE HISTORY OF THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF HUY BECOMES A FAIRY TALE THAT COMBINES LIGHTING, LASERS, DANCE AND ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES, WHEN TOLD BY THE “MAGICIAN OF THE IMAGINATION”. THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF NOTRE-DAME DE HUY IS A MAJOR HERITAGE SITE IN WALLONIA AND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GOTHIC SANCTUARIES IN THE COUNTRY. THE ROSE WINDOW PIERCING ITS TOWER IS THE LARGEST IN BELGIUM. ITS TREASURES, DISPLAYED IN ITS ROMAN CRYPT, ARE WORLD-RENOWNED FOR THEIR ENSEMBLE OF MOSAN ART AND FORM ONE OF THE LARGEST COLLECTIONS OF RELIGIOUS ART IN BELGIUM.
252
253
254
“Life is full of mystery. Look at these ephemeral lights crossing the sky: they bring old memories and stories of promises that make life sing. Can you hear its songs, which tell of the future, renewal, birth and eternity?”
255
256
“My encounter with Luc PETIT was unlikely, undreamed of...and magical. During a competition, Luc was won over by my choreography for “Baroque interdit” (“Forbidden Baroque”) thanks to its originality and its black and white costumes. That was our ticket for the girls and me to travel to Brussels, Utrecht and Portugal for NESPRESSO LATISSIMA. It was the start of the “Luc PETIT” adventure. It was a waking dream for all of us, but overcoming my shyness was a real challenge for me. Luc impresses me: his charisma, his professionalism, his very ‘unique’ sense of humour, his creativity and his sensitivity. When I stand before Luc, I stand before “my Master”. I have total respect for his work. He is a Master who shows gratitude to his artists. On that note, I will tell you about the bouquet of roses: after the Nespresso show in Portugal, we saw Luc walking up and down the corridor with a bouquet of roses behind his back. He went past us, once, twice, three times...who was going to get this magnificent bouquet? Believe it or not, I ended up getting it. He gave a long and beautiful speech as he presented it to me: “THANK YOU”. I will never forget that moment. As for our happiest memories, I have to mention Portugal, where we were pampered like princesses and partied with the professional cast all night long. Not forgetting Luc’s SURPRISE 50th birthday party during the Septennales festival in Huy. We will never hear “Happy Day” the same way again. THANK YOU Luc...thank you for your recognition. I can’t wait to hear the “5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Cue the music!” again.”
Catherine DIVE Choreographer & Founder of VARIATION DANSE
257
ATOMIUM Corporate show - Brussels, BELGIUM - 2017
A CORPORATE SHOW IN A UNIQUE LOCATION, WHERE GUESTS FOUND THEMSELVES FACING THE ATOMIUM, THE EMBLEM OF THE AMBITION OF ITS AGE. A FUTURE-FACING STAGING THAT SYMBOLISED THE CLIENT’S VALUES, SUCH AS BRAVERY, INNOVATION AND RISK-TAKING.
258
259
260
“After more than 15 years, we are still just as proud to collaborate with Luc PETIT on striking and exceptional events like the opening of the Brussels Casino or the Inferno show, created for the Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo. The remarkable thing about Luc is the passion and creativity that drive him even today, both in his own productions and when he is working from a briefing or a commission. The end result always exceeds our expectations and continues to transport us to his unique and enchanted world!”
Anthony DELHAUTEUR Senior Events Director at Verhulst Events & Partners SA
261
262
“Now that I have worked with him for years, the man who initially came across as reserved has shown his childlike side, and this side has helped me develop creatively, driven me to push my limits artistically and opened my eyes to other perspectives on performing arts. Thank you Luc!”
Nordin TRAGHANE Choreographer
263
264
265
BESIX
100 years Commemorative show - Brussels, BELGIUM - 2011
ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2009, THE CLOSING SHOW FOR THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY EVENING OF THE BESIX COMPANY WAS PERFORMED AT THE GRAND PALAIS, HEYSEL. LUC PETIT DESIGNED A DIZZYING SHOW ESPECIALLY FOR THE VIP GUESTS OF BESIX, INTENDED TO BE EVERY BIT AS IMPRESSIVE AS THE EVENT ITSELF. THIS UNFORGETTABLE EVENING FEATURED AERIAL BALLET, DANCERS, ACROBATS AND CIRCUS PERFORMERS.
266
267
268
Toots THIELEMANS
269
270
“Stunning shows where History and Art become one and where dreams are created”
271
MILLENIUM Heritage opera - Liège, BELGIUM - 2015
MILLÉNIUM WAS A GIANT LASER MAPPING SHOW, A VERITABLE TECHNICAL FEAT AND A WORLD FIRST THAT GUARANTEED THE EVENING WOULD BE UNFORGETTABLE. IT TOLD 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY AND SHOWCASED THE ARCHITECTURAL RICHNESS OF THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF ST. JACQUES, LIÈGE. LUC PETIT AND MICHEL TEHEUX DEVISED A SUBLIME AND EXTREMELY VISUAL HERITAGE OPERA. DURING THE SHOW, THE AUDIENCE WERE GUIDED BY A CHEEKY LITTLE MONKEY WHO HAD ESCAPED FROM THE MEDIAEVAL STALLS. AS THE MONKEY DANCED THROUGH THE AIR IN THE CHOIR AND UP AND DOWN THE NAVE, THE AUDIENCE’S GAZE FOLLOWED HIM AND DISCOVERED THE FULL BEAUTY OF THE BUILDING.
272
273
274
LARGE-SCALE LASER PROJECTIONS OUTLINED AND EMPHASISED SOME UNEXPECTED ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS. THE IMPRESSIVE SPECIAL EFFECTS MAY HAVE GIVEN THE SHOW A THOROUGHLY MODERN FLAVOUR, BUT THE ORGAN MUSIC AND THE POETRY, PROCLAIMED BY A MYSTERIOUS MASTER OF CEREMONIES, ADDED A TOUCH OF MAGIC TO THIS ORIGINAL PRODUCTION. MILLÉNIUM USED THIS NEW FORM OF ILLUMINATION TO DRAW IN YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE TO A LOCATION STEEPED IN HISTORY AND FACING THE FUTURE.
275
276
277
278
279
DISCOVERY OF A NEW WORLD Residential show - Harbin, CHINA 2015
THE CHALLENGE OF EVOKING AN IMAGINARY VOYAGE THROUGH A VAST CHINESE LANDSCAPE OF ICE WAS ACCEPTED BY LUC PETIT CRÉATION. DRAGONE GROUP COMMISSIONED LUC PETIT TO DESIGN AND DIRECT THE SHOW. THE 1.200 PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE EVERY NIGHT AT THE OPERA THEATRE GET TO WITNESS AN EXTRAVAGANT VERSION OF RAVEL’S BOLERO WHERE THE DANCERS SHARE THE STAGE WITH ROBOTS AND EVEN A POLAR BEAR!
280
281
282
“How would I describe the work of Luc PETIT? He’s a man with a vision. He knows how to blend things together in a way that touches you deep inside. He has the knack of picking the right artist and putting them in the right place, with the right music and the right lighting. The miracle can then happen, and you are confronted with a visual and emotional shock. Even after having worked with him for several years, I learn something new at each show, as every project is vastly different from the last. Luc PETIT is used to putting on his original productions in every imaginable location, and only rarely in theatres. That is what makes them so special. He can speak to people from humble backgrounds and to world leaders; he can move a small group of guests just as well as many thousands of people in a football stadium, and anywhere in the world, because he is fluent in the universal language of art.”
Jack COOPER Magician & Co-Director of « Festival Bruxellons ! »
283
284
285
JUSTE POUR RIRE Parade spectacle - Montreal, CANADA 2008, 2010, 2011
FOR THE CLOSING EVENT OF THE JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL, DESIGNER DANIELLE ROY HAD TAKEN A CRAZY GAMBLE WITH LUC PETIT: ASSEMBLING ALMOST 800 FESTIVALGOERS AND TRANSFORMING THEM INTO STREET ARTISTS FOR AN EVENING. AFTER TEN DAYS OF INTENSIVE PREPARATORY WORKSHOPS, DURING WHICH THEY DESIGNED THEIR C OSTUMES, ACCESSORIES AND MAKEUP, LEARNED HOW TO HANDLE LIGHTING, LEARNED TO WALK AROUND WITH MR. ZO AND TOOK PERCUSSION LESSIONS WITH SAMAJAM, THEY JOINED LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS TO PUT ON A SPECTACULAR CARNIVAL FOR OVER 100,000 SPECTATORS.
286
THIS PARADE, A VERITABLE SYMPHONY TO THE SCENERY OF QUEBEC, FEATURED SECTIONS OF FOREST, LAKES AND ICEBERGS CHANGING SHAPE, FISH JUMPING AND ANIMALS DANCING, AND EVEN A HUMAN BEING: A 51-FOOT-TALL GIANT CARRYING HOPE IN HIS BREAST.
IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL POPULAR CELEBRATION AND THE GAMBLE PA I D OF F F OR T H E SE DR E A M MERCHANTS. A GREAT CHARIVARI... AN EXTRAVAGANCE THAT COCKED A SNOOK AT WINTER. 287
“Working with Luc PETIT was no picnic! When the great director himself arrived in Quebec, he proved to be a rigorous, open-minded, disciplined and highly creative artist. The whole of Quebec had to dance to the tune of the one they politely call “the master”. He is a deeply sensitive man who approaches every project with one goal in mind: to create the greatest show of all time, no matter what the budget is and no matter what the restrictions are. For a young director like me, he has been a mentor, a colleague, a friend and a spiritual father! The world needs more of Luc PETIT”
Patrick ROZON Vice-Chairman of the « Juste pour Rire » group
288
Luc PETIT, Danielle ROY, Patrick ROZON & Le Bonhomme Vert (the “Little Green Guy”)
TROPHY FOR “COUP DE COEUR DE LA PRESSE”, MONTREAL 2010
289
290
291
292
293
“The experience of producing original shows in historical locations, where the unique venue and the heart of a unique design come together”
294
295
LES ROUTES
DE LA LIBERTÉ
&
TEXAS AGGIES go to war
Commemorative shows - Bastogne, BELGIUM - 2014, 2019
BY FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF EMBLEMATIC FIGURES AND THANKS TO THE PARTICIPATION OF OVER 120 EXTRAS, THE 30,000 SPECTATORS IN ATTENDANCE AT THE EVENING WERE PLUNGED INTO THE HEART OF THE BATTLE OF THE ARDENNES. FROM THE HELL OF THAT WINTER IN 44-45 TO THE COLD WAR, ALL THE WAY TO THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL. IMAGES OF FIRE AND LIGHT BLAZED OVER MARDASSON HILL, AND SNOW SWIRLED AROUND ABOVE THE AUDIENCE. BEFORE THEM, THE INTERLACING STORIES PLAYED OUT OF TWO SOLDIERS, ONE AMERICAN AND ONE GERMAN, A NURSE AND A LITTLE GIRL, TAKING A HUMAN APPROACH TO THIS BATTLE IN SPITE OF ITS CRUELTY. THIS SHOW, ENTITLED “LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ” (“THE ROADS TO FREEDOM”), THEN MADE WAY FOR HOPE, IN THE FORM OF POETIC SCENES THAT COMBINED AERIAL BALLET AND DANCE, BEFORE A MASTERFUL FINAL ACT THAT BROUGHT ALL THE CLANS TOGETHER AND SYMBOLISED THE UNITY OF PEOPLES AND OF EUROPE. 296
IN HOMAGE TO THE HEROES OF THE BATTLE OF THE ARDENNES, LUC PETIT CRÉATION AND TEMPORA JOINED FORCES TO CREATE AN AMBITIOUS SHOW ON THE SITE OF THE MEMORIAL ON MARDASSON HILL, BASTOGNE. THE MONUMENT WAS COVERED WITH PROJECTION SCREENS AND BECAME THE SHOWCASE FOR A PYROTECHNICS AND MAPPING SHOW WHERE ARCHIVE IMAGES, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS TOLD THE STORY OF FIVE TEXAS AGGIES, STUDENTS AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, WHO TOOK PART IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR. THE SHOW DAZZLED AND MOVED OVER 30,000 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, WHO WERE TOUCHED BY THE DEDICATION AND SACRIFICE OF THESE HEROES WHO BRAVELY FOUGHT FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE BELGIAN PEOPLE.
297
«Emotions». This word, in the plural, can in itself summarize what I take away from the different collaborations we have experienced. «Bringing emotions to life» seems to me to be Luc’s ultimate, I would even say unique, goal. He keeps repeating it. Spectators feel them on the evening of the performance. But we, the collaborators, see them being born in the months and weeks before. We record
what the volcanologists call «tremors», the first signs before an irruption. They are little shivers in the back of the neck when listening to the outline of the soundtrack, the appearance of a flash image during a meeting, the sparkle in an actor’s eyes during a shoot... Collaborators, we are then impatient to become spectators of the rising magma.
Christophe GAETA Museographer and scenographer
298
“One day, a big guy who looked like a clergyman showed up in my fire organ forge, dressed in dark clothing. He was a man of few words, and pretty introverted. It was Luc PETIT. He was looking for potential new ingredients to add to the bubbling sweet and savoury cauldron of his sumptuous shows. At that time, I could not have imagined that he would cast me in some of his super shows from Lisbon to Donetsk, Ukraine, via Belgium, of course; I am pretty antisocial and rather difficult to get along with. But he knows exactly what he wants, and I think he manages to bring out the finest in every participant he chooses, by placing his trust in them. His great symphony of sights and sounds takes shape in the form of magnificent shows that leave spectators dumbstruck, won over by his perpetual hypersensitivity. Hats off to you, Luc! Much respect.”
Michel MOGLIA Visual and sound sculptor
299
300
THEA AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ 2022
GOLD MEDAL LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ 2019 BEST EDUCATIONAL EVENT
SILVER MEDAL LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ 2019 BEST CULTURAL EVENT
“IMAGES THAT MAKE YOU REMEMBER” “WORDS THAT MAKE YOU UNDERSTAND” “A MONUMENTAL LIVING FRESCO TO MAKE SURE YOU NEVER FORGET”
EVENT AWARD TEXAS AGGIES GO TO WAR 2015 BEST EXCEPTIONAL EVENT
301
302
303
304
305
“AN ORIGINAL APPROACH THAT GOES BEYOND COMMEMORATION AND MAKES EVERYONE A CUSTODIAN OF HISTORY”
306
307
“When you watch Luc work, you sometimes get the impression that his mind is somewhere else, but the truth is quite the opposite: he pursues and cultivates his vision in a very focused manner, and remains perfectly calm - at least, that’s the way it looks. Impressive! It would be amazing to be able to read his thoughts... The shows created by Luc and his crew are incredibly powerful and emotional, and there is virtually no such thing as a stage too large. His latest production, for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Ardennes in Bastogne, in which we were honoured and delighted to participate, affected us on several levels. Rather than being a show, it was a solemn and stirring commemoration of the suffering of war, which seems unimaginable today. Thanks to his sensitive dramatic composition and his moving thoughts on the destiny of individuals, Luc and his crew brought this unthinkable story back to life. In a time when peace is taken for granted, Europe is nonetheless facing the threat of being torn apart by populists.
308
This is why this “commemorative show” also rendered a significant service to Europe. It was a new experience and we would like to thank him for his involvement in it. During this production in particular, where the weather conditions were not in our favour, it was amazing and impressive to watch how the crew worked: they were very motivated, staying physically at or just beyond the limit of their abilities, and they always kept the overall vision in mind, and stayed relaxed and friendly. It was quite simply marvellous to see that working with great professionalism and interacting respectfully with one another were not mutually exclusive. With that in mind, we would like to tell Luc and his crew: “Never change”, and, perhaps, see you soon!”
Tom KNAPPE Windballet
309
310
311
“Committing to a creative project with Luc PETIT means going off the beaten track. He has the imagination, the energy and an incredible power of persuasion that will drive you to push your limits and unlock your amazing hidden talents. For a series of programmes intended to change people’s perspective on the abilities of disabled people, Luc managed to get a whole constellation of stars involved, and I was lucky enough to be able to interview them on the set of “Sans Préjugés” (“Without Prejudice”): Philippe Geluck, Annie Fratellini, Gilbert Montagné, Roland Magdane, Marie-José Nat, François Schuiten and more. Luc doesn’t want to hear the word ‘impossible’; after all, he’s going to do it anyway. Since then, I have been able to count myself lucky as one of the people he trusts implicitly, his dream team, that he calls on for his projects. You never know what to expect when you start work on a project - it all seems so ambitious - but when the production begins to take shape, when the incredible begins to unfold and when the audience starts to get excited, you know that the next time he offers you an impossible project, you can’t see how or why you’d say no!”
Jean-Louis GODET Author & Journalist 312
313
“A blend of theatre and fairground acts that transports the audience to a world of surprises, pleasure and emotions”
314
315
316
317
ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY A LITTLE PRINCE AMONGST MEN Museography - Lyon, FRANCE - 2020
THIS FUN, INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION FEATURING ELABORATE SCENERY IS DIVIDED INTO MULTIPLE AREAS AND IS A UNIQUE VISUAL, EXPERIMENTAL AND EVEN SENSORIAL EXPERIENCE, AS WELL AS A TOTAL IMMERSION INTO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF SAINT-EXUPÉRY AND HIS MOST FAMOUS CHARACTER, THE LITTLE PRINCE. THE EXHIBITION TAKES THE FORM OF A THEMED TRAIL AND PLUNGES VISITORS INTO A SURREAL AND ENCHANTING WORLD, INCLUDING GORGEOUS FLOATING SCULPTURES BY ARNAUD NAZARE-AGA. AT THE END OF THIS ASTONISHING TRAIL IS A VAST IMMERSIVE AREA THAT LETS THE PUBLIC WITNESS A GAME OF HIDE-AND-SEEK BETWEEN THE AUTHOR AND HIS CHARACTER.
318
319
320
“WELCOME TO THE SAINT EXUPÉRY FRATERNITY! THANK YOU FOR THIS SUMPTUOUS EVOCATION” Olivier d’AGAY Director of Civil Society for the work and memory of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
321
“When Benoît Remiche commissioned Christophe Gaëta and myself to design the immersive area of the “Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, un Petit Prince parmi les hommes” exhibition, he could probably never have imagined how delighted I would be. I have spent my whole life creating shows around the world with one obsession in mind: to ensure that visitors see them “with the eyes of a child”. Whether for the “Peter Pan” musical, the “Disney Cinema Parade” or more recently the “Legend of the Immortals” in China, I have always been concerned with ensuring that I, myself, see things through the eyes of a child. My friend Christophe Gaëta, who was the set designer, and I as the director were far from imagining that it would be such a challenge. How is it possible to cover as a life as rich as that of legendary adventurer and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in a little over ten minutes? How were we to approach the timeless French classic “The Little Prince”? Most of all, how could I bring my own perspective and style to the exhibition whilst remaining faithful to the book? This is what we strove to do for several months, working with Christophe Marland from Penseur de Prod (for the creation of the video content) and Vianney Fontaine (for the sound creation and the storyline).
AS A CHILD, LUC WAS ALREADY THINKING OUT OF THE FRAME.
Striking the right tone was like being a tightropewalker constantly in search of balance. It was through the eyes of a child, again, that I discovered the final result, born from this incredible team. We present you this show with great emotion. It is up to you as visitors to tame it and take responsibility for it for ever, just as the Little Prince was responsible for his rose.”
Luc PETIT
“KEEPING A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE”
322
323
Luc PETIT would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of people who have been his faithful spectators for many years, as well as the production, artistic and technical crews, the designers, the cast and the celebrities who have been involved in all his shows.
324
For Luc, this childhood dream, to the one who has maintained the childlike mind proper to all true creators. Sincerely yours, Nicolas de VILLIERS Chairman of SAS Grand Parc du Puy du Fou 325
CELEBRITIES & CLIENTS
WITH WHOM LUC PETIT COLLABORATED
Katy PERRY
PERGOLA SHOW - Rome
Salvator ADAMO
FRENCH COMMUNITY HOLIDAY - Liège
Jean-Michel JARRE
Emeli SANDÉ
CONCERT LA DEFENSE - Paris
CINECCITÀ SHOW - Rome
Alicia KEYS
Arturo BRACHETTI
CINECCITÀ SHOW - Rome
PERGOLA SHOW - Rome
SHAKIRA INDIAN WEDDING - Venise
SHAKIRA
INDIAN WEDDING - Venice
HOOVERPHONIC EURO 2000 - Brussels
326
Toots THIELEMANS
Mario LURASCHI
BESIX 100th anniversary - Brussels
ENCHANTED CASTLE - Rome CINECITTÀ SHOW - Rome
AKHENATON
Jean Paul GAULTIER & Danielle ROY
DÉCROCHER LA LUNE Urban opera - La Louvière
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER’S PARADE - Montreal
Dani LARY
Puff DADDY
ENCHANTED CASTLE - Munich CINECITTÀ SHOW - Rome
MIDNIGHT SUMMER WEDDING - Beirut
François SCHUITEN
Jean ROCHEFORT
PREMIER REGARD film
Gérard DEPARDIEU
Mondial de la Pub advertising awards
Franco DRAGONE
Director of Franco Dragone Entertainement Group « If I had to put on a show for myself, I’d get in touch with Luc PETIT »
LES IMMORTELS film
CHOW Yun-Fat
GOTAN PROJECT
INDIAN WEDDING - Venice
Emmanuelle BÉART
BRUSSELS CASINO OPENING - Brussels
Marco BALICH
ALTIRA HOTEL OPENING - Macau
Chairman of BALICH WORLDWIDE SHOWS
WANG Jianlin
MICKEY - Disneyland Paris
Chairman of DALIAN WANDA GROUP
Disney Cinema Parade
Ali Bin Ali Vice-Président de Ali Bin Ali Group et VPE
Pramod AGARWAL - Lakshmi MITTAL INDIAN WEDDING - Venice
Lawrence HO
CEO of Melco International Development - Altira
« Thank you for directing such a wonderful show. Your staging was spectacular and the effort required to put on this show for one night only was absolutely worth it »
Ali Bin Ali
Vice-Chairman of the Ali Bin Ali Group et VPE 327
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST
328
329
330
OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS Claire ALLARD Gilles de ANGELIS Leslie ARTAMONOW Hugues BAUDOIN Jean-François BERHIN Tom BERTELS Cédric BERTRAND Alain BREYER David BRISON Vincenzo CHIAVETTA St Clemente Jack COOPER Veronique DAMINET Stéphanie DELAUNOY Benoit DOCHY Lauren DRABLIER Vincent DUFRANE Bruno FISHER Jérémie GENART Gloma Photography Jacques GODART Serge HELIAS Joëlle HENRY Michel HOUET JAAP Photography Karine LABUZ LALOZA Frédéric LAMBERT Roger LAMBRETTE Thomas LANGE Holly MADCHEN Ernest MANDAP MCI
MHG Photography Anthony MILAZZO Misericordia Luc MONSAERT Francis MOTKIN Frédéric MOÏS Mehdy NASSER Simon PACO Pallazi & Gas Xaviera PAQUET David PLAS Patricia PORTETELLE Luc POTTIEZ Fabrizio PROSPERI RAYMAKERS François de RIBAUCOURT Jean-Marc SCHNEIDER Snappp Photography Philippe SON Tanguy Stichelmans Ellen SYTYCD Alexis TAMINAUX Jean-Marie VANDERMUEREN Bernard VANROYE Vision Photography JL WERTZ Michel WINDELS & Laurent TIXHON who filmed these incredible shows
331
332
333
“For Luc PETIT, ‘impossible’ is clearly not a word. Every one of his projects features something ‘impossible’. When he was still a young director, we shot an educational film on very limited resources on a freighter moored in Ghent; it turned out very slick and professional and, keeping things in proportion, was akin to a Coppola production. He manages to get artists to do what they themselves do not believe they are capable of doing. As for me, I am an actor, used to trafficking in words, and I do not have much of a head for heights, but he suspended me 40 metres above the ground with a pyrotechnic cannon in my hand and a micro-transmitter glued to my cheek, while the crane operator moved me from the top of one building to another with twenty thousand spectators beneath us.
334
He is brimming with cheek and daring, with eyes as big as his stomach and the desire to dream bigger every time, always on the lookout for the latest technologies and the most incredible circus acts and artists. He makes his characters fly through the air or swordfight upside-down with their feet on the ceiling while, through the magic of projection, the sea rages beneath them. I don’t know if his craziness has any limits. In his shows, the entire space in front of, behind, above and below the audience comes to life, and surprises burst forth from every direction. Adrenaline rush guaranteed!”
Luc Van GRUNDERBEECK Comedian
Décrocher la Lune 2000
335
CONTENTS INTRO....................................................................................................................... BIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................ PRIZES AND AWARDS........................................................................................ WHO WE ARE....................................................................................................... QINGSHOW............................................................................................................ PETER PAN.............................................................................................................. INDIAN WEDDING............................................................................................ DÉCROCHER LA LUNE..................................................................................... TOURNAI D’ÉTÉ................................................................................................... INFERNO................................................................................................................. HOUGOUMONT FARM.................................................................................... ORIGIN.................................................................................................................... MIDNIGHT SUMMER WEDDING................................................................ FORT LEGACY STORY OF A NATION.......................................................... DISNEY CINEMA PARADE............................................................................... THE PERGOLA SHOW........................................................................................ THE ENCHANTED CASTLE.............................................................................. METINVEST............................................................................................................. LES BASTIONS....................................................................................................... JEAN PAUL GAULTIER........................................................................................ MAIS IL EST OÙ LE SOLEIL ?.......................................................................... CINECITTÀ SHOW.............................................................................................. NESPRESSO SHOWS........................................................................................... LES FÉERIES DE BELOEIL.................................................................................. NOËL DES CATHÉDRALES............................................................................... 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMWAY CHINA................................................. ET LA PIERRE SE FIT LUMIÈRE....................................................................... ATOMIUM............................................................................................................... BESIX 100 YEARS................................................................................................... MILLENIUM........................................................................................................... LES GUEULES NOIRES....................................................................................... DISCOVERY OF A NEW WORLD.................................................................. JUSTE POUR RIRE............................................................................................... PLACE DES FESTIVALS........................................................................................ THE ROADS TO FREEDOM & TEXAS AGGIES GO TO WAR............. ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY....................................................................... CLIENTS AND CELEBRITIES............................................................................ PHOTOGRAPHERS..............................................................................................
336
03 12 16 18 32 54 70 82 110 120 128 130 138 148 152 156 164 174 178 182 190 198 214 218 228 246 252 258 266 272 278 280 286 292 296 318 326 331
SCAN A QR CODE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE SHOWS TOURNAI D’ÉTÉ
LES ROUTES DE LA LIBERTÉ
L’HORLOGER DE NOËL
ET LA PIERRE SE FIT LUMIÈRE
AMWAY CHINA
QINGSHOW
LE VOYAGE DES MAGES
DÉCROCHER LA LUNE 7
PETER PAN
ORIGIN
LES FÉERIES DE BELOEIL
LES BASTIONS
LES SONNEURS DE NOËL
MIDNIGHT SUMMER WEDDING
INDIAN WEDDING
DESCOVERY OF A NEW WORLD
DÉCROCHER LA LUNE 6
INFERNO
CINECITTÀ SHOW
THE HOUGOUMONT FARM
THE PERGOLA SHOW
THE ENCHANTED CASTLE
METINVEST
ATOMIUM
PREMIÈRE ÉDITION
337
Melanie VERSCHEURE: Overall coordination Nicholas MAXSON-FRANCOMBE: Design and conception Pauline WILMOTTE: Production assistant Jean-Louis GODET: Editor Rachel STREE: External view Emmanuel DUFOING : Coordination of artistic texts Laurence VERHAEGHE: Technical advices Frédérique FOUREZ: Revisions Keith GEANEY: English Translation Copyright © 2021 Luc PETIT Avenue Eugène Demolder 38 1030 Brussels - All rights reserved - Belgium
338
339
340