The idea for De Walvisvaarders came to being when Joris from Cirque Mécanique saw whales leaping out of the water in Hawaii. A spark of inspiration that grew into a festive circus parade. After a few trial performances at Circus Boelaere, Cirque Mécanique came to De Klap later thissummer to fine-tune the show, with a clear focus on both technique and dramaturgy.
About Cirque Mécanique
Joris Janssens was once a co-founder of Ell Circo D’ell Fuego, where for many years he shaped his artistic vision and shared his love of the circus with others. He also taught at circus colleges in Rotterdam, London and Toulouse. As a sculptor, welder and craftsman, he not only created circus equipment but was also actively involved in the creation of sets and props for a wide range of circus productions. Since 2011, he has been creating and performing in his own productions.
Residency De Walvisvaarders in De Klap in Deurne – July/August2026
Concept
Joris Janssens
Cast
Joris Janssens, Leo Smith, Lieven Slabbinck
Scenography
Joris Janssens, Luis Alatorre, Lieven Slabbinck, Bram Rombouts
ScenarioScript
Kobe Van Herwegen
Dramaturgy
Alba Sarraute
llustration & graphin desing
Lio Verdonck &;Britt Tack
Production
Marie Couwenberg
Co-producers
Circuswerkplaats Dommelhof · De Klap/Arenberg · Circ’uit · Perpodium · Ell Circo D’ell Fuego
With the support of
De Vlaamse overheid & Tax Shelter van de Belgische federale overheid via uFund
We are supporting Cirque Mécanique with a technical residency at De Klap, the new base for our Circushaven in Deurne.