Under the gentle embrace of the 19th parallel south, in a village called Bel Horizon, I was born. There, the sky merges with the mountain peaks, horizons seem endless, and dreams grow boundlessly. Today, my new home, anchored on the 46th parallel north, continues to hold this light, this vast and luminous horizon—a faithful reflection of the dreams and memories that still guide me.
It is with immense gratitude that I join (or return to) L’Aubergine, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. L’Aubergine is the place where clownish medleys come to life, where characters leap onto the stage driven by an irresistible desire to see, but above all, to be seen. The skills and eccentricities of the performer are merely a pretext for an authentic encounter with the audience.
WOW! Over here! HURRAY!! Over there! And… OOPS!!! Things don’t always go as planned. But at the heart of this artistic journey, the clown—a sensitive character whose aspirations are celebrated and mistakes forgiven—is always ready to set things right, to lift the curtain with a smile or a burst of laughter. This clown is there to save the day, even when everything seems to be falling apart.
As Artistic Director, I dream of a vibrant array of activities blending street arts, unexpected events, captivating performances, surprising encounters, and other extravagances. The rich creative energy that defines L’Aubergine is an endless source of inspiration. Within this living space, new projects can flourish, fueled by the light of imagination and the momentum of possibility.
My gratitude goes to those who came before me for the paths they paved and the guiding steps they left behind. Today, I am ready to leap from the mountain’s peak, carried by trust, boldness, and the momentum of a fresh start. The horizon is vast, and the winds carry promises of great things to come.
Wanderson Santos
Originally from Brazil and now based in Quebec for nearly 20 years, Wanderson Santos is a multidisciplinary artist passionate about the circus arts and clowning. With nearly 25 years of experience, he has worked as a performer, director, and creator, weaving sensitivity, humor, and poetry into all his works.
His journey with L’Aubergine began with notable collaborations on creations such as Burletta, La Familia, Les Farfaelfes, and Zoom sur Place Royale. These experiences have deepened his connection to the company, whose artistic values he profoundly shares.
A graduate in scenography and stage direction, Wanderson also has extensive experience in artistic management. His vision for L’Aubergine is built on continuity and innovation: he aims to preserve the playful and poetic essence of clowning while exploring new creative horizons.
Now, as Artistic Director, Wanderson Santos is committed to making L’Aubergine shine, both in Quebec and beyond, through bold, accessible, and emotionally resonant performances.
