For the first time in India, the renowned French company Gratte Ciel brought their breathtaking aerial show RoZéO to the majestic Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. Organized by the French Institute in India in collaboration with the Alliance Française Network, the unique event enthralled the Jaipur audience with its spellbinding aerial stunts and poetic choreography. Known for blending aerobatic and meditative presentations, Gratte Ciel showcased a visually stunning performance that left spectators in awe.
Held in the historic Subhat Niwas courtyard, the performance featured artists gracefully soaring through the air atop a 6-meter-high metal pole, creating an ethereal display of movement. The choreography, combined with live music, electronic compositions, and field recordings, turned the 42-minute show into an immersive experience. The creative forces behind RoZéO—Stéphane Girard and Camille Beaumier—were complemented by musical compositions from Pauline Frémeau and costume designs by Anne Jonathan, blending art and storytelling in a seamless flow.
International Success Comes to India
RoZéO, which premiered in 2023, gained widespread acclaim for its dreamlike aerial choreography and spellbinding artistry. After captivating the world at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the performance was part of the grand artistic vision of director Thomas Jolly, the company’s India tour marks its latest milestone. The Jaipur show is part of a wider Indian tour, which includes performances in Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Pondicherry.
French Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, emphasized the significance of this cultural exchange, stating: “With ‘RoZéO’ and other artistic collaborations, we are deepening the ties between our countries. This show reflects the creativity and vibrancy of France’s contemporary art scene, while fostering cultural exchanges that will benefit both France and India.”
A Historic Setting for a Contemporary Marvel
The majestic Jaigarh Fort, steeped in Rajasthan’s royal history, provided a stunning backdrop for RoZéO’s aerial display. HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, Chairman of the Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust, commented on the event: “Jaigarh Fort has long been a symbol of Rajasthan’s heritage, and we are thrilled to host this exceptional international collaboration. The unique setting enhanced the beauty of RoZéO, offering Jaipur’s audience a truly unforgettable experience. We are honored to participate in this cultural dialogue that bridges history and modern artistic expression.”
Strengthening Cultural Ties
The event is part of an ongoing cultural season curated by Alliance Française, featuring a series of performances that reflect the vibrant artistic collaborations between France and India. Beyond mesmerizing the audience, RoZéO’s India tour serves as an opportunity to foster further relationships in the arts, with workshops and artistic exchanges between French and Indian professionals.
As RoZéO continues its tour across India, it brings with it the spirit of cultural unity, showcasing the beauty of modern aerial art and reaffirming the shared cultural bond between the two nations. The performance at Jaigarh Fort, set against the backdrop of Jaipur’s rich history, marked a significant moment in the ongoing cultural exchange that continues to shape and inspire both countries.