The majestic ocean giant travels thousands of kilometers every year, singing as he goes, to find fellow whales. And that is how the idea for 'The Whalers' originates with Joris. After all: aren't we all a little bit in search of friendship and connection?

Starting in 2026, whale Echo and explorers Adrien, Gerlache, and El Capitan will surprise the audience with a spectacular show. Is the audience ready to join the adventure?

The performance combines a mobile parade and a stationary interlude. The ultimate eye-catcher: whale Echo, swimming high and gracefully above the crowd like a gigantic wooden automaton—a self-operating machine. He moves on a mechanically driven cart, the gears and transmissions of which are impressively visible.

Such a colossus in the streetscape? You simply have to follow him. Especially when the three explorers comically reveal their greatest sea secrets. Or do you already know how that hilarious evening with sea snail Bubbella ends? A small marionette even pops up, playing along effortlessly with Echo.

This playful parade of chaos and energy comes to a halt for an intimate, musical interlude. From the mechanical chassis, Adrien and Gerlache, the acrobatic explorers, pull out a monumental balance beam. With this large springboard, they power a waterphone—a unique instrument that produces poetic, resonant sounds, enchanting and almost otherworldly.

El Capitan takes up the conductor's baton, and then the melodic quest can begin. With their musical acrobatics, Adrien and Gerlache literally bring the whale to life. Together, they set course for connection. And… Perhaps even for a new love for Echo?

The surreal friendship between whale and explorer forms a rich breeding ground for surprise and suspense. The result: a vivid, clownish story full of humor and wonder. Who will join them underwater for a beautiful tribute to marine life in all its beauty? With 'The Whalers' as its first in-house production, Cirque Mécanique does not pursue a fishing trip, but rather fantasy and connection. We strive to leave a lasting impression—not only within the art world, but also in society at large.

Will you sing along?