Jacques is worried his troupe will defect while performing in Brisbane. He’s only half joking

Jacques Heim, the founder and creative director of Diavolo: Architecture in Motion, expressed concerns that his troupe might defect during a performance in Brisbane. He made the remark in a lighthearted tone, suggesting that the situation could be more serious than it appears. The concern arose amid the company's participation in the Brisbane Festival, where it is showcasing its latest production, Escape. Escape, a spectacular production from Los Angeles, features 22 performers engaged in daring feats involving large geometric props that roll, pivot, and swing. The show follows a group of individuals as they attempt to escape from their mundane lives into a surreal landscape filled with infinite possibilities. Heim described the inspiration behind the piece as a reaction to the current state of affairs in the United States, particularly regarding the treatment of the arts under certain administrations. He noted that the Trump administration cut funding to the National Endowment for the Arts in 2025, contributing to his sense of urgency to create work that reflects a desire to break free from perceived constraints. Heim, who is 62 years old, is known for his charisma and tendency to use personal names for emphasis. He describes himself as a self-proclaimed rule-breaker with a boyish appearance and a confident demeanor. Born in France, he left his homeland due to his rebellious nature, eventually settling in America where he found opportunities for artistic expression. His grandfather, also named Jacques, was a notable figure in postwar fashion, introducing the two-piece swimsuit known as the Atome, which prefigured the modern bikini. This legacy of innovation and disruption seems to influence Heim's approach to art. Heim's journey began in the late 1970s when he attended Middlebury College in Vermont, initially pursuing acting. However, his limited proficiency in English led him to explore dance instead, a decision that proved transformative. He later studied dance at CalArts, where he founded Diavolo. The company's early works focused on integrating architecture and movement, developing a unique style that blends elements of dance, circus, and acrobatics without fully aligning with any single category. In 2005, Heim gained recognition when he was invited to direct Cirque du Soleil's show Kà, which continues to run at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He humorously referred to this experience as his "PhD," acknowledging the challenges he faced, including being close to being fired multiple times. Despite these difficulties, he maintains that Diavolo is distinct from traditional circus companies, emphasizing that danger in their performances is intentional and thematic rather than accidental. During the creation of Escape, Heim encountered unexpected obstacles, including the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in his studio. This incident underscores the broader tensions he feels toward the political climate in the United States, which he believes has shifted significantly since his arrival over three decades ago. While he acknowledges the opportunities afforded to him by America, he expresses a genuine concern about the changing environment. As Diavolo prepares to perform in Brisbane, the company faces both excitement and uncertainty. The performance promises to showcase the innovative spirit that defines Heim's work, blending physicality, creativity, and a critique of contemporary societal issues. The troupe's ability to navigate potential challenges, including the possibility of defection, will be crucial to the success of the show.