On stage at Cultural Centre Stoa in Helsinki: Moving in November - Mélanie Demers: Confession Publique

Confession Publique is a courageous laying bare of the self—a full unveiling—made possible through the trust emerging from the profound encounter of its makers. On stage, Willkie, who provides the raw material for the show, cannot escape the audience’s gaze. With her, an enigmatic human presence, sometimes devoted, sometimes hostile, manipulates and organizes the space. Through her powerful voice and captivating presence, the performer conveys the beauty and depths of her soul with strength and fragility.

Duration: 75min

Language: English

ge recommendation: 15+

The performance is part of Moving in November 5.–15.11.2026. As part of the festival, there will be an open Soup Talks discussion with Demers and local host on the 6th of November at noon in Caisa.

Mélanie Demers is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of the Montreal dance company MAYDAY (2007), known for blending poetry and politics through hybrid, cross-genre works. Over her career, she has choreographed thirty pieces presented in around forty cities worldwide.

Her key choreographic achievements include WOULD and Confession Publique, which both earned CALQ Awards for best choreography, alongside internationally toured works like Animal Triste and Cabaret Noir. Demers has also expanded into theatre, directing Jordan Tannahill’s Déclarations and premiering her play l'amour ou rien in 2025.

Angélique Willkie recently moved back to Montreal after more than 20 years living in Europe. She is a performance artist, with experience as an interpreter, singer, dramaturg and educator. After graduating from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, she went to live in Belgium where she participated in several dance projects with choreographers such as Alain Platel, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Karin Vyncke and Jan Lauwers/Needcompany.

Her singing collaborations include the likes of Zap Mama, dEUS, DAAU and Zita Swoon Group. She has also lent her voice to composers such as Walter Hus and Spectra Ensemble, Kaat De Windt, David Linx, Fabrizio Cassol and the Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles.

Ideation, direction, choreography: Mélanie Demers

Interpretation: Angélique Willkie (with the participation of Anne-Marie Jourdenais)

Rehearsal director: Anne-Marie Jourdenais

Dramaturgy: Angélique Willkie

Original music: Frannie Holder

Additional music: Excerpt by The Fairy Queen, composed by Henry Purcell, singing Angélique Willkie

Scenography: Odile Gamache

Lighting design: Claire Seyller

Costumes and accessories: Elen Ewing

Technical director and management: Hannah Kirby

Production: MAYDAY

Production manager: Alec Arsenault

Special thanks: Éléonore Loiselle, Mélanie Primeau

Co-production: La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines, Montréal, Canada; Agora de la danse, Montréal, Canada; Centro per la Scena Contemporanea Bassano del Grappa, Italy

This creation is the subject of a doctoral research-creation at the Département d’Études et pratiques des arts at UQAM.

Photo: Kevin Calixte

Visit supported by: The Québec Government Office in London

Visit in collaboration with: Stoa