James Thiérrée

James Thiérrée is the grandson of the legendary silent film actor and director Charlie Chaplin. His parents are circus performers Victoria Chaplin, Charlie's daughter, and Jean-Baptiste Thiérrée, who founded the avant-garde circus Le Cirque Imaginaire.

Founded by Thiérrée in 1998, the Compagnie du Hanneton creates large-scale, avant-garde physical theater that blends surreal acrobatics, elaborate mechanical sets, and contemporary dance. Their productions, such as 'La Veillée des Abysses,' are highly physical and largely wordless, drawing heavily on his family's circus lineage.

While primarily known for his stage work, James Thiérrée has appeared in several feature films, including a starring role as Francois in the 1995 historical drama 'Jefferson in Paris.' He also appeared in the 2007 film 'The Golden Compass,' though his theatrical productions remain his primary artistic focus.

Yes, Thiérrée made his stage debut at the age of four performing alongside his parents in their traveling circus acts. Growing up in this avant-garde circus environment directly informed his highly physical, gravity-defying choreography and his ability to mix clowning with dramatic theater.