Data

A rising star on the Montreal scene, Manuel Roque delves into the collective memory in Data. Resonant with emotion and dynamic impulse, he delivers an impressive and very touching piece performed to the music of Fauré’s Requiem.

Alone on a desert island dominated by a metal totem-like boulder, a man embarks on a profound exploration of the territories of the body. His compass points to what is vibrantly alive, and even the tiniest bone or joint, the smallest particle of skin, is rich with life. As his perusal progresses, his flesh becomes malleable matter. He ventures back to the origins of the world and tells the story of humanity. Mythic animals spring forth from within and his body rears up, trying to maintain its balance, testing its limits. Glimpses of the tortured and the tormented appear – a distorted face, broken wrists, the crushing weight of arms and legs. Yet shining through his torso is a joy that radiates when the stars are in alignment and in full communion with every element of the universe. Magnificent.

PRODUCED BY CIE MANUEL ROQUE
CHOREOGRAPHED AND PERFORMED BY MANUEL ROQUE
ARTISTIC ADVISORS AND REHEARSAL DIRECTORS GINELLE CHAGNON + INDIANA ESCACH + LUCIE VIGNEAULT
SET AND COSTUME DESIGN MARILÈNE BASTIEN
LIGHTING DESIGN FRANÇOIS MARCEAU
PRODUCTION MANAGER, TECHNICAL ASSISTANT AND ARTISTIC ADVISOR JUDITH ALLEN

PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THÉÂTRE PROSPERO

WRITTEN BY FABIENNE CABADO
TRANSLATED BY NEIL KROETSCH

PREMIERED AT USINE C, MONTREAL, ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2014