Confession publique

Once Upon a Time…

Its title serving as a promise, Confession publique explores ambiguity and paradox, probes the noble and the vulgar, oscillates between grace and brutality. Choreographer Mélanie Demers turns her trusted collaborator Angélique Willkie into her muse. Together, these two kindred spirits explore the act of telling others about yourself without reserve. The result is a hard-hitting solo show, where anecdotes become painful secrets and the body reveals as much as words, if not more.

The trust that emerges from this profound encounter between the two artists enables a full unveiling, a courageous laying bare of the self. 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.

Produced by MAYDAY

Created, directed and choreographed by Mélanie Demers

Performed by Angélique Willkie

With the participation of Anne-Marie Jourdenais

Dramaturgy Angélique Willkie

Original Music Frannie Holder

Additional Music Henry Purcell, The Fairy Queen (extrait)

Sung by Angélique Willkie

Rehearsal Director Anne-Marie Jourdenais

Set Design Odile Gamache

Lighting Design Claire Seyller

Costume Design Elen Ewing

Technical Director Hannah Kirby

Production Director Mélanie Primeau

Stage Manager Vladimir Cara

Thanks to Éléonore Loiselle

Co-produced by La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines + Agora de la danse + Centro per la Scena Contemporanea/Operaestate Festival (Bassano del Grappa)

Presented in association with Théâtre Prospero

This creation is the subject of a PhD Research-Creation project at the Department of Studies and Practices of the Arts of UQAM

MAYDAY is a member of Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique, associate company at the Agora de la danse, in artistic collaboration with Centro per la Scena Contemporanea/Operaestate Festival (Bassano del Grappa)

Premiered at La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines, Montreal, on November 29, 2021

Written by Sophie Gemme

Translated by David Dalgleish