GESTES IMPIES
Something has been lost. For a long time now the heavens have been bereft, ancient rites have withered away, and men struggle to live in the world. With no knowledge of how to celebrate life’s transitions – How does one become an adult? What is the proper way to love, to atone, to die? – they try to break loose from the futility of their condition.
By means of an entrancing “baroque ceremony in several tableaux”, Théâtre de la Pire Espèce brings to light that desire to escape from the dissipation of meaning. Well versed in the theatre of objects – receiving international recognition for its play Ubu sur la table (1998) and Persée (2005) – the company has created a vibrant fusion of objects and human in its new piece. Decked out in strange paper prostheses, seven actors/manipulators bring forth a myriad of fallen characters. In a Felliniesque spirit that mingles shadow theatre, clowning and dance, Pire Espèce treads along the shores of dreams. In an accumulation of short narratives, Gestes impies creates a dark universe, but one shot through with flashes of light, bursts of laughter and levity, and a strong desire to re-enchant the world.
Artistic Direction : Olivier Ducas, Francis Monty
Dramaturgy : Francis Monty, Marc Mauduit, Mathieu Gosselin
Direction : Francis Monty
With : Marcelle Hudon, Mathieu Gosselin, Marc Mauduit, Denys Lefebvre, Anne-Marie Levasseur, Céline Brassard, Alexandre Leroux
Assistant Director : Manon Claveau
Set Design : Jonas Bouchard
Costume Design and properties : Julie-Vallée Léger
Music and Sound Effects : Nicolas Letarte
Lighting Design : Martin Sirois
Dance Consultant : Frédérick Gravel
Production : Théâtre de la Pire Espèce (Montréal)
Coproduction : Festival TransAmériques
In association with Espace Libre
Text: Catherine Cyr
English Translation: Neil Kroetsch
Photos: Manon Claveau