If the quest for power and to win at all costs leads us to lose all sense of ethics and moral value. A question that crosses the room Never swim alone by Nova Scotia author Daniel MacIvor, performed by the dramatic arts graduates of the Université de Moncton.
Comedian and dramatic arts graduate Alex Gresseau, who plays Bill a businessman in the play, felt deeply challenged by the purpose of this work, which addresses contemporary political and social issues.
“With the cast which is quite diverse, we said to ourselves that it couldn’t be a better opportunity to present this piece. Especially during the year 2020 when there were several political and social issues with the elections and social movements, ”said Alex Gresseau.
A native of Montreal, the one who had started studying cinema in a CEGEP quickly felt the call of the actor. Having family in New Brunswick, he therefore decided to study drama at the Université de Moncton. In this play, he shares the stage with the graduating Jacques André Levesque and a guest actress Cassidy Gaudet, graduated in 2019. The play tells the story of two businessmen, Bill and Frank, who compete against each other in a competition. little absurd divided into several rounds, refereed by a woman. The friendship between these two long-time friends will gradually crumble due to their appetite for gain and power, explains Alex Gresseau. Each tries to outdo the other.
“It is this competitive spirit that we can have as a human being despite the relationships that we can have in today’s society. We wish we had more than we already have. It’s really seeing the other as a competition and seeing the rich stay on top and the less rich stay on the bottom. There is this social and political issue that came out in that room. ”
“They (Bill and Frank) are ready to do anything to come first and I would say even despite their social status, they are even ready to lose their sense of ethics, their sense of morale and value.”
According to the actor, there is a rather tragic, even cruel aspect in this work. It’s a very rhythmic and physical style of theater. This piece won the Overall Excellence Award at the International Fringe Festival in New York. Actor, playwright, theater director and film director, Daniel MacIvor enjoys a great reputation on the national and international scene. He is recognized for his daring. The drama department is staging one of his works for the second time. The first was a solo Cul-de-sac played by Ludger Beaulieu a few years ago. Herménégilde Chiasson signs the French version of the text, while the staging and direction of the exercise are provided by Marcia Babineau.
Produce a part during a pandemic
Alex Gresseau agrees that producing a play in the context of the pandemic comes with its share of challenges. At some point this fall, when the Moncton area went back to orange, the comedians had to rehearse wearing a face covering.
“It was not easy to rehearse with a mask on your face and especially with MacIvor’s style which is very expressive. Despite the health constraints, I and my teammates and the entire production team are all motivated and committed to giving our best to offer the public the show at its true value. “
On the stage, the actors respect the distance of two meters. This constraint even influenced the staging that has adapted to the COVID era, adds the graduate.
The play is presented at the Studio-théâtre La Grange from December 11 to 15 at 8 p.m. Due to health rules of physical distancing, places are very limited. The actors will perform in front of a very small crowd of 16 spectators.
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