Two meetings are given by the Marmignon theater on November 20 and 22. Theater with the company La lune à l’envers invited by the Comminge association Rêves de théâtre: “Opening night” is the tragic story of Fanny Hills, a fallen star who looks in the mirror of her dressing room at the ravages of time and alcohol after ten years of desertion from the stage and who confides in Hector, his faithful companion of always.
Music on Friday and beautiful music with the Passions, a baroque orchestra from Montauban led by recorder flautist Jean-Marc Andrieu in “Musiciens de la chamber du roy”. On the program, Jean-François Couperin, Marin Marais and Jean-Philippe Rameau, all performed on ancient instruments, harpsichord, recorders and transverse flutes, oboe, violin and cello and presented in a didactic manner for better listening.
Flamenco, a language
For “Parler flamenco”, a show presented at the theater on Friday evening, there were no castanets or swirling red frills but a dancer in white pants who came to share her passion for flamenco, “I became flamenco, it’s my language”. And Stéphanie Fuster deciphers this language word by word, gesture by gesture, heart to heart. A moment sitting facing the audience to retrace the history of flamenco, art as much as philosophy and on stage, Spanish lessons as well as dance, the artist illustrates his words with demonstrations. In the room, the spectators are captivated and follow easily, clapping their hands (“las palmas”) in rhythm (“acompas”) under the direction of the teacher of the evening. As in a real course, the questions find their answers stated from the armchairs, the studded shoes circulate around the room as an illustration, those which sound six notes, six keys (the “golpe”). The inspirations, “flamenco absorbs everything it sees, everything it hears”, the themes, from everyday life to the idea of death, the whole body which participates in the music through its percussion, the big names of flamenco, everything is explained with as much erudition as simplicity. “Flamenco is about inhabiting silence, it’s singing from the depths of one’s despair, it’s the search for paroxysmal, extreme states.” Only the “duende” remains unspeakable. Stéphanie Fuster’s show not only interested but also amused and seduced an audience who remained engaged for a long time to discuss and question again.
> Upcoming shows, “Opening Night” by Cie La lune à l’envers on November 20 at 8:30 p.m. and “Musiciens de la chambre du roy” on November 22 at 8:30 p.m. 05 61 95 57 87.
What measures does the Marmignon theater take to promote accessibility and diversity in the performances they host, and how does this influence the selection of shows and guest artists?
Questions for the guests:
1. Can you tell us about the two performances taking place at the Marmignon theater this month? What is the storyline behind “Opening Night” by Cie La lune à l’envers, and how does it relate to the themes of the theater company’s previous works?
2. What inspired La lune à l’envers to present this particular story, and how do they hope it will resonate with audiences?
3. In terms of the baroque orchestra Passions, could you explain the significance of performing works from Jean-Philippe Rameau, Marin Marais, and Jean-François Couperin on ancient instruments? How does this enhance our understanding and appreciation of the music?
4. Can you share more about the educational aspect of the “Parler flamenco” performance? How do the audience members participate in the show, and what makes flamenco unique as an art form?
5. As someone who has studied and performed flamenco, what advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to develop their skills in this genre? Are there any specific techniques or cultural aspects they should focus on?
6. Could you discuss the role of “duende” in flamenco dance and music? How does this unspoken element contribute to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of the art form?
7. what are your thoughts on the state of theater and performing arts in your community? Are there any upcoming shows or projects that you are particularly excited about?
