Presented at Le Diamant theatre
1:50(without intermission)
In french
Compagnie Louis Brouillard (Paris)
Joël Pommerat continues his observation of contemporary values and identities by turning to the future and to that particular period of time known as adolescence. He associates this moment of self-construction with the myth of the artificial creature, staging a slightly futuristic world in which human beings live alongside robots. Contes et légendes explores a series of social, familial and emotional interactions between teenagers, adults and the androids that are part of their daily lives.
Like a scientist conducting experiments, Joël Pommerat questions our representations of ourselves and observes what these artificial beings might reveal or modify in our relationships and human constructions with as much specificity and precision as possible. Pommerat previously examined this question of identity and coming of age in his reimagining of Pinocchio, a rebellious teenage puppet set on the path of humanity. Here, it takes on an even more troubling connotation. Different levels of presence and truth blend together on stage to confront the audience with the complexity of emotions, the ambiguity of notions such as truth and lies, and the persistent violence of certain social norms.
Contes et légendes allows us to experience these problems through a mosaic of sensitive and funny moments without having to dwell on the usual themes of progress and the dangers of artificial intelligence or give in to the sensationalism of science fiction. In the enchantment of the theatre, teenagers in crisis and androids invite all manner of simulations and reconfigurations. Treating speculative fiction as real and documentary fact, Joël Pommerat once again presents a play steeped in the disturbing strangeness tinged with philosophy that has been his signature for over 25 years.
Marion Boudier, November 2019
