James Thiérrée, Tabac Rouge
Sortie au Théâtre de la Ville du 18 février 2014
“Addiction, death or the nature of the human soul; a variety of associations come to mind whilst watching James Thiérrée’s spectacularly executed piece. The performance that barely makes use of any verbal communication mainly consists of a combination of expressive movements and music ranging from classical pieces to electro and even folk. The way Thierrée succeeds at combining astonishing physical acting and acrobatics along side perfect costumes and background is remarkable. Especially the constantly changing set design is quite literally “to die for” –as the plastic covering of the stage ends up swallowing the main character in a dark but peaceful way.
With Tabac Rouge, James Thierrée, the author, choreograph and director manages to create something quite unusual yet very relatable at the same time. Though the performance refrains from making any clear verbal statement the piece’s indirectness is what enables it to touch the members of the audience in the most individual and personal way. After seeing the performance at Theatre de la Ville, Sweet Briar Student Elizabeth Zanghi for instance felt inspired to write a poem in reaction to the spectacle.”
by Anna Bullard
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“It cracks your skin so you can’t control where your blood falls.
It relaxes your muscles so you can’t tell where your fist will bruise your insides.
It drowns you in your own sweat like a swamp that never dries.
It crashes onto you like a mountain that can spare it’s tension for the empty valley below.
It’s inside you, and it will never spurt, spritz, or even trickle.
It’s a trap that can only make you more beautiful to the swarm around you.
But they can flee when they want.
It’s a trap that can only make you crazy to the non believers.
And they don’t need to understand.
It’s the death that gives you life”
by Elizabeth Zanghi