One Land, Many Faces
5 authors explore European identity and 6 artists bring their work to life on the stage.
WHAT
is the aim?
To use theatre to question the idea of European identity
WHO
is involved?
5 authors and 6 artists, from different European countries
WHEN
is it happening?
The project took place from 2013 until 2015
The Aim
At a time of crisis for Europe, when economic and social issues threaten its core values, what stories do Europeans still want to write together?
Do they dream of fusion, federation or independence? Do they perceive the distant echo of an old continent that was in the midst of tearing itself apart 100 years ago?
Finally, how do the rest of the world regard our small corner of it, once so dominant, so rich and so diverse, and now in search of a new, intercultural identity?
Theatrical creation is harnessed as a means of exploring these issues, fostering a dialogue between increasingly polarised parties. Theatre, as a tool of cultural exchange and communication, can breach gaps between individuals and encourage relations of open communication – both with oneself and others.
Participants must re-evaluate what it means to be European, before posing the question to their audience. What story of their identity have they already forged, and what story are they ready to tell, or even to dream?
The Outcome
5 Original Works
Five authors, three from Europe, one from South Korea, and one from the US, created original pieces exploring the concept of identity and the co-existence of multiple cultures. Each writer came from a society deeply touched by such concerns, and so brought a personal element.
Throughout the program, they exchanged ideas and methods, conducted writing workshops, and held meetings with experts, all to draw inspiration for their new writing.
On Stage
With the 5 texts in hand, an artistic team took over and created a show. Coming from Belgium, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary and France, these artists produced a Cabaret, expanding the writing and bringing it to life on stage in story and song.
The fragmented form of the texts allowed flexibility in form and expression, resulting in a fluid, hybrid format uniquely suited to stimulating a dialogue with the public.
Participators
Writers: Jean Bofane (Belgium), Dan Friedman (US), Kwang-lim Kim (South Korea), Borbála Sebők (Hungary), Andreas Wrosch (Germany)
Performers: Pak Yan Lau (Belgium), Donna Males (UK), Forbon N’Zakimuena (France), Iker Ortiz de Zarate (Spain), Natasa Stork (Hungary), Jessica Walther-Gabory (Germany)
Artistic Direction: Bruno Freyssinet (France)
Musical Direction: Michael Wolteche (Belgium)
Assistant: Arthur Navellou (France)
Costumes: Antonin Boyot Gellibert
The Partners
Timeline
14th – 17th October 2013
Kick-off meeting in Brussels, Belgium, hosted by Maison de la Création (Jacques-Yves Le Docte).
10th – 15th December 2013
Authors’ residency in Berlin, Germany. The 5 authors met with the artistic director and the musical director to plan the writing process.
16th – 22nd December 2013
Authors’ tour of Europe. 3 parallel sessions in each of the partners countries: the authors work on site to develop their writing, meeting local people, and conducting workshops.
15th September – 6th October 2014
First rehearsals: for 3 weeks, the 6 performers gathered for the first time, with one from each of the partner countries.
12th – 29th January 2015
Rehearsals at Carreau du Temple for the first version of the One Land Many Faces production.
30th January – 4th February 2015
1h30 musical show staged in a quadri-frontal scenic device.
February 2015
Partners meeting in Paris, at Carreau du Temple. Planning of a tour program scheduled 8 months later.
7th September – 3rd October 2015
Theatrical tour: the team met first in Vitoria Gasteiz (Spanish Basque Country), then went to Berlin, Budapest, Brussels and finally Swansea. Final partners meeting took place in Berlin.
