Centre Culturel Jean Vilar (Marly-le-Roi) – November 26th 2021 – 8:30 PM
The infamous philosophical tale of Candide is an epic legend, a voyage across the world. A world where humans are propelled from place to place by their thoughts and intentions. Reflecting on this text, I was fascinated by its contemporary resonance. The natural catastrophes, the shipwrecks at sea, the excess of injustice and intolerance, fanaticism … these could all be newspaper headlines of our time. Situated among our contemporary themes of European unity, human rights and the environment, revisiting the story of Candide has real urgency and purpose.
Leonard Bernstein infuses the adaptation with a disarming sense of humor and an exceptional original score. Taking this piece out of its iconic context to make it more accessible and contemporary would allow Voltaire’s message to shine through.
Even though the singing will remain in English, the spoken text will be adapted into French. What is more exciting than a boxing match between Voltaire and Bernstein, to pitch French philosophical thought against American optimism?
Catherine Vrignaud-Cohen, stage-director
Representation in French and English (songs) with surtitles – Duration: about 1h40
ARTISTIC TEAM
David Stern – Conductor
Catherine Vrignaud-Cohen – Stage Direction
Delphine Brouard – Scenography and costumes
Daniel Ferreira – Lighting creation
Mona Terrones – Assistant Stage Director
CAST
Étienne de Bénazé – Candide
Milena Bischoff – Cunégonde
Anne-Lise Polchlopek – Old Lady
Adrien Fournaison – Maximilian
Matthieu Walendzik – Pangloss
Marco Angioloni – Le Gouverneur/Vander den Dur
Cécile Madelin – Paquette
François Macherey – Narrator
Fabrice Cals – Actor
Karolos Zouganeli – Piano
