Dance, theater, opera, circus, comedy, storytelling, puppetry: There's no shortage of entertainment opportunities in France this autumn and our culture journalists have selected the most promising events.
DANCE
Intertwining traditional dance and new technologies with as much finesse as power is one of the feats of the show tiaen tiamen – Episode 1, by Taiwanese dance company Bulareyaung. Founded in 2015 by indigenous choreographer Bulareyaung Pagarlava, from the Paiwan tribe living in the southeast of the island, the troupe highlights the gestural and vocal heritage of four indigenous communities through seven high-flying male performers. In a stunningly beautiful light and sound installation, the alliance of yesterday and today takes off in a myriad of colors and sensations to irresistible techno beats. Joyously galvanizing, this production, presented in 2023 at Taipei's National Theater & Concert Hall, comes to Chaillot-Théâtre National de la Danse, and is a pleasure. Rosita Boisseau
Chaillot-Théâtre National de la Danse, Paris 16th, October 10 to 12.
For its 4th edition, the Excentriques festival, organized by La Briqueterie, in Vitry-sur-Seine (southern Paris suburb), offers an introductory choreographic journey under the banner of the unusual and freedom. Among the 11 companies invited, young artists have their turn in the spotlight, such as Simon Le Borgne, here in duet with drummer Ulysse Zangs, and Greek choreographer Chara Kotsali, working on the theme of possession. They coexist with more established names, such as Gaëlle Bourges, who directs amateurs and their dance memories, Dominique Brun, who resurrects the extravagant Caryathis (1888-1971), and pioneering researchers Geisha Fontaine and Pierre Cottreau. Styles overlap to provide spectacular shows in which contemporary, dance theater and waacking cohabit. R. B.
Excentriques Festival, La Briqueterie, Vitry-sur-Seine (Val-de-Marne), September 24 to October 6.
With hip-hop as fertile ground since the age of 7, choreographer Amala Dianor has stayed the course by drawing on multiple influences, including Senegalese sabar and contemporary dance. For his new piece, Dub, on tour throughout France, his curiosity and appetite led him to meet performers from different styles and countries. Eleven performers, experts in electro, voguing, South African pantsula, krump and waacking, are featured in this show, designed using inspiration from discoveries and underground evenings spent between Seoul, Paris, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Created with composer Awir Leon and the visual artist Grégoire Korganow, Dub shimmers with flashes of urban dances, most of which emerged outside the mainstream but which now take center stage. At the same time, Dianor has create his first show for young audiences, entitled Coquilles, in which he tackles for the first time the theme of contact between two dancers to the songs of Senegalese griots. R. B.
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