Premiers Pas

(Community Matters) Steven and I met at The Cartoucherie (a posting of its own) this evening for Theatre du Soleil’s Proces Ivre. The place is an old armory converted into several theaters, even a riding stable. It’s a jaunt – take the Metro to the end of the line, east of the city, then a cab or shuttle just a few miles further out. And worth it.

btw, I forgot to bring my cable to download pictures from my camera. So, those I’m posting are from my blackberry.

First things first . . . the entire setting and the way community builds here had us both in overdrive thinking about Ron Berry’s Fuse Box Festival. Steven’s helped Ron launch an independent 501 (c) (3) and Amy Rudy, Amy Bryant and Brent Hasty have joined the board – they created. To have a central place where artists, patrons and audience come together – while continuing to perform all over town – would be extraordinary. I know they are already working on this; mine & Steven’s attention and commitment doubled this evening. Food artists need to get in on the gig.

Mama Fanta – makes an awesome drink called Gingembre

Before Steven arrived I had a glass of wine and a very simple but tremendously satisfying sandwich (bread, butter, salami and pickle) in the La Tempete building. Watched Mama Fanta set up – she walked carrying a full punch bowl and several serving pieces on top of her head. Her ginger/fruit drink is to die for. She’d never met a Mexican before and asked me to take a picture with her (again, much better pics in my camera, but can’t download yet).

Then over to the Theate du Soleil building – what a scene. The young theatre troop had made a pumpkin/ginger soup as well as several pastries including one of the best macaroons I’ve ever eaten (yep, Kip, even better than Rebecca Rathers from Fredericksburg). We were early but the crowd swelled quickly.

The show was well performed, although I couldn’t understand a word – all in French. Fortunately, I know the story since it’s an avant garde rendition of Dostoeysky’s Crime & Punishment. In their version, Rodion is a very sexy Frenchman with a wardrobe that shows it off. His best friend, sister, mother, whore, the detective and others all delightfully cast and the director did a great job staging within a huge space.

We especially loved the French hospital surplus blankets nearly all the audience used to bundle up – more out of romanticism since the building was modestly warmed. by the way, it’s very cold in Paris today.

We had tickets for a second show but we’d both had long days and seeing another play in a language I couldn’t understand, just a bit much. We’ll be back tomorrow for the festival’s wrap up.