The rapper Kery James launches on stage in a committed show in the form of a verbal joust. A Vif, a punch show to discover at the Théâtre du Rond Point until October 1st.
An oratorical duel for an exciting socio-political play
From the first applause, the audience of the great hall of the Rond Point is standing. Attentive throughout the play to the verbal joust between the white lawyer, Yann, and the black lawyer, Souleymaan Traoré, the spectators were conquered by the form and substance of A Vif. It must be said that the text and the commitment of the two excellent actors constantly oscillate between fiction and reality and thus intertwine entertainment and reflection.
The idea is to weigh the following question: "Is the state solely responsible for the situation in the suburbs?" To unravel this complex issue, Yann and Souleymaan will confront each other in a pleading and highlight two visions of France that everything seems to oppose. The first will answer in the affirmative, giving full place and power to political leaders who, through their decisions or lack thereof, have contributed to putting the poorest populations on the rank of society. The second, on the other hand, will support the negative by giving back to the citizen all his responsibility and freedom.
"For one who enters, how many knock on the door? How many even make it to that door? »
With A Vif , the committed "uncle" rapper, 700,000 albums sold in 25 years of career, brings on stage the themes that have punctuated his career. Another way of proclaiming his commitment to which he quickly took a liking: "Theatre is much more dangerous. We are without a parachute, we see directly the reaction of the public, so it's more perilous for an artist. But it's also much more exciting, the reactions are very spontaneous. It is also a form of drug when the audience stands up and applauds. We want to start again. »
"Bringing the 2 France together"
The coin does not solve the problem.And the distancing brought by the form of the eloquence contest allows Kerry James to develop real arguments in both camps. He thus disintegrates received ideas, crumbles this impression that the two France are impermeable and welded blocks. The debate highlights the complexity of the issue, and of all social issues for that matter.
The piece will also have the merit of building bridges between these 2 France which is rarely encountered. By putting the audience at the heart of the stage set-up, as in an agora, the director J.P Barro questions the place of the citizen in the face of the word of politicians, the media and the "counter philosophy". He becomes the judge of this plea. A position that Kery James particularly appreciates:
"It's much more interesting (than concerts) because we have a seated audience, ready to listen to the lyrics and ideas. It is a listening that I find exceptional. »
Kery James is therefore a spokesperson for young people in the suburbs who do not always have the right to speak or are stigmatized: "An artist, if he has nothing to say, does not have to speak. The meaning of art, through the ages, has always been to move society, sometimes lightly through laughter, as Coluche was able to do. For my part, I have striven since the beginning of my career, to build bridges between the two France." In view of the question addressed, and this is Kerry James' trick, an audience unaccustomed to the theater will be attracted by A Vif. For some, it will even be the first time they will go to the theater. Thus will be reunited, at least for the duration of the show, these two France.
The show ends with the text of "Letter to the Republic" read by Yann. And the last words "Do the French have the leaders they deserve?" run through the standing ovation. A show that invites us to (re)discover the texts of Kery James.
Practical information
at the Théâtre du Rond Point
FROM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY, 6:30 PM
Information and reservations: The theatre's website
