Jonathan Swift's novel, Gulliver's Travels, is not its first stage adaptation, although these are rather rare. On the other hand, they were more frequent in cinema. In 2010, the eponymous character was played by Jack Black under the direction of Rob Letterman. This time, Valérie Lesort and Christian Hecq put the literary work on stage. They offer a brilliant and original version at the Athénée Théâtre, after their adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in 2015. To put the play in context, we follow the main character, Gulliver, an English surgeon of the eighteenth century. After a shipwreck, he finds himself on the island of Liliput, whose inhabitants are tiny… While he is considered a giant by the latter! For this, the duo Valérie Lesort-Christian Hecq shrinks its actors who lend their features to their own puppet in a real technical feat. Gulliver, on the other hand, retains his size and renders all possible services to these tyrannical little men and women. Sometimes it allows them to move at the speed of light, sometimes it serves as a weapon of war. Because yes, the Liliputians are at war with the Blefuscians… For boiled egg stories. 
A social satire that is still relevant today
Upon its release, Jonathan Swift's satirical novel was initially censored. In this adaptation, the directors have retained the subversion. The themes are numerous, but also particularly topical. The play addresses the quest for power at all costs through ridiculous conflicts and whims but also the fear of differences. What can we say except that this criticism of the powerful still resonates today? Moreover, if some references may escape a young audience – very represented in the room – adults, for their part, revel in all the subtleties of the text. No matter the age of the viewer, we laugh, but not always the same things. Gulliver 's Journey blends humour beautifully with his criticism of tyranny. 
A show of great creativity
The laughter also goes through the presence of several particularly successful musical numbers, especially when the Empress Cachaça frees herself on a sexy dance.The play is then halfway between theater and musical, and the charm operates. The staging by Valérie Lesort and Christian Hecq is the very representation of an artistic symbiosis between each of its members. The magic works more when the puppets come to life with the faces of the actors, very expressive. On a black background, with painted canvas decorations, the illusion is perfect. In the note of intent, the artistic team reveals having used the process of black theater which makes it possible to erase the real bodies of the actors, who themselves move their puppets about fifty centimeters. Good news for those who live outside Île-de-France, Gulliver 's Journey will be on tour throughout the France from February 1st , starting with the Théâtre des Célestins in Lyon! For Parisians, there is still time to discover the show until January 28. And if you want to laugh a little more, we invite you to go see On est toujours le vieux d'un autre at the Théâtre du Gymnase Marie Bell. Gulliver's Journey Directed by Christian Hecq and Valérie Lesort From 11 to 28 January 2022 Théâtre de l'Athénée-Louis Jouvet 7 Rue Boudreau, 75009 Paris 01.53.05.19.19
