After the success of R.Has.G.E, Les Anges au Ceiling , directed by Camille Trouvé, continues their exploration around Romain Gary. With White Dog, adaptation of the latter's novel Chien Blanc , they take us once again into their poetic and poignant universe. To discover without further delay at the Théâtre Mouffetard until February 11, then on national tour…
A metaphor in the form of a social thriller
United States. 1960s. The struggle of African-Americans for civil rights is spreading across the country. In an America orphaned by Martin Luther King, history is now written in letters of blood. Romain Gary, then living in Hollywood with his wife, actress Jean Sieberg, is thrown into this social unrest.
It was first Jean Seberg who took a public stand in favor of the Black cause. Then comes a stray dog that the couple adopts. While this one is gentle and affectionate, comes a day when the animal shows a completely different face. Dangerous, without warning, it turns out to be a "white dog". The familiar switches to the terrifying. It turns out that he has been trained to systematically attack people of "black skin".
A reflection in the form of humanity
Can a dog be racist? And above all, can he unlearn? On a sleepless night, Romain Gary mixes this page of history with that of his loved ones. The quest for the "straightening" of this dog becomes a real humanist goal for the writer who hopes to show that hatred of the other is not necessarily written in the genes forever. But to achieve this goal and change one's behavior, what means should be implemented? Can we try everything? And at what cost?
Born after the attacks of November 13, 2015, White Dog echoes all these images of violence that dot the media. And resonates with the desire to question the capacity of men to live together, beyond their differences. Which of humanity or bestiality will take precedence? With this pamphlet, Camille Trouvé questions us on ways to defuse the spiral of hatred and violence…
A show in the shape of crumpled paper
To bring White Dog's story to life, Angels on the Ceiling deploys all their ingenuity, meticulousness and paper universe. Pop-ups spring from all over the stage, shadows dance on large papers and leaves twirl. This is the setting in which the puppets evolve that make it possible to switch from the life of Romain Gary author, to the story of Romain Gary narrator.
We are surprised by this moving scenery that unfolds our eyes, and of which Yvan Bernardet pulls the strings. We are impressed and touched by these puppets (a special mention for Batka, the dog and for a Jean Seberg to chew!). As beautiful, truculent as they are touching, they are animated by a Brice Berthoud with an impressive vocal and body palette and a Tadié Tuéné no less charismatic. Finally, the battery of Arnaud Biscay, comes to give a relief of "fever, emergency" to this social thriller.
Narration, puppets, music, in a generous energy, all the ingredients of a successful show… And an ode to creation… In short, we loved White Dog !
