The NAC’s Théâtre français is pleased to present Phèdre by Jérémie Niel, one of the brightest young directors in the Montreal theatre milieu. Jérémie explores the cherished myth of Phaedra by delving into the writings of Seneca, Ovid, Racine and Dante, reworking themes that remain strikingly contemporary. Four impressive performers bring to life this tragedy, where reason and passion are locked in a bloody struggle: Marie Brassard, Benoît Lachambre, Emmanuel Schwartz and Mani Soleymanlou. This intense, powerful piece is being presented at the NAC Studio from December 10 to 13 at 8 p.m.

Though married to King Theseus, Phaedra is physically attracted to her stepson Hippolytus. The trio is consumed by desire, guilt and rage within the confines of a shadowy world. Driven by forbidden desire, Phaedra falls prey to public condemnation. In a society where people constantly spy on each other, how does one escape the judgement of the crowd? Can our inner turmoil and our transgressions be concealed from the burden of the gaze of the Other?

This retelling of the myth of Phaedra is anchored in the contemporary world, with its zones of doubt and uncertainty, a society adrift. Jérémie Niel’s adaptation explores our so-called secular world and our futile quests for the sacred, the weight of our secular morality.

 

“We are now caught up in a constant quest to salve our consciences. We are quick to condemn others, without trying to understand the other’s words or actions, and social media only accelerate the process. As soon as someone does something untoward, he is subject to the judgement and condemnation of the mob. Secular morality seems to me to be very violent, much more so than religious morality.”

- Jérémie Niel -

Texts: Racine, Ovid, Seneca, Dante and Jérémie Niel // conceived and directed by: Jérémie Niel // performers: Marie Brassard, Benoît Lachambre, Emmanuel Schwartz and Mani Soleymanlou // dramaturge: Jessie Mill // music and sound design: Tomas Furey  // design of sound capsules: Mathieu Beaudin // sound effects: Nicolas Gagnon // sound mix: Cory Rizos // lighting: Erwann Bernard // set design: Jasmine Catudal // assistant set designer: Patrice Charbonneau-Brunelle // video: Jérémie Battaglia // costumes: Renata Morales // costume assistant: Madelene Veber // seamstress: Ana Luisa Rodriguez // construction of mannequin: Vladimir Cara // production assistant: Mariflore Véronneau // technical director: Caroline Turcot // sound technician: Joel Lavoie

Produced by Pétrus, co-produced by Festival TransAmériques and the NAC’s Théâtre français

Duration: 90 minutes