In Toulouse, Toulouse-Lautrec through the prism of dance
Posted on Oct 18, 2021 5:15 PM
Edgard Degas is more often associated with dance than Toulouse-Lautrec. However, the work of the latter is teeming with moving characters. From La Goulue and its cancan to the serpentine dances of the American Loïe Fuller, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was at the forefront of his time. He is now the hero of a ballet, ” Toulouse Lautrec », Imagined by Kader Belarbi. The choreographer carried this project for a long time, suspended twice, confinement required. This fall, the Théâtre du Capitole finally vibrates in the colors of the artist. Rather than a biopic, Belarbi opts for a color chart of sensations.
Shards of life, sometimes painful, follow one another with its share of light girls and aristocrats. From the first superb image, Lautrec comes to life, as if manipulated by the canes of a group of dancers. This ” free man with affected body »As depicted by Danièle Devynck artistic advisor on the production, becomes the object of all the attentions – and sometimes the mockery. Kader Belarbi shows it in his studio or in the privacy of a brothel. The cutting of the work makes it possible to summon accomplices like Jeanne Avril, Suzanne Valadon or the same Cri-Cri. Each of the dancers of the troop was thus entitled to his false identity card history to stick as close as possible to the characters.
Sparks
Little decor, except for hanging frames and benches, just dancing in majesty. Certain group scenes are therefore more effective, such as this thunderous French cancan for 30 soloists. La Goulue in the guise of Solène Monnereau hits the mark. Ditto for Yvette’s singing tour – Simon Catonnet grandiose to the end of his black gloves. Kader Belarbi never shies away from the violence that we guess drowned in alcohol. But he has the intelligence not to make Lautrec a martyr. Ramiro Gómez Samón lends him his features. A sensitive dancer, he goes from duet to ensembles. At the forefront or in the boxes, the choreography makes sparks. Perhaps more than the music of Bruno Coulais, fortunately invigorated by the accordion of Sergio Tomassi. A rare classical company in the region, the Ballet du Capitole proves that by seizing on history, dance opens up new horizons. ” Always and everywhere the installer with her accents of beauty. It’s exciting to discover them where no one sees them », Said Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This creation definitely resembles him.
Toulouse Lautrec
Ballet
by Karder Berlarbi, by the Ballet du Capitole.
At the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse until October 23. Rens. : theatreducapitole.fr