From Revolt to Redress: A dialogue between Puissant·es and Brèches at the Varia
Two plays at the Varia engage in an intimate dialogue on sisterhood and brotherhood
In the intimate corners of the Varia, two plays are taking shape. “Puissant·es” and “Brèches” weave a powerful narrative thread, exploring the pressing themes of gender, resistance and healing. Created by artists assigned female at birth (AFAB), these pieces captivate and challenge the audience simultaneously, offering rich and diverse perspectives on the human condition and, more specifically, the contemporary female experience.
"Puissant·es" by the 3637 company: Rising up together, moving forward in the darkness
"Puissant·es" plunges us into the nocturnal turmoil of three intrepid young women, determined to scrawl their anger on the city’s walls. Together, they defy taboos, brave fear and rise up against the injustice that crushes their world. Inspired by the movement of feminist poster-stickers, they merge their individual struggles into collective action, uniting their bodies and destinies to rekindle the hope and power of resistance. The revolt becomes an act of rallying, a celebration of the unsuspected strength that lies in solidarity and collective action.
"Brèches" by Medea Anselin and Alice Valinducq: Repairing the cracks, reinventing revolt
"Brèches", meanwhile, explores the invisible scars left by trauma, and how they affect our perception of and relationship with the body. Four AFAB individuals find themselves in a breach, confronted with the traumatic failure of their own bodies. Through collective writing and fragments of life woven into a shared narrative, the piece questions the construction and perception of the body, seeking to mend internal rifts in order to rekindle a capacity for action and rebellion. It is an invitation to repair, to rebuild, and to find humour in resilience, as a form of insurrection necessary to re-enchant reality.
Connections between the rooms
Although distinct in their approach and aesthetic, "Puissant·es" and "Brèches" share key themes that intertwine them in a poignant dialogue, particularly regarding the power of collective resistance. Both plays highlight the power of collective action in the fight against oppression and injustice, both on stage and in the creation of the play. Whether through the act of writing rebellion on the city’s walls or the reconstruction of battered bodies, solidarity and unity emerge as essential tools for social transformation.
At the Théâtre and Studio Varia, “Puissant·es” and “Brèches” respectively resonate as powerful echoes of an era in search of revolt and emancipation. Together, these plays invite us to reflect on our own struggles and our own flaws, reminding us that it is in solidarity and resilience that the true power of change lies.Book for "Brèches" Book for "Puissant·es"