Choreographer Maguy Marin criticizes the control of mass media in her latest show “2023”

Maguy Marin unveils his 54th creation: “Two thousand and twenty-three.” A “punching” show to denounce the influence that mass media have on almost alienated individuals. Through dance, singing, plastic art and theater, the committed choreographer attempts to raise awareness. The “documentary theater” piece will be performed until November 10 at the Maison de la Danse in Lyon, before going on tour to the four corners of France.

“Do we still have the freedom of thought?”questions Maguy Marin and the 7 performers on stage, Kostia Chaix, Kais Choubi, Chandra Grangean, Lisa Martinez, Alais Marzouvanlian, Lise Messina, Rolando Rocha.

Resign or resist

Plunging into darkness, a fight is brewing with a decisive issue: to resign or resist the domination of the media. The antagonist of the story is a financial capitalist. He is decorated with the abrupt face of a devil, crowned with newspapers and to perfectly embody traditional Japanese dance, a fan of banknotes in hand. His twin wears a crown with a panel of social networks. A breeding ground for false information, it is the ideal place to exploit the youngest.

Other characters stand against him, trying to become the heroes of tomorrow. On the other side of the television, well-known French figures with routine “metro, work, news, sleep”. And young people who are drowning under a mountain of infobesity. The battle is merciless, but only one side will win.

When the performers don’t dance, they shout under the background of intense percussion, to release frustration. At the end of the show, a sorrowful and melancholic song on a carpet of flowers suggests hope for a better future.

“People work for a fairer world, but always defeated, unarmed in the face of the powerful. It takes much longer”

Maguy Marin

Composer “2023”

An oppressive observation

“2023” is a complaint about the capacity of individuals to obey the media that captivates the masses. After being nourished by articles, magazines, documentaries and television speeches. She spits out a bitter observation.

In France, 9 billionaires own the majority of private media. Bernard Arnault, Xavier Niel, Patrick Drahi, Vincent Bolloré. Like a political pamphlet, the artist expresses his rage in the face of a world dominated by money and the media which mobilize minds and dehumanize. She deplores the workings of the media, the fourth power, supposed to be more controlled than controller.

This 1h30 show acts as a detoxification treatment and opens up avenues for reflection.

Next date January 16, 2024 on Le Quai in Angers, for Maguy and his troupe before continuing the tour.