The Sterone Project presents this Sunday Entertaining, at the Claude-Léveillée room at Place des Arts. A brilliant show, halfway between humor and music, with a detour through derision, information and education. Because yes, being feminist and entertaining is possible.
At least that’s what we learned from a lively interview with the main interested parties, namely Anne-Marie Dupras (comedian, author and speaker, founder of the project), Andréanne Martin (musician) and Claudia Lopez (comedian) in company of their director and accomplice, Judi Richards.
Oh yes, and it’s obviously “men welcome”, it goes without saying (but it should be said anyway, just in case).
What to expect ? 90 minutes flat of rhythmic numbers, alternating between video capsules (L-100 Klisse cream), stand-upcommitted songs (Flamenco of the hot girl, No Brabra, etc.), and fake news reports. Without forgetting several historical reminders here and there, and a chronology of women’s rights so dearly acquired. All in lightness and good humor, we will have understood.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Anne-Marie Dupras in dress rehearsal
“Because we don’t just complain about what we don’t have! We also celebrate what we have! », says laughing Anne-Marie Dupras, who here makes it her duty to remind young people (and not so young people) of a story too often taken for granted, in her own way, “a little boring”, but “super entertaining “.
“Stop saying that you don’t care about the year 40, it’s too important a date! », she says, in reference to the anniversary of women obtaining the right to vote in Quebec.
Judi Richards obviously didn’t have her arm twisted to participate in the show, which was already very advanced when she joined the group at the end of August.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Judi Richards joined the trio to direct.
This is very fun. Spectators will spend 90 minutes feeling good. Seeing each other, either laughing or saying: oh, they dared to say that!
Judi Richards, director
“It’s important that people know that these three women work hard, and that they have a message to say. ” Which ? “All the faults of women, their bodies, their periods, menopause, how women are perceived, how they want to be seen, how they no longer want to be judged. Above all: how to take our place and laugh at our failings. » In a word, how they want to be treated as equals. “It’s nothing revolutionary,” she sums up, but it’s “a lot of fun.”
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The trio in dress rehearsal
Anticipating the predictable criticisms, Judi Richards adds that no, this feminist message has not had its day, and that we must above all remain “vigilant”: “Yes, women have plenty of rights. But we see the big picture : where we come from, where we are going, and how many countries are going backwards…”
The Sterone Project became known in 2017 with this video that went viral: L-100 K-lisse – The famous miracle cream that ALL women dream of (yes, you have to pronounce the K).
Originally, the trio was made up of Anne-Marie Dupras, Catherine Hamann and Anna Beaupré Moulounda, and they were a hit. “I think that, a bit like with [le livre et le blogue] My shitty love life, it’s authenticity that works. People recognize themselves in something that we don’t often see. They realize: “OK, it’s not just me who is tired of feeling inadequate,” Anne-Marie Dupras analyzes with hindsight.
The trio did not survive the rise of one’s career here, and the heaviness of the hate messages (“and death threats”) received there. “It’s becoming heavy to carry,” confirms the comedian. I’ve been dealing with this for a long time. […] I won’t stop living for this. There are women who live in truly more dangerous situations and who continue to get up in the morning…”
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
A number to find a word that is less scary than “feminist”
Anne-Marie Dupras obviously wanted to continue the project, continuing to surround herself with women (for the “different atmosphere”, the complicity and the sisterhood). They are now Andréanne Martin (passed by The voice a few years ago, whose imitation here of Edith Piaf is breathtaking) and the comedian Claudia Lopez (who brings a welcome touch of diversity) who accompany her, and who are both also very happy to carry a “message”, educate and educate yourself along the way.
Speaking of the famous feminist “message”, isn’t it discouraging to have to repeat it again, in 2023? At all, Anne-Marie-Dupras retorts without hesitation. “Because we have so much fun doing the show! »And it shows.
October 29, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Salle Claude-Léveillée at Place des Arts