Sophie Cadieux, Rébecca Dasespe and Alix Dufresne admit it straight away: they all three hesitated (a little!) Before embarking on the adventure of Feminist for Men, a squeaky monologue signed by the Frenchwoman Noémie de Lattre and presented at the Usine C.
The idea of putting on a comedy focused on feminism – a subject close to their hearts – in the company of creators they appreciate, however, overcame their reluctance.
Why have you hesitated? First of all because this text, very Franco-French in its language and its purpose, needed a serious boost to stick to the reality of Quebec. When it comes to feminism, Quebec and France are not in the same place, believes director Alix Dufresne. “Interactions in the street, the hierarchy of relationships, the mental load: all these things are experienced differently in France, where patriarchy is more accepted. ”
Then there’s this very provocative title that the team couldn’t change for copyright reasons. The important thing is to linger on the subtitle on the poster, affirm the three women of the theater in concert. Here is the title in full: Feminist for Men, survival guide for all.
“It must be said: this monologue is not intended only for men,” indicates the playwright Rébecca Deraspe, who has received the delicate mission of preparing this text in Quebecois style.
Women will recognize themselves in this show which takes the gamble of teaching us something important, sometimes in a very concrete way. Did you know that the clitoris measures approximately 12 cm? Not me ! I learned that at 38!
Rébecca Deraspe, playwright
Because yes, the folds of the female anatomy are one of the many topics covered in this humorous monologue sometimes raw, often daring, but always benevolent. In fact, this thick text pulls in all directions: menstruation, epicene language, seduction, body image, social pressure. Everything is there. “It’s a pizzaghetti, a sum of small details and facts gathered on the condition of women”, launches the actress Sophie Cadieux, who carries this solo on stage. “A pizzaghetti with a little Zumba as an accompaniment,” adds Alix Dufresne, laughing.
Self-mockery and humility
Sophie Cadieux continues: “It is above all a show that speaks of equality and humanism. This is not a lesson for men. It is an uninhibited text, which, yes, is a little pamphleteer in the writing, but which embraces all the feminine contradictions. And above all, the show does not pretend to settle anything. It is meant to be very inclusive. ”
“Sophie, Rébecca and I are all imperfect feminists,” says Alix Dufresne. We talk about our own experiences. We are in self-mockery, in humility too. This is arguably the best way to break down barriers. ”
However, how to convince those who fear (wrongly, insist the creators) to be made to be lectured to attend this stripping solo? “It’s a show that takes place in pleasure,” says Alix Dufresne. “And that is fundamentally funny,” concludes Rébecca Dasespe.
Feminist for Men is presented at Usine C, from October 27 to 31.