The PàP Theater convened by Zoom the media from across Quebec last week to present his new show, While the fields burn. At the crossroads between repertoire, creation and documentary theater, the work revolves around the theme of our natural resources and the issues linked to their exploitation. It took four years of research before appearing on stage this fall.
With his new creation While the fields burn, Théâtre PàP continues its quest for field writing to question our “overheating world” and explore Quebec territory. “We were inspired by the actions and struggles led by citizens from several regions of Quebec, by going to meet them,” explains the director and artistic director of PàP, Patrice Dubois. Adding that since its founding in 1978, “the PàP has been interested in the Quebec territory, the issues it raises, and the way in which it shapes our dramaturgy”.
The creative process began at the start of the pandemic. Members of the L’Ensemble group, created in 2019 by PàP, contacted citizens from different regions of Quebec, through meetings, interviews and creative residencies which took place over a period of four years. The cast includes Marie-Hélène Thibault, Zoé Boudou and Harry Standjofski, members of L’Ensemble, as well as Mathieu Richard, Emmanuelle Lussier-Martinez, Sarya Bazin and Ariel Ifergan.
From Chekhov to Niagara
While the fields burn (a nod to the title of a song by the group Niagara) offers a modern adaptation of The Cherry Orchard, piece created in 1904. By means of testimonies from citizens and artists collected by the troupe, echoing the drama experienced by Chekhov’s characters. “Chekhov’s play was ideally suited to serve as a structure for the show we wanted to create. Because this cherry orchard is a neutral place, a resource that evokes all other resources,” says Dany Boudreault, co-author of the text with Dubois.
PHOTO LUCILE PARRY-CANET, PROVIDED BY LE PÀP
Performers Marie-Hélène Thibault and Mathieu Richard in rehearsal
Dany Boudreault does not hide the fact that Chekhov’s masterpiece is his favorite play. With its big themes like “dispossession, blindness and denial, we can project a lot of things onto this cherry orchard”.
Theatrical assembly
While the fields burn interweaves a family history with the environmental and socio-economic issues of current Quebec. “In this large theatrical assembly, the field of questions is vast,” says Patrice Dubois. Like the Chekhovian characters, the protagonists of While the fields burn wonder what the next revolution will be. After the Industrial Revolution and the Quiet Revolution in Quebec.
Raised in comfort and indifference, Ania is linked by her mother, Lioubov, to the immense property where she was born. “Cherry trees evoke both the beauty of a golden childhood and the economic challenges the family must face. The cherry orchard is a symbolic vision of the territory; a clash between two systems,” adds Boudreault.
The work also highlights Chekhov’s ecological awareness. At the dawn of the 20the century, the writer was already exposing the anxieties of a changing world. “The characters are together in an insoluble problem,” he paraphrases. To illustrate that we are all linked to our collective future and obliged to find solutions to avoid destroying ourselves.
Ania’s point of view
In this rereading of the classic, the action is centered around the gaze of the character Ania, who represents the ideals of youth and a changing world. And above all the hope of a different future. At 18, Ania expresses “a mixture of dreams, uncertainties and determination while she is confronted with those who are agitated and discussing around her”, we summarize in the synopsis.
PHOTO LUCILE PARRY-CANET, PROVIDED BY LE PÀP
Sarya Bazin will play Ania in the play While the fields burn.
Created in Baie-Comeau last Thursday, the play will begin a tour in Quebec, and will stop at the Théâtre Alphonse-Desjardins, in Repentigny, on October 5, as part of the 5e edition of Theater Fools. She will also be playing at the Théâtre Outremont on November 13 and 14. The show is co-produced with the Gaspé Broadcast Creation Center and the Baie-Comeau Arts Center.
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While the fields burn
By Dany Boudreault and Patrice Dubois
Directed by Patrice DuboisOn Quebec tour