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Behind the mirror: a bewildering and hilarious play at the Théatre de l'Essaïon

undefined undefined 4 juillet 2023 undefined 15h43

undefined undefined 31 décembre 2023 undefined 10h38

The Editor

This month, we had the chance to go see a play currently performed at the Essaïon Theatre: "Derrière le miroir", a little gem written and directed by Valérie Mastrangelo, co-produced with La Famiglia and Cambalache companies. A true journey into the circus world, between fiction and reality.

It is hidden in a small alley behind the Pompidou Center that you will find the lovely Essaion theater, with its bright red storefront. After descending the steps, you discover the scene that awaits you under the magnificent stone vault: a beautifully set up lounge and lights that make you want to sit down. The tone is set, you know you're in for a good time. On stage, the characters start making their entrance: Mr. Alfred, a seasoned writer but plagued by doubts about his latest novel, and his eccentric-looking staff with peculiar attitudes. As the story unfolds, the hero pulls out of his hat all the characters that populate his imagination: Bozo the clown, Yvette the accordionist, Madame Loyal, and Zampano the knife thrower. An extravagant and colorful quartet that will take you straight into the world of the circus. Quickly, the dilemma is revealed: Mr. Alfred wants to make the main character die.'one of his characters to be able to progress in his novel, but he can't decide which one. Unable to solve it on his own, he summons them all to his house so they can decide for themselves who should disappear. Amidst surprises, rivalries, and rebellions, we witness a true feast of predators where everyone tries to save their own skin. In the style of Christopher Nolan in Inception, Valérie Mastrangelo makes us shift from one reality to another, so much so that we can no longer really discern the real from the fiction.



A little absurdity and dark humor – but always with finesse – to sprinkle it all and we get an intelligent and creative play. The author and director also addresses the issue of human flaws, through each of the personalities embodied by the characters, but especially that of madness. From beginning to end, one question persists: among them all, which one is...The craziest thing? Behind the mirror, it's an original and hilarious story, a whimsical atmosphere, close to a dream, thanks to the play of lights and enchanting music, lively and invested actors in their roles. In the end, there's only one thing left to say: go see it!

Behind the Mirror
Théâtre de l'Essaïon
6, rue Pierre-au-Lard – 4e
Until July 29, 2023
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 9:15pm
www.essaion-theatre.com