The audience rose to their feet, danced, and sang. Never before had we seen such communion between the spectators and the artists. From October 5th until January 28th, 2024, the musical show Black Legends makes its return to the stage at the Théâtre 13ème Art, after having conquered Bobino. Through its 37 scenes rhythmized by the greatest hits of soul, disco, funk, and even R&B, the show takes us through the decades and immerses us in the heart of African-American history. And we were completely captivated.
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A musical journey through time and borders
Goodbye to the Paris of 2023. When the curtain rises, we are transported to the southern United States in the late 19th century. On stage, chained slaves parade, the time capsule is activated. In the snap of a finger, the years pass. Now we find ourselves at the Cotton Club, the famous jazz club of the 1920s, where the brilliant Billie Holiday denounces the racism that plagues the country with her song "Strange Fruit".
Time continues to fly, the scenes change with an almost disconcerting speed, and the songs become so familiar that we can't help but whisper the lyrics under our breath. From Rosa Parks to the election of Barack Obama, and the fight for civil rights led by Martin Luther King.And Malcom X, not a single period of history is left out.
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In the background, a large metal structure welcomes the musicians who perform live, serving as the only set. In reality, there is no need for more. Through the power of their voices and the precision of their movements, the singers e.The dancers fill the space. The addition of any object would have been superfluous. Costume changes are of vital importance: from the backless and flared dresses of the 50s, to the wide and colorful outfits of the 70s, there is only a step and a few songs.
Between communion and applause
At first, the audience in their seats to the catchy rhythm of Hit the Road Jack, performed by the wonderful Barry Johnson, but everything is actually designed to gradually increase the energy. And once the first notes of the legendary songs by the Jackson Five resound, it's as if the show has reached its climax. It's impossible to stay still: one person gets up, quickly followed by the entire audience. We dance, we get carried away by the music, we sing along with our neighbor, We laugh with the person in front of us... You could almost believe that a spiritual dimension takes hold of the theater because the energy is shared.
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No one sits back anymore and there are incredible sounds of joy that arise when the actors come closest to the audience to perform a final "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" after multiple ovations. 1 hour and 30 minutes to tell more than a century of history. A quick and terribly exciting journey. We come out feeling both conWho was not moved by this powerful moment of musical communion? On the way back, we couldn't help but play Aretha Franklin's "Think" in our headphones to extend the evening a little longer and perpetuate these legends. Black Legends Théâtre 13e Art Avenue d'Italie - 13e More info: [https://black-legends.com](https://black-legends.com)