REDCAT
Presents the Acclaimed Theatrical Production
MÉLANCOLIE DES DRAGONS
By French Theater Artist Philippe Quesne
September 23 – 25, 2015
An unprecedented version of absurdity, both ingenious and hilarious.
Der Standaard, Brussels
A great, humorous, deeply human and touching work. Der Standard, Vienna
REDCAT, CalArts Downtown center for contemporary arts, presents the Los Angeles debut of renowned French theater director and artist Philippe Quesne with his beautifully staged and quixotic LA MÉLANCOLIE DES DRAGONS Wednesday, September 23 to Friday, September 25 at 8:30 p.m.
The stage is a beautiful snowy forest. The old Citroën broke down, but the trailer behind it has a rock-and-roll light show that still works. The dogs wander as if they dont care. The beer and potato chips are almost gone
Artist and director Philippe Quesne uses brilliant stagecraft and deeply penetrating humor to create theatrical experiences that are both hyper-naturalistic and bizarrely absurd. In La Mélancolie des Dragons, a band of longhaired metal heads decide that the clearing where they are stranded might be the perfect location for a new amusement park with a heavy metal theme. A helpful stranger and her dog are invited into their crazy world of classic rock, medieval recorders and large inflatable sculptures. With minimal dialogue, Quesne mixes dream and reality, music and language, to celebrate the profound joy and absurdity of life.
More info at: http://www.redcat.org/event/philippe-quesne-la-m-lancolie-des dragons
Bio: Philippe Quesne (b. 1970, Paris) studied visual arts and graphic design at lécole estienne and set design at lécole des Arts Décoratifs de Paris. For the past ten years he has designed for theater, opera, and contemporary art exhibitions. Quesne conceived, directed, and designed the set for La Démangeaison des Ailes (the itching of the Wings, 2003), Des Expériences (an evolving project set in diverse spaces such as an art gallery, a forest, a pond, and a wasteland from 2004 to 2006), Daprès Nature (2006), LEffet de Serge (2007), La Mélancolie des dragons (2008), and Big Bang (2010). Since 2004, his company Vivarium Studio has produced and presented in France and abroad. Quesne has also created site-specific projects, such as Pour en finir avec les simulateurs (2004), Échantillons (2006), Point de vue (2007), and Groupuscule (2007). He is the editor of three booklets as well:A few actions in natural environments (2005), Simple thoughts about the presence of nature in urban environments (2006), and Thinking about the end of the world in costume by the sea (2009).
Video clip: https://vimeo.com/8571284
Reviews:
http://www.paris-art.com/marche-art/la-melancolie-des-dragons/philippe-quesne/8068.html
http://www.theatre-contemporain.net/spectacles/LA-Melancolie-des-Dragons/
http://www.campo.nu/en/artist/724/philippe-quesne
http://www.culture-crous.paris/event/la-melancolie-des-dragons-aux-theatre-des-amandiers/
Article about the performance on the day of the Charlie Hebdo attacks:
Produced by Vivarium Studio (2012). Tour produced by Nanterre-Amandiers, Centre Dramatique National.
Presented with support from the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.
ABOUT REDCAT | THE ROY AND EDNA DISNEY/CALARTS THEATER REDCAT, CalArts’ downtown center for contemporary arts, presents a dynamic and international mix of innovative visual, performing and media arts year round. Located inside the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall complex in downtown Los Angeles, REDCAT houses a theater, a gallery space and a lounge. Through performances, exhibitions, screenings, and literary events, REDCAT introduces diverse audiences, students and artists to the most influential developments in the arts from around the world, and gives artists in this region the creative support they need to achieve national and international stature. REDCAT continues the tradition of the California Institute of the Arts, its parent organization, by encouraging experimentation, discovery and lively civic discourse.
GENERAL INFORMATION
For current program and exhibition information call 213-237-2800 or visit www.redcat.org.
LOCATION/PARKING
Street Address: 631 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles CA 90012
REDCAT is located in downtown Los Angeles inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex with a separate entrance at the corner of West 2nd and Hope Streets. Parking is available in the Walt Disney Concert Hall parking structure. $9 event rate or $5 for vehicles entering after 8:00 pm on weekdays.
THE LOUNGE | Open to the public six days a week, the Lounge is a great place to spend an afternoon or grab a drink pre- and post-performance.
Lounge Hours: TuesdaysFridays from 9am until 8 pm or post-show; Saturdays from noon until 8 pm or post-show; Sundays from noon until 6pm or post-show
THE GALLERY | REDCAT’s Gallery presents five major exhibitions each year, and publishes artist books and catalogues. Admission to the Gallery is FREE. Gallery Hours: TuesdaysSundays from noon until 6 pm and through intermission
THE THEATER | Tickets for programs held in the theater are available through the REDCAT Box Office, by phone 213-237-2800 or online at www.redcat.org. Group, member, student and CalArts faculty/staff discounts available.
Box Office Hours: TuesdaysSaturday from noon until 6 pm or two hours prior to curtain
