Théâtre de la Chandelle Verte

Une soirée Ionesco
Academic Tour 2005-2006

Whitman College September 24, 2005	Le Théâtre de la Chandelle Verte's production of “La Leçon” was spellbinding. Twice I have seen the play in Paris at Le Théâtre de la Huchette. Neither time did it evolve into the magical dance we saw this evening. The ending of the production is strikingly original. It eschews a literal interpretation of the text but only so that it can better elucidate the text's ultimate message: language can kill. Patrick Henry Professor of French (retired) Whitman College

University at Buffalo March 4, 2006	On March 4th, the Théâtre de la Chandelle verte played "La Leçon" at the University of Buffalo Center for the Arts. For the spectators familiar with the play, the opening was a surprise. Ionesco's young girl was played by a man, his professor was a woman. When asked why they had made such a choice, the actors replied: to be playful. Excellent ambition when applied to Ionesco! After all, in the gag called "La Jeune fille à marier", the long awaited maiden is a moustached man. The actors added that power and contrasts were central in their vision of the play. Both came across powerfully in their rendering. "La Leçon", a classic of the theater of the absurd, has been updated into a work which, in spite of its complexity, is visually simple thanks to the use of signs, colors, movements and faces inspired by mime. A perfect evening for students as well as theater fans. Gisèle Feal Professor Emerita SUNY College at Buffalo

	Le Théâtre de la Chandelle Verte’s production, “Une Soirée d’Ionesco” offers much more than simply a re-staging of Eugene Ionesco’s infamous play of power and complicity. By combining La Leçon with three shorter pieces, the entire evening becomes, in part, a reflection on language and power in education. With simple, yet inventive staging, the physicality of the performance engages the familiar hierarchy of learning—student and teacher; ignorance and knowledge—as a fragile structure that requires a sacrifice. I was delighted to recommend the performance to my theatre students. Sarah Bay-Cheng Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance The University at Buffalo

	The production of Ionesco's La Leçon by the Théâtre de la Chandelle Verte is a pure joy to behold. The physicality and the acting skills of the company transcend the boundaries of language for Francophones and native speakers of English alike. Ionesco's message is delivered regardless of the language one hears it in. A show not to be missed! Mark F. Tattenbaum Graduate Student, American Studies (Theatre and Dance) University at Buffalo