January 19, 20, 21 & 22, 2023, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (USA)

Élise Vigneron, artistic director of Théâtre de l’Entrouvert, and Blair Thomas, director of the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, two puppeteers who share a common vision of puppetry, give birth to a new international collaboration.

After discovering the company in 2019 at the World Festival of Puppet Theatre in Charleville-Mézières, and witnessing the performance of ANYWHERE during its shows in Canada in 2020, Blair Thomas wishes to feature the show in his festival. As international touring became impossible due to the lockdown, exchanges between Blair Thomas and Elise Vigneron give birth to this project of transmitting the show ANYWHERE to a young American team.

American Cast

Artistic Direction: Élise Vigneron and Blair Thomas
Puppeteer: Mark Blashford
Dancer, Performer: Ashwaty Chennat
USA Tour Artistic Direction and Understudy: Claire Saxe
Puppet Copies Construction: Vincent Debuire, assisted by Alma Roccella, based on originals designed by Hélène Barreau
General Stage and Lighting Management: Richard Norwood
Assistant General Stage Manager: Beth Richards
Sound and Stage Management: Corey Douglas Smith
Production and Touring: Yolanda Cesta Cursach Montilla
Production and Coordination: Julie Le Corre

Partners

Coproduction Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Théâtre de l’Entrouvert
Avec le soutien du FACE Contemporary Theater, un programme de la Villa Albertine et de la FACE Foundation, en partenariat avec l’Ambassade de France aux Etats-Unis, avec le soutien de la Ford Foundation, l’Institut Français, le Ministère de la Culture et les donateurs privés ; l’Institut Français via le programme IF Export ; l’AVIAMA.