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
\ Puppeteers : Mark Blashford
\ Dancer, performer : Ashwaty Chennat
\ Artistic Direction for the USA tour and understudy: Claire Saxe
\ Puppet Construction (replica): Vincent Debuire assisted by Alma Roccella, based on the originals designed by Hélène Barreau
\ Stage Management, Lighting design : Richard Norwood
\ Assistant Stage Management : Beth Richards
\ Sound and Stage Management : Corey Douglas Smith
\ Production and Distribution : Yolanda Cesta Cursach Montilla
\Production and Coordination: Julie Le Corre

Partners

Coproduction Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Théâtre de l’Entrouvert
With the support of FACE Contemporary Theater, program of Villa Albertine and FACE Foundation, in partnership with French Ambassy in the USA, with the support of Ford Foundation, l’Institut Français, Minisrty of Culture and private donators ; l’Institut Français, program IF Export ; l’AVIAMA.

LA RONDE

Commissioned by the Festival C’est pas du Luxe

September 24-25-26, 2021, Celestins Church, Avignon (84)

LA RONDE is an ice installation that took place in the heart of the Celestins Church to symbolize the connections between people and those linking us to our environment. Initiated by Elise Vigneron, this collective work was built over time in collaboration with volunteers from the Association Le Village in Cavaillon and the Bergerie de Berdine in Saint Martin de Castillon.