This rock version of the heroine, inspired by Euripides’ tragedy, will tour France and Belgium in January. “Iphigénie à Splott”, a free dive into the life of a woman who tries to escape a daily life full of bullying and injustice.
Gwendoline Gauthier in “Iphigénie à Splott” dans la mise en scène de Georges Lini. (DEBBY TERMONIA)
First the obvious: Gwendoline Gauthier is of rare power. The actress, in a colorful jumpsuit, with a hat placed carelessly on her head, is in (high) tension for 1h30. Iphigenia in Splott, rock heroine inspired by the tragedy of Euripides or the life of a woman, Effie, in contact with a violent and desperate reality of injustice.Effie is provocative, mocking, very sensitive. His life is far from being a calm river, but rather a succession of setbacks and miseries. Effie lives in splott, a working-class suburb of Cardiff, plagued by factory closures, unemployment and insecurity.
The text by Gary Owen, directed by Georges lini, works on the body and heart of the audience. And Gwendoline Gauthier’s raw and sensitive performance gives more anger and revolt to her character trying to escape social determinism. He has been touring France and Belgium since mid-January after making his mark at the 2023 Avignon Festival.
Both Ken Loach and danny boyle are there Iphigenia in Splott. Nothing is hidden, Effie reveals everything, in strength and nuance, both her flaws and her dreams.
The political dimension is never far away, because Effie has buried hopes and expectations.On a bare stage, surrounded by a luminous ribbon, surrounded by three excellent musicians, Gwendoline Gauthier strikingly embodies this woman to the skin.
the show, he shouts to the audience with bravado: “You’re all here to say thank you. To me.Yes, I know, it stings. But you, each of you, owes me something.” She, the one left behind, the one who doesn’t interest anyone, except perhaps her grandmother and Kevin, her lover, a little “badger” and frequently enough on the move.
In this scene, Gwendoline Gauthier, who remained at Splott to immerse herself in the character, avoids the presentation. His outbursts, his anger, his crushes explode with a confused sincerity. Effie seethes inside,consumed by an agitation that only subsides when she’s dead drunk.Because Effie drinks, a lot. He also takes drugs. Seek oblivion, to the point of amnesia.
Then one day, she doesn’t feel alone, she doesn’t feel alone anymore. Finaly. The narrative takes another turn. Effie becomes a different person. He has a revelation, he hopes, his life will change, that’s for sure. But it clashes with reality, class contempt. “How long will we collect? And what will happen when we can no longer bear it?”
The audience is with Effie, following her every moment. as if the character had a Go-Pro attached to his forehead, an on-board camera, to follow his life as closely as possible, without restraint, with raw authenticity. Iphigenia in Splotta contemporary story that puts unbridled and dehumanizing liberalism on trial. A great moment of theater that the audience at the Center Wallonie Brussels applauded for several minutes on Tuesday 19 November. Iphigenia in Splottthe triumph of Gwendoline Gauthier.
Text : Gary Owen
Translation: Blandine Pélissier and Kelly rivière
Duration : 1h30
Staging: George Lynn
With: Gwendoline Gauthier
Musical direction: François Sauveur
Musicians: Pierre constant, Julien Lemonnier and François Sauveur
Lights: Jerome Dejean
Costumes: Charly Kleinermann and Thibaut De Coster
Co-production: Pocket Theater (Belgium) / Cie Belle de Nuit
How does the rock music influence the emotional impact of the performance in “Iphigénie à splott”?
Title: Exploring “Iphigénie à Splott”: An Interview wiht the Visionary Behind the Rock Adaptation
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with a prominent figure in the theater world, the director of “Iphigénie à Splott,” Georges Lini. This rock adaptation inspired by Euripides’ tragedy promises to be an engaging experience for audiences in France and Belgium this January. Welcome, Georges!
Georges Lini: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share more about this project.
Interviewer: To start, can you tell us what drew you to Euripides’ tragedy as the foundation for this modern interpretation?
Georges Lini: Absolutely! Euripides’ themes of sacrifice and injustice resonate deeply, especially in today’s society. “Iphigénie à Splott” takes the essence of the original story and transforms it into a contemporary narrative that reflects the struggles of a woman facing bullying and societal pressures. It’s about giving voice to those who often remain unheard.
Interviewer: That sounds compelling. I understand that the character of Iphigenia is portrayed in a very different light in your adaptation. How does this change affect the audience’s perception of her?
Georges Lini: In our rendition, Iphigenia is not just a tragic figure; she is a rock heroine. We explore her resilience and fierce determination to break free from her circumstances. This reinvention adds layers to her character, allowing the audience to connect with her struggles in a very visceral way. Gwendoline Gauthier’s powerful performance embodies this spirit beautifully, making Iphigenia relatable and inspiring.
Interviewer: Speaking of Gwendoline, you mentioned her performance is particularly striking. Can you share a bit about what makes her portrayal special?
Georges Lini: Gwendoline is undeniably talented, bringing raw energy to the stage. Her colorful jumpsuit and carefree hat symbolize the vibrancy and rebelliousness of her character. She captures the complexities of iphigenia—her fears, her strengths, and her yearning for freedom. It’s this multifaceted portrayal that truly captivates the audience.
Interviewer: With the play set for a tour in France and Belgium, what do you hope audiences will take away from this performance?
Georges Lini: I hope they leave feeling empowered. The themes of bullying and injustice are worldwide, and I want the audience to reflect on their own lives and the societal structures that contribute to these issues. It’s a call to action—encouraging people to stand up against injustice, just as Iphigenia does in our story.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful message. How do you think the rock element of the production enhances the storytelling?
Georges Lini: Rock music injects energy and emotion into the narrative. It mirrors the turmoil that the characters experience, making their struggles more palpable. The music serves not only as a backdrop but as a character in its own right, driving the action and connecting the audience to the emotional core of the story.
Interviewer: It sounds like a thrilling blend of classic tragedy with contemporary flair! As the final question, what do you want to say to potential audiences who might potentially be unsure about attending a rock adaptation of a classical play?
Georges Lini: I invite them to open their minds and take a chance on something different. This is not just a retelling of a classic; it’s a fresh and exciting experience that speaks to modern issues. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or new to the stage, I promise you will find something impactful in “Iphigénie à Splott.” Come join the journey and let the music and story resonate with you!
Interviewer: Thank you,Georges! Your passion for this project is infectious,and I’m sure audiences will be thrilled to experience “Iphigénie à Splott.” We look forward to its tour!
Georges Lini: Thank you! I hope to see you all at the shows!