Geneva’s Théâtre Saint-Gervais is currently hosting a provocative and unsettling theatrical experience: Coloscopie d’un supermarché (Supermarket Colonoscopy). Created by the artistic duo Marie van Berchem and Vanessa Ferreira Vicente, operating under their collective Cœur, the performance isn’t a straightforward play, but rather a sharp, ironic dissection of consumer culture and the overwhelming presence of the modern supermarket in daily life. The production, running until Sunday, offers a critical look at how these spaces shape not just our shopping habits, but our desires and even our thought processes. This unique theatrical exploration is drawing attention for its bold approach and willingness to confront the often-unseen mechanisms of the retail world.
The work doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths about our relationship with consumption. It’s a punch to the gut, the artists suggest, for those weary of unchecked capitalism and a rallying cry for those who believe in the power of irony as a tool for social commentary. Van Berchem and Ferreira Vicente aren’t simply presenting a critique; they’re immersing the audience in a meticulously reconstructed supermarket environment, forcing a confrontation with the very systems they’re questioning. The performance aims to expose the ways in which supermarkets manipulate our appetites and, as the title suggests, “gape” at our brains.
A Stage Reimagined as a Retail Space
The staging itself is a key element of the experience. The artists, both trained as plastic artists, have transformed the theater space into a labyrinth of palettes arranged to resemble supermarket aisles. A subdued, bluish lighting scheme and the sound of birdsong create a deceptively tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the often-frenetic energy of a real supermarket. Towering stacks of toilet paper – a seemingly mundane item – become symbolic of the sheer volume and often-unnecessary abundance that characterizes modern consumerism. A symphonic score underscores the scene, adding a layer of unsettling grandeur to the everyday setting.
Within this constructed environment, the audience encounters “Mélissa,” a character portrayed as an ordinary shopper navigating the aisles of “Super,” the fictional supermarket chain at the heart of the performance. Her interactions and observations serve as a lens through which the audience can examine their own behaviors and assumptions about shopping and consumption. The play doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather prompts viewers to question the forces at play in their own lives.
The Collective Cœur and Their Artistic Vision
Marie van Berchem and Vanessa Ferreira Vicente formed the collective Cœur to explore themes of social and political relevance through performance art. Their work often blends visual art, theater, and installation, creating immersive experiences that challenge conventional notions of spectatorship. Cœur’s website details their commitment to creating art that is both aesthetically engaging and intellectually stimulating. They aim to provoke dialogue and inspire critical thinking about the world around us.
Whereas Coloscopie d’un supermarché is praised for its ingenuity and insightful commentary, some critics note that the performance occasionally feels underdeveloped. The initial impact is strong, but the narrative thread can become somewhat loose, leaving the audience wanting a more fully realized exploration of the themes presented. However, the sheer audacity of the concept and the compelling visual elements more than compensate for any structural shortcomings.
Impact and Relevance in Contemporary Society
The timing of Coloscopie d’un supermarché is particularly resonant. Concerns about the environmental impact of consumerism, the ethics of large corporations, and the psychological effects of advertising are increasingly prevalent in public discourse. The COVID-19 pandemic also brought renewed attention to the essential role supermarkets play in our lives, while simultaneously highlighting the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. The play taps into these anxieties, offering a space for reflection and critique.
The performance also speaks to a broader trend in contemporary art towards immersive and participatory experiences. Audiences are no longer passive observers but are actively invited to engage with the work and become part of the narrative. This approach can be particularly effective in addressing complex social issues, as it encourages viewers to confront their own complicity and consider alternative perspectives. The leverage of everyday objects, like toilet paper and grocery items, further emphasizes the accessibility and relevance of the themes explored.
The Théâtre Saint-Gervais, a prominent cultural institution in Geneva, has a history of supporting innovative and challenging theatrical productions. The theater’s website showcases its diverse program and commitment to fostering artistic experimentation. By hosting Coloscopie d’un supermarché, the theater is demonstrating its willingness to engage with contemporary issues and provide a platform for artists who are pushing the boundaries of performance art.
Coloscopie d’un supermarché is scheduled to run at the Théâtre Saint-Gervais through Sunday, offering audiences a final opportunity to experience this thought-provoking and visually arresting production. The theater has not yet announced any further engagements for the play, but information regarding future performances and Cœur’s upcoming projects can be found on their respective websites. The conversation sparked by this performance is likely to continue long after the final curtain falls, prompting viewers to reconsider their own relationship with the supermarket – and with consumption itself.
What do you think about the role of art in critiquing consumer culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others who might be interested in this unique theatrical experience.
