Article written by program services.
It is a documentary that takes place in three acts. With, as characters, the director of the theater, the amateur and professional actors, the volunteers and the inhabitants of the village. The director is also part of the story. He puts himself on stage. More precisely, he slips into the prompter’s hole and sits under the stage to observe the backstage of this jubilee year without being seen. All under the patronage of Maurice Pottecher, founder of the Théâtre du Peuple and his humanist vision of culture: “Through art, for humanity“.
And then there is the unique setting, sylvan and rural and mountainous.
Here are three reasons to watch the documentary: Planète Bussang, the People’s Theater » directed by Bastien Simon. View in full here.
This is the director’s choice: to hide under the stage in a sort of cabinet of curiosities, among the memories of this historic theater. Depending on his discoveries or what he perceives, he brings us to life from the inside, the phases of creation of the shows which mark the 130 years of the theater.
This is how, gradually, we witness through the lens the theatrical process, from the conception to the premiere of the show. The atmosphere changes according to the stages. The preparatory meetings are followed by rehearsals. And, outdoor rehearsals are replaced by costume rehearsals. Theatrical reality takes shape. A recipe that is both well-oiled and revisited for each piece.
A cabin, an overturned boat, a beehive, here are some of the ways of talking about this theater, built entirely of wood, both timeless and extraordinary. It is true that it is unlike any other theater.
It was built in the middle of nowhere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s perched there, on the mountainside. No red seats, no orchestra seats, no boxes or paradise. Nothing but wooden benches and maybe a henhouse, but a real one, nearby!
You have to discover this immense room made entirely of wood, this stage opening onto the edge of the woods, with a majestic tree as the backdrop, to feel the wow effect it produces.
Designed “by art and for humanity” by its creator Maurice Pottecher, the place breathes artistic creativity and the humanity of participants and spectators.
Because that’s what unites all these people who don’t look alike. Professionals from the theater sector: actors, directors who land in this place after having worked in more conventional theaters.
The amateur actors who can come from various places for the pleasure of the game and finally all the inhabitants of the valley who come to share this experience, both cultural and community.
From the costume designer to the ushers and ticket sellers, everyone is keen to participate in this human adventure, which is part of local and national history.
The stage opening onto the forest of the Théâtre du Peuple in Bussang
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© Nomads / FTV
Rehearse together, play together, celebrate together to the applause of the spectators who have made the trip there. “Celebrate with residents, associations, people passing through. We must be happy“, Theater director Julie Delille set herself the goal at the start of the year.
This is all the art and humanity of this 130-year-old and ever more necessary project.
A documentary can be found on france.tv: “Planète Bussang, the People’s Theater”.
