Théâtre du Soleil – Ariane Mnouchkine

The Castaways of the Fol Espoir (Sunrises)

In the harsh contemporary reality, Ariane Mnouchkine believes that only truly political theatre can bring back enthusiasm, hope and light to humanity. On the eve of World War I, a silent film crew is shooting a story inspired by one of Jules Verne's novels (The survivors of the 'Jonathan'), in which the heroes, shipwrecked in Patagonia, innocently narrate their tales as the snow flakes drift around them.
 
One of the most important personalities of world theatre, Ariane Mnouchkine created the legendary Théâtre du Soleil in Paris over fifty years ago, where she lives and creates with her actors and collaborators. It was in the setting of this commune that the Castaways of the Fol Espoir was created, which, like the other two plays of hers which audiences in Greece had to opportunity to enjoy in the Athens Festival, is characterised by lavish stage sets and an exceptionally large cast. It is a moving spectacle, awash with the score composed and supervised by Jean-Jacques Lemêtre.