AVIGNON
AVIGNON
Nov 27 - Nov 29, 2016
It seems that the manifestation in 68 continues, the struggles, the pains, and the spirits for a better future.
In 1968, Living Theatre spent four months residing in Avignon, creating, rehearsing, and engaging with the local citizens and artists from around the world. Paradise Now was showed in Festival d'Avignon, but soon was withdrawn from the program due to the dispute within the festival.
Almost 50 years later, we went back to Avignon, tracing back the history of 68 with the same global struggle and pain. We met with Sébastien Benedetto, current director and son of André Benedetto who founded Théâtre des Carmes André Benedetto. Théâtre des Carmes is located next to the Cloître des Carmes where Paradise Now was performed. During the meeting with Sébastien Benedetto, we learned how he carried on his father’s legacy within and outside this theatre. While our conversation was happening, a very nice old gentleman named Christian joined our conversation. He is the photographer for the company, and was a student who stood up and protected the Living Theatre when we were residing in L'Ecole des Beaux Arts and were stoned by protestors.
He told us how Judith and julian beck met with André Benedetto, and had discussions about politics and arts while the company was rehearsing Paradise Now next door. André Benedetto dedicated his entire life to political theatre, creating over 70 pieces in response to the global political issue, from Vietnam War to the labor rights. Christian told us that he remembered clearly how Living Theatre has brought in a very different artistic approach to political theatre. Benedetto applies much of Brechtian theatre techniques whereas Living Theatre integrates Artaud's theatre of cruelty in its works which during the time was rare in France.
After the very nice meeting, we visited the Cloître des Carmes briefly. Avignon, filled with traces of histories and cultural heritages, is now considered one of the most important cities for performing art in the world. We sp