Danse Macabre is a one-person show with music and puppetry conceived by Štěpán Šimek and Jean-Luc Boucherot, and directed by Štěpán Šimek. The play is based on the surprisingly modern and relevant autobiographical poem, The Testament by the 15th century French poet, revolutionary rabble-rouser, balladeer, thief, a prototypical “protest singer,” and a something of a medieval “rock star,” Francois Villon. The play features the French-American actor, Jean-Luc Boucherot as Villon performing in both English and French. Music for the play is created and performed by “Musica Universalis” a medieval music band, and it will feature an eerily Heavy Metal-sounding mixture of early and modern music performed on original medieval instruments. As Villon is facing his own death, he recalls his wild and unruly life, rails against the oppressive society, contemplates the ravages of aging, makes amends, jokes around, performs his ballades, and confronts his own “alter ego” in the form of a mysterious and shadowy puppet created by Robert Amico and animated by Briana Ratterman.
Music by Musica Universalis
*Read Marty Hughley’s review in Oregon Artswatch HERE
Performances:
DATES:
Thursdays-Saturday, Sept 16-Oct 2
Sundays: Sept 19 (2:00), Sept 26 (2:00 and 7:30), Oct 3 (2:00)
VENUE:
Shoebox Theatre
2110 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
TICKETS: $25; $20 students/seniors
By Stepan Simek & Jean-Luc Boucherot
Directed by Stepan Simek
Co-Created by Jean-Luc Boucherot
COVID NOTE: Due to the Multnomah County Mask Mandate, all audience members will be required to wear a mask while in the theatre. ShoeBox theatre is requiring proof of vaccination to be shown at the door. The theatre is equipped with an HVAC system. Audience size will be limited to 35. All performers are fully vaccinated.
hand2mouththeatre.org
This Show is Sponsored by Ronni Lacroute