Our work is original, and we're interested in theatre-as-event. extending the boundaries of where the theatrical experience begins which is not limited to 'onstage.' Our work does not stem simply from 'written text' but looking at the entire theatrical experience and interested in theatrical storytelling, re-inventing the traditional forms in new ways.
MELODRAMA WORKOUTS & GRAND GUIGNOL WORKSHOP INTENSIVE.
FRENCH CARNIVOLUTION SHOW (working title). The classic story of:
ENLIGHTENMENT. LIGHTNING ROD. REVOLUTION. MELODRAMA. COUNTERREVOLUTION. A GUILLOTINE. CARNIVAL. LIBERTY. In that order.
Artistic Director, Debbie McMahon, currently researching/creating a new spectacle show about French Revolution, Carnival, the birth of Melodrama, laughter to destroy and liberate, enlightenment vs. medieval hierarchy, chaos and structure. Politics * Art * History * Philosophy * Celebration. Hierarchy in the theatre - the 'official' theatres vs. the boulevard theatre. Revolution is that which turns upside down and back again. It is a restoration and a transformation. Where is the carnivalesque in the circle of a rotation? How we need it to liberate and unite us and bring joy.
Theatrical tools may include: melodrama, storytelling, giant puppets, carnival, live music, tableux vivant, original transcripts of oration, pamphlets, clown, devils, a Guillotine, all in a our popular event-like atmosphere, and giant wind machines - the storm of Revolution is upon us!
To contribute financial support, time, production and/or artistic talent - designers, actors, musicians, please contact us, info@grandguignolers.com.
Click here for the regularly updated BIBLIOGRAPHY used in the research.
