In his first production aimed at audiences young and old, Jonathan Capdevielle tackles Hector Malot’s Sans famille, a vibrant classic of French literature. Based on this rite of passage novel, the show recounts the uplifting events in the life of Rémi, an orphan sold to a warm-hearted artist. Little by little, the sound in this immersive adaptation makes the act of listening an increasingly important element of the production, paving the way for the shift from image to audio fiction.

Childhood, memories, relationships with our origins, our family, and the way in which these elements shape, in part, the individual, have always played an important part in shows by this author, director and actor. Capdevielle is a graduate of the Ecole supérieure nationale des arts de la marionnette school of puppetry and a performer in several productions by Gisèle Vienne.

Rémi, the young hero, played by Dimitri Doré, is forced to head off into the unknown in search of a new life, always managing to emerge from adventures of the darkest kind with a mix of optimism and determination. It is this bravery, of an almost systematic nature, which convinced Capdevielle to adapt the story for the children of today. The art of spectacle and a love of music occupy a central place in the figure of Vitalis, the street musician and dog tamer, a role which Capdevielle confers to Babacar M’Baye Fall. The actors Jonathan Drillet and Michèle Gurtner play several roles, using a combination of costumes and masks, including Capi the dog and Joli Coeur the little monkey.

This event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

The recording of the live event is presented in French with English subtitles. The virtual event is free and open to the public.

Watch the Event

The video recording will be posted the Lewis Center for the Arts on September 18 at 5 PM (EDT) and will be available through Sunday, September 20.

Join the Conversation

On September 20 at 3:00 p.m. (EDT), join us for a live conversation with director Jonathan Capdevielle on Zoom in French following the online presentation of Rémi. Registration required. 

Accessibility

If you are in need of access accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email [email protected] at least 2 weeks in advance of the event date.

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