Théâtre National de Nice 2016

For Réveillons-nous! at the Théâtre National de Nice, I was looking for a strong text on the Earth and the environment, and Stefano Massini, one of the best young playwrights of the moment, quickly stood out. I was struck by the brilliance of his writing and his deep engagement with current issues. In his work, there is a rebirth of a theatre that reflects society while never losing the dimension of spectacle.

Massini’s cinematic, razor-sharp writing immediately appealed to me. His theatre encourages constant reflection and questioning without falling into intellectual coldness. What fascinates me is the richness of his style: cinematic and minimalist scenes are juxtaposed with monologues and poetic images, blending naturalism with the theatrical. His writing gives me a very precise framework, which is a fascinating artistic challenge for someone who usually “explodes” the classics. Finding myself in this new form is exhilarating!

Terre Noire immerses us in the problem of environmental corruption by multinationals, showing how far the destruction of the individual and the planet can go. It is unimaginable that our leaders encourage a collective sacrifice following the dictates of large firms. Every day, we destroy a little more of our relationship with this planet that has given us everything since the beginning of time.

I hope Terre Noire can play a small part in a period of global awareness, shedding light on the instrumentalisation of the Earth—everything destroyed, all for money. And then? What will be left? This gripping and thought-provoking piece invites us to reflect on what truly matters before it’s too late.