Why 'Salome'? Our director, Kaitlin Argeaux, tells us why!

I was first exposed to "Salome" the opera, directed by David McVicar at the Royal Opera House back in 2008. Salome is a complex and flawed character-I was immediately fascinated by her and the choices she makes. I started researching the Oscar Wilde play and made instant parallels between Salome and the modern day socialite; the Kim Kardashians and Miley Cyrus' of the entertainment industry. Their highly sexualised antics, constant need for validation, and flirtation with the public all echoed Salome, who is prized for her virginity and beauty above all else. Deep in my research, somewhere between watching TED talks, studying Caitlin Moran, and reading the numerous articles dedicated to the exploitation of the female form – I started to see the world with fresh eyes. Suddenly I saw our objectification EVERYWHERE. And it made me ANGRY.

As a director, I believe my strongest work comes from a place of passion. When something makes me angry or upset, I take that as my cue to explore further. I believe theatre is a platform for asking uncomfortable questions, raising awareness, seeking difficult truths.

As a feminist, I see injustices towards women each and every day. I wonder how much of our behaviour is programmed by a patriarchal society? And when I see female celebrities using their bodies and sexuality to make money – I can't help but wonder – who is really in control?

Women may be more sexually liberated than ever (particularity in the West) – but does this overt sexuality give us power? Or does it diminish it?

It's 2015, and social media is everywhere. The female form in all its manifestations is readily available for public consumption at all times. "Salome" is a hard look at the result of that. "Salome" is our platform to ask uncomfortable questions about the objectification of women, raise awareness of how the male gaze alters female behaviour, and seek difficult truths in our complicity in this exploitation. Because we are all complicit - in one way or another. 

If this whets your appetite for 'Salome' make sure you follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with our casting calls and show information! 

Our new show Is...

THEATRE LIBRE ARE VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEXT PRODUCTION:

SALOME by Oscar Wilde

A beautiful socialite wakes up, uploads a selfie onto social media, and goes about her day. Sound familiar? 
In this modern interpretation, we explore the results of the objectification of one extraordinary woman. How does Salome evolve under the constant scrutiny of the male gaze? What happens when she harnesses her sexuality as empowerment?

A physical, feminist adaptation directed by Kaitlin Argeaux with movement by Justyna Ziarek

The show will be produced as part of the Autumn season at The Space, running from the 1st-17th September 2015.

Casting call to be posted soon with auditions at the end of April!

Its Christmas and we have a new Team Member!

Hello to all!

We do hope you are all managing to find the time for some relaxation and merry making over the Holiday period!

Amongst the Christmas preparations we have been busy searching for a Producer for our show in 2015 and are pleased to welcome on board Oran Doyle :). 

Oran has numerous producing credits to his name in fringe theatre in London and the UK. Past productions include: "State of Affairs" at The Camden People's Theatre with Outbreak Theatre (December 2014), "Where Nothing Arrives" at Tristan Bates Theatre with The Hardy (August 2014), "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Central Hall, York (February 2014). 

He is the Executive Director of The Micklegate Theatre Company, resident producer at Bang Theatre Company and Associate Producer for Outbreak Theatre. Oran is currently working at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on the MA Music Theatre course. 

We know that Oran is going to be such a big help to us, and are very excited to begin working with him in the New Year.

And so, as 2014 draws to a close we would like to thank you all for your continuing support of our company, and wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Here's to a wonderful 2015..........

Not Long Now.....

Hello Everyone!

Hope you are not all too busy, and starting to enjoy the festive season :)

Just a quick one today to say keep your eyes and ears open, as we will shortly be announcing which Shakespeare play we're adapting in 2015!

Stay tuned........

Love TL xx

Producer Wanted

Hi all,

We are currently in the process of looking for a Producer to work with us from February 2015 through to May 2015 on our upcoming Shakespeare adaptation.

Interviews starting this week, with closing date for applications set for 1st December 2014. 

Follow the link below if you are interested in applying!

http://www.stagejobspro.com/uk/job_view.php?uid=248513 

Much Love

TL x

We're Back!

Hello Everyone!

We are back from our break! Sorry we have been away for a while, but rest assured we are back with our thinking caps firmly in place and lots of exiting ideas for what we will be working on next. Our first Company Meeting since returning has taken place, so watch this space! 

So to bring you all up to date......

Théâtre Libre has two new company members to introduce. Firstly we have Rachael Ryan, who is our new Resident Designer. We can't wait to start creating with her and seeing her wonderful ideas and designs come to life in the performance space! Next we also have our new Intern Natalie Thompson, who will be keeping you all in the loop via our social media sites and our lovely blog on here!

And finally, we would like to leave you with the news that Théâtre Libre will be working on our own Shakespeare adaptation coming in May 2015, so stay tuned, because more info and Casting Calls are coming soon!

Love TL xx

HERO - at the Leicester Square Theatre

At last! The time is almost here! Our 3 week run opens in just 12 days! HERO -the show we have been working on and rehearsing since October last year- comes to the Leicester Square Theatre for a 3 week run at the end of February! 

Théâtre Libre presents:

 HERO

Paul Sockett, Jan Kumah, Mark Lee, Rebekah Roe in HERO at Tristan Bates 2013

 Written by Laura Bess Jernigan

Co-Directed by Jo Bunnell-Thompson and Kaitlin Argeaux

Movement by Justyna Ziarek

 “Every choice has a cost...”

Long ago the gypsies were visited by Hero, and each year since they come together to celebrate and tell her tale - so that it may never be forgotten...
So come in! Gather round on this All Hero's Eve! Hear the legend of the HERO...and what happened to her after she saved the world.

 Using movement, dance, and live music, we spin a mythical tale of adventure and sacrifice – exploring what it means to be a HERO.

 At the Leicester Square Theatre

6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX

 25 February – 15 March 2014

Tuesday-Saturday (No Monday/Sunday performances, no matinees)

19:00

Running time is approximately 90 minutes

Appropriate for children aged 10+ (some fight scenes may be too intense for young children)

Jan Kumah as Guide - HERO at the Tristan Bates 2013

Tickets are £14/12 available now

Ticketing telephone: 08448472475

http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

Direct link to book tickets: http://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873506233/events

*booking fees apply*

Previews 25, 26 February 2014 (Tickets £10)

Press Night: 27 February 2014 (to reserve tickets/request to review please email us at theatrelibre@outlook.com)

Paul Sockett, Mark Lee, Rebekah Roe in HERO - Tristan Bates 2013

Below are some rehearsal photos - I am so excited about this show. It's our first full-length new-writing venture and is so different from anything we have done. It includes live music, combat, dance, movement, and comedy! Don't miss it- Book now! 

Gypsy dance in the marketplace - movement by Justyna Ziarek

Poet (Thom Short) with violin and dancers, Rat  (Josie Beth Davies, Miranda Colmans, and Mark Lee)

HERO image courtesy of Dominik Piatek, poster formatting by Dior Designs. 
Performance photographs courtesy of Rachael Ryan

The St Valentine's Day Massacre

we recently decided to do something different so we are throwing a Valentine's Day party- and not just any party- THE ST VALENTINES DAY MASSACRE! We will have Dj Acetone, Renata, and 7Suns performing! Friday 14th of February at 7PM near Clapham North at Arch 635. Please see the facebook event for more details! https://www.facebook.com/events/710813402284388/ Tickets are £5 unless you are on the guest list and then they are £3. All proceeds go towards our production of HERO (opening Feb 25th at Leicester Square Theatre).  Alternatively, if you are unable to attend the party or the show, you can always show your support by donating to the company. No amount too small, every pence greatly appreciated. Just click here: http://theatrelibre.co.uk/support-us/

see you on Valentine's Day! You've got a date with us....

Théâtre Libre presents: SALSA NIGHT!

Come learn salsa with Théâtre Libre!

One of our initiatives is to create a community spirit and nurture a love of the arts in as many people as possible. So even if you think that dance or salsa isn't your thing, you may surprise yourself! We want to get as many people involved as we can so please be aware: It's not going to be a stringent lesson but more like a party atmosphere - so come along and dance, drink, eat, be merry with us! Let's end the first month of the new year with a bang! Here's to 2014 - a year of learning new things, meeting new people, and supporting each other!

After the session, the Bedford Pub is offering ticketholders 20% off food! So stay and have dinner with us :)

Schedule:

5PM - Meet and greet at the bar, imbibe some Dutch courage if needed!

5.30-6.30 - Upstairs to the ballroom for instruction with Kasia! She will teach us the basics and talk us through some moves

6.30-7 - Practice what you've learned! Show off some spicy salsa or freestyle with whatever moves you've got! Party time!

7 - Retire back downstairs to the pub for some dinner at 20% off - Thanks to Scott from the Bedford for this amazing offer.  The food there is delicious!

Can't wait to see you all there! 
 

Women In Arts Festival = Success!

Well, our one night run of HERO on 17 December as part of the Women In Arts Festival  was a great success! Despite limited time for a tech run - (this was a festival, after all)! - the cast managed a fantastic and layered performance and the set and lights looked amazing. Adding to the atmosphere were our 2 live musicians and talented dancers, all combined to make this show at the Tristan Bates Theatre a great experience and wonderful learning curve. It was so useful to see it on stage, now we know exactly what we want to work on and improve for our 3 week run in February. So the good news is if you missed our one off performance, you have another chance to catch us at the Leicester Square Theatre! Now in the meantime, back to rehearsals for us! 
Huge thank you to everyone who came out to support Women In Arts, The So & So Arts Club, HERO, and Théâtre Libre.  

Gypsy dancers Kamila, Josie, and Julie. Set by Rachael Ryan and lighting design by Jordan Lightfoot

FITNESS FUNDRAISER IS A SUCCESS!

We had a grand time at the fitness fundraiser last Friday! And we raised over £200 in the process! Massive thank you's go out to the venue ONE KX for hosting us so generously and to the instructors for donating their energy and expertise. Cheers Kasia, Wojtek, Donna of KisFitness and Justyna! 

If you missed it this time, we are planning more in the future so watch this space!

In the meantime, if you are feeling as generous as these people, please check out our crowdfunding campaign which is still going strong over at BuzzBnk! 
 

Click here: https://www.buzzbnk.org/ProjectDetails.aspx?projectId=137

Donns from KisFitness puts us through our paces

Kasia and Justyna lead the way with Zumba - so much energy they were just  blur!

Wojtek leads the beautiful swans during Barre Concept

James Williams - actor from "House of Atreus" - shows his support

C'mon Jula! Donna gets a smile

Paul Sockett - actor from HERO - has quite the moves

Kaitlin (our AD), Andrea, Sarah (actress and combat consultant from HERO) and Natalie (company intern) sweat it out!

Kasia (Zumba instructor) and Justyna (movement director)!

Can you be our HERO?

Hello! It's been awhile since our last post but we have loads to update you about! Firstly, we have managed to cast the most amazingly talented actors in our production of HERO and rehearsals are well under way. We have rehearsed with our movement director Justyna, met with our costume designer Shoni Wilkinson and seen some outstanding sketches, listened to music to get inspired with our musician Roi Erez, and recently hired our wonderful set designer Rachael Ryan. We are so excited about being a part of the Women In Arts Festival, we are hard at work to do the script justice. 

In addition, we are also fundraising...a necessary part of any fringe production. Can you be our HERO? Can you help us out and show your support for Women In the Arts? It's easy! Here are 2 dead simple ways to get involved:

1. Attend our first ever FITNESS FUNDRAISER! This takes place on Friday November 15th and tickets cost only £10. Suitable for all fitness levels, we will have Zumba with our movement director Justyna, some Body Blitz with our guest instructor Donna Kissi of Kisfitness (http://kiscampfitness.com/) and Bar Concept (a combination of pilates, yoga, and ballet) with our other guest instructor Wojtek. 3 classes for only a tenner! Bargain! Please see details in our flyer below and book tickets in advance here: 

http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/83933

2. If fitness isn't your thing, or you live too far away to attend, there is always the option to donate on our crowdfunding campaign over at Buzzbnk.org. We chose Buzzbnk as opposed to some other more popular crowdfunding sites because of their emphasis on community spirit and encouraging positive change.  To donate -no amount too small!- please visit our campaign page here: 

https://www.buzzbnk.org/ProjectDetails.aspx?projectId=137

As always, thank you all for your continued love and support! Watch this space for updates on the show....  

OFFICIAL CASTING CALL! "HERO"

Our last blog post was called "One Door Closes..." and we can now confirm that another door has opened! 

 It's been a little quiet on the TL front, but we have exciting news! 

Théâtre Libre has been selected to showcase our new writing venture "HERO" at the Tristan Bates in December as part of their Women in Arts Festival! We are very proud to present "HERO" - a show written and directed by females and with strong female leads. 

And we are honoured to be a part of this festival in association with So & So Arts Club -it's a cause that is close to our hearts.

Please find below out official CASTING CALL!

Théâtre Libre- an international physical theatre company based in London- is proud to be a part of a new festival celebrating Women in the Arts! In association with So and So Arts Club and taking place at Actors Centre/Tristan Bates Theatre, these companies will be joining forces for a three-day celebration of women in the arts, Mon 16 – Wed 18 December. 

Women In Arts is a cause close to our hearts, so we are presenting a new fantasy work written and directed by women, and featuring strong female leads called HERO.

It is the story of Hero and her Guide after Hero has saved the world from some terrible evil. The Guide can take Hero anywhere she wants to go, and Hero decides she wants to go home. On their journey home they meet many interesting people and witness what has become of the world they have saved. Along the way they meet Rat, a young boy with no home and no family, who wants to learn how to be a warrior and a hero. Then they meet Poet, who is actually a musician whose priceless violin has been stolen. Somehow Poet convinces Hero that a quest for a violin is what she is meant to do next. But the quest doesn't just lead them to the violin, it also leads them to the remnants of the opposition forces Hero vanquished, who are looking for any desperate way to strike back.

Auditions will be held at a central London location on September 28th.

Character Breakdowns as follows:
HERO – 20’s-30’s, female, strong mover, stage combat experience a plus
GUIDE – 30’s-40’s, female, some movement a plus, singing a plus
POET – 20’s-30’s, male, physical theatre background, dancing a plus, violin player
RAT – between 13-16 years old, male, strong movement background
Captain, Father, Sailor etc – 30’s- 40’s- 50’s, male, will be playing multiple characters, strong physicality, adept at accents
JOSIAH – 40’s, male, strong movement/stage combat

Rehearsals will begin in October and run one weekday evening and Saturday during the day (location TBC). Please note these rehearsals are part time (nights/weekends). 

Please do not apply if you cannot attend the audition and every rehearsal.

Actors are asked to prepare a 1 minute monologue of their choice and be prepared to move and take direction. Further details will follow upon invitation to audition.

This show will be paid a fee or stipend, we just do not yet know how much we can offer. This will be confirmed before you come for auditions!
We are also planning a further 3 week run with this show, to which the original cast will be given first refusal. 

TO APPLY: please email us a cover letter stating which part you wish to audition for and your most recent CV to theatrelibre@outlook.com 

Any further questions or for more details, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

One door closes...

Charlie Hendren and sabrina Gargano

The Dagger and White Lily closed several weeks ago, and we were sad to say farewell.  The rehearsal process was a wonderful challenge as it had so much dance and movement, we all learned a lot.  I also enjoyed collaborating with Justyna - our movement director- as she took the reins on this production. After much hard work and with such a short run- we still accomplished what we set out to do with this dance based adaptation....that is, enjoy the process of discovery and see how it was received by the fringe watching public! And in answer to that, it was received very well! We intend to revive it for a proper 3 week run as soon as we find the right venue. I am immensely proud of all the hard work put in by the dedicated cast and crew and hugely grateful to everyone who came out to support us. Also special thanks to Adam at The Space - and all the box office team who were so patient and helpful. It's a great venue I would recommend to anyone.  Til next time....

Iulia Benze as maria

Charlie Hendren and Sabrina Gargano (Alex and Maria)

"House of Atreus" travels to South Korea...

On July 25th 2013, twelve cast/crew members of "House of Atreus" flew 11 hours to South Korea to perform as part of the 25th annual Keochang International Festival of Theatre. That's a lot of numbers! We were warmly welcomed at the airport by Ji-won and Jay who were to be our guides, honorary crew members, and eventually, friends on this whirlwind journey. We rehearsed 9 hours in the blazing sun on the first day and on opening night, welcomed nearly 200 people into the audience. The second day awarded us a few hours respite from rehearsing and the cast and crew went their separate ways to swim in the river, explore Buddhist temples, and hike among the beautiful scenery of rural Busan. Second night show was another success and among the spectators was Jong-Il -the chairman of the festival. The final scene coincided with a thunderstorm that was on the way, you couldn't ask for a more dramatic finish to the show.  The gods themselves must have been looking down on our performance! After the final bows, Jong-Il invited us out to dinner and presented us with gifts. He also invited us back next year with a few ideas of shows we could produce. We were so honored that he enjoyed the performance. Before we knew it, we were back on London soil. It was over too quickly! We would like to take a moment to thank The Keochang Festival for their hospitality and help, Jay and Ji-Won for going above and beyond, and lastly, the cast and crew who worked so hard without complaint and made this tour so special. Well done to all involved! Here's to next year....!? 
Crew - Jo Bunnell-Thompson, Jay Oh, Ji-won Jeon
Orestis - James Williams
Clytaemnestra - Cheska Moon
Electra - Lucia Young
Nurse - Joan Plunkett
Ageisthus - Christopher Slater
And lastly the chorus - who probably had the most to rehearse with all the additional movement...
Chorus Leader - Sonnie Beckett
Chorus - Miranda Colmans, Josie Beth Davies, Maria Palmu, Deborah Ward

It's Rude To Stare.....

As we near the ten day countdown - ten days until our show opens!- we are rehearsing longer and harder than ever in preparation. With the devising process mostly behind us, lines memorized,  and costumes sorted - we turn now to the RUNS.  Full runs, tech runs, dress runs; you name it! So it comes at a perfect time that "It's Rude To Stare" have written a feature about our show; The Dagger and White Lily.  For those of you not in the know "It's Rude To Stare" is an online lifestyle guide; a one stop site for all the best events, restaurants, gigs, bars, arts and culture going down in the city. With a stunning layout and lots of visuals, there is a definite emphasis on the arts and we love it! 
For the full feature, please click HERE.  
Big THANK YOU to Ahmed Elmi for the article.  

Images are the property of "It's Rude To Stare"  itsrudetostare.com 

Interview with The Space!

The Space interviewed Justyna Ziarek - the company's movement director and who conceived the ideas behind The Dagger and White Lily - and Kaitlin Argeaux artistic director and co-director.  Read an excerpt here:

What are some of the challenges that a company faces when producing an original piece? How about the advantages?

I think any time you are producing an original piece, you struggle with marketing. Audiences seem to gravitate towards well known titles or stories they recognize, so it’s been a challenge for us with this show.

An advantage of producing an original piece is the sense of freedom you experience in the rehearsal room. In devising there is no linear path; we can take our time improvising and exploring. There can be more emphasis on the process, as opposed to just focusing on the outcome. This freedom also extends to the text. Thankfully our writer is not at all precious about her work and she is content for the script to be cut and altered in the rehearsal, as our characters grow and change.

What are the major concepts or themes that Theatre Libre is emphasizing in The Dagger and White Lily?

The Dagger and White Lily is an in-depth examination of the mind and body; how they are sometimes in unison, and other times in conflict. It will explore the human conditions of lust, obsession, brutality, and absolution.

How is the audience supposed to react to The Dagger and White Lily? What are they meant to take away from it?

That everything is not as obvious as it seems. We often label things as black and white or good or bad and it is not always the case. Everything changes and so do our perceptions, thoughts, likes and dislikes, etc. If we don’t take control over our mind, we might end up in a very dark place and only by hitting rock bottom we can begin to change for the better.

What was the driving force behind starting a physical theatre company?

I come from a background of dance and when I studied Meyerhold techniques in Moscow, it changed my entire perspective about acting. As Lecoq famously said, “…the body knows things about which the mind is ignorant” -so we let the body guide us. I was interested in taking classics and finding ways to reinterpret them with less text/more movement.

The Dagger and White Lily is told through dance, poetry, and live music. How challenging was it to create a cohesive production with these three elements?

I think it’s the idea of what comes first: the text, the music or the concept? When telling the story through different art forms it’s easy to sometimes rely just on text or music as it will dictate the rhythm, the style and the whole picture in your head (especially when it comes to music). On the other hand, when working with the movement, it can be a great support, especially if you’re struggling for new ideas.

What drew Theatre Libre to the Space?

We have always loved this venue and its sense of community. When we were looking for a place to put on The Dagger and White Lily, we immediately thought of The Space. The show has overtones of religion and spirituality and we think the Space – a converted church with high ceilings and stained glass- perfectly enhances the atmosphere we are striving to create. We also love how versatile the space itself is, with no fixed seating, the options are endless.

For the full interview, please click here: FULL INTERVIEW

Huge thanks to Adam Hemming, artistic director at The Space for taking the time to talk to us! 

The Dagger and White Lily POSTER is here!

Huge thanks to Sam Peet - who designed our poster. For more info on him, see his link in our "Community" page! This might be our favorite design yet.... 

The Dagger and White Lily rehearsals are under way!

Check out a couple rehearsal shots from our rehearsal last Saturday! We did some devising work before moving onto blocking with the script. As always, time is of the essence, but we think collaborative devising is so important...
Our show goes up at The Space in late July - click the link for more details and to book tickets!
https://space.org.uk/2013/03/22/the-dagger-and-white-lily-2/

KIFT - Keochang International Festival of Theatre in South Korea

Exciting news! Théâtre Libre has been officially invited to attend the 25th Keochang International Festival of Theatre in Busan in South Korea to perform our production of House of Atreus. This is a huge honor and we are all very excited. 

Please find more info about KIFT here:  

http://kift.or.kr/