Canadian Dance/Theatre Smash Hit Opens at Edinburgh Fringe this Wednesday

Is Thus Spoke... the most philosophically charming show at the Fringe?

In Thus Spoke... by Groupe Gravel/Laparge, four performers take on the contradictions of society in a clever, sexy piece of existential pop. Exploding the conventions of both theatre and dance, Thus Spoke... is a magnificently playful antidote to misery and apathy.

Directed by acclaimed author Etienne Lepage and audacious choreographer Frederick Gravel, Thus Spoke... displays a collision between their respective art forms, exploding the codes and conventions of theatre and dance to create a firm slap to the face of conformism.

The action in the show takes place around a stage centre microphone stand as each performer takes turns to smash the fourth wall and address the audience whilst the others move rhythmically around them. Delivered in character, the stream of consciousness spoken words possess a political and socially aware power that pile drive their points home, aided and abetted by the strength and virtuosity of Jimi Hendrix's still shockingly sexually liberational music.

Frédérick Gravel, the choreographer explained 'We have actors thinking out loud onstage, coupled with sexy dancing, Jimi Hendrix and Nietzsche . Nietzsche was the dancing philosopher, and Thus Spoke... is our humble incarnation of it.

Writer Étienne Lepage addad 'Thus Spoke... is a sexy, funny and curious piece of work for audiences that like experimental shows, provocative thoughts and dark humour'.

As Ainsi Parlait... (the original French title) the show has performed in Canada and France and now comes to the UK for the first time.

See a trailer here.

Hailed as 'arguably the most significant dance artist to emerge in Quebec in the past 10 years' Frédérick Gravel is a choreographer, dancer, musician and lighting designer. He turns the structures of choreography upside down, merging various elements from rock and performance art into his work. His productions Tout se pète la gueule chérie, Gravel Works, Usually Beauty Fails, This Duet That We've Already Done (so many times) and Ainsi parlait... have all received rapturous reviews in Canada and internationally.

Étienne Lepage is a playwright, screenwriter, translator and transdisciplinary creator. Based in Montreal, his work is shown all over North America and Europe. Rouge Gueule, L'Enclos de l'éléphant, Ainsi parlait... and Histoires pour faire des cauchemars are just a few of his many noteworthy creations that demonstrate the astonishing richness and diversity of his talent.

www.danielleveilledanse.org

Thus Spoke... is part of Canada Hub, five outstanding companies selected for the Summerhall Fringe Programme 2017. It runs at King's Hall in Association with Summerhall from 2- 27 August (except 7, 14, 21) at 7.30pm.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/thus-spoke

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