Vernon Subutex 1+2+3

LA FABRIK

Oct. 5, 2024

7 hours with intermissions Hydro-Québec Auditorium

Program Ended

Description

Vernon Subutex 1, presented October 3 and 4 at Le Diamant, reveals a contemporary society of isolated, vulnerable humans and the vultures that have their eyes on them. It’s a society lacking nothing and everything and that no longer seems to have the choice between its destruction and its redemption. Parts 2 and 3 describe—with the same corrosive rancour—the development of a community around the central character, Vernon Subutex, who has become itinerant. Published in 2017, the last part was profoundly influenced by the 2015 Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan attacks in France. Literally explosive and post-apocalyptic, the novel ends in the near future of 2186. By then, the “Subutex” movement has become a sect that seeks, through transcendental music inspired by Alex Bleach, a communion between beings that goes beyond differences and identity-based issues.

Details

The play is 7 hours long, including one intermission and a break.

Part 1: 1 h 50 | 15 min. intermission | 1 h 10
60-minute break
Parts 2 + 3: 2 h 30 with no intermission

About Angela Konrad

An artist presented many times at Usine C and founder of the company LA FABRIK, Angela Konrad skillfully tackles strong classic and contemporary texts with an activist bent in order to highlight their relevancy and their often controversial qualities. After her adaptations of Chekhov, Shakespeare and Rodrigo Garcia and her investigations of transhumanism and anti-capitalism, she has now taken on French author Virginie Despentes’s cult book Vernon Subutex by adapting it into a theatrical trilogy.

About Virginie Despentes

A socially engaged French writer with an uncontrollable style, Virginie Despentes is the author of works including Baise-moi (1993, adapted to film and co-directed with Coralie Trinh Thi), Pretty Things (1998), Teen Spirit (2002), Bye Bye Blondie (2004, adapted to film by the author), King Kong Theory (2006), and Apocalypse Baby (2010, Prix Renaudot).

Show Times

Saturday October 5, 2024 1 p.m. Ended

Vernon Subutex 1, presented October 3 and 4 at Le Diamant. Tickets

Cast

Paul Ahmarani
David Boutin
Anne-Marie Cadieux
Violette Chauveau
Samuël Côté
Philippe Cousineau
Blanche-Alice Plante
Dominique Quesnel
Mounia Zahzam
With the participation of Fayolle Jean Jr.

Credit

Text Virginie Despentes
Concept, adaptation, set design and direction Angela Konrad
Assistance to the Direction, Dramaturgy and Musical Consultation William Durbau
With the collaboration of Fayolle Jean Jr
Stage and Production Manager Jacinthe Nepveu
Set design, props (Volume 1), technical direction Louis-Charles Lusignan
Costume Marie-Audrey Jacques
Video Design Alexandre Desjardins
Video design assistants / 3D artists Charly Barrera, Maxime Karam (Volume 1), Alexandre Lévesque (Volume 2 + 3)
Lighting Cédric Delorme-Bouchard, assisted by Tristan Olivier Breiding
Sound Design Simon Gauthier
Props (Volume 2 + 3) Chloé Depommier
Makeup Design Florence Cornet
Hair and Wigs Angelo Barsetti
Sound assistant Jules Potier
Wardrobe assistant Vicky Wolf-Dumont
Cutter Paul Rose
B / W photographs Louise Marois from the series Pour rien au monde Paris 2021
Administrative Direction Kevin Bergeron – Agence Roger Roger
Coproduction LA FABRIK et USINE C
Creative residency USINE C
With the support of Conseil des Arts de Montréal, Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, TransQuébec
Sponsors Georges Laoun, élément de base (edb)
Acknowledgements 4éléments, l’équipe de l’USINE C, Olivier Do-Duc, J. A.
Special, heartfelt thanks to Robert Lepage for his solidarity and support.

Reviews

« The achievements of the nine performers constitute a true tour de force. The constant costume and wig changes are a formidable challenge in themselves. In the lead role — often a foil to the more colorful protagonists — David Boutin demonstrates the perfect measure of humility. His Vernon is both repulsive and charming, utterly mediocre yet charismatic. Surrounding him, Paul Ahmarani, Samuël Côté, Philippe Cousineau, Blanche-Alice Plante, and Mounia Zahzam display outstanding versatility. But the real stars of this long-running show are Anne-Marie Cadieux, Violette Chauveau, and Dominique Quesnel, three exceptional actresses at the absolute peak of their craft. »
Le Devoir

« Cleverly staged, taking advantage of the stage’s full width, meticulously timing entrances and exits, and occasionally breaking the fourth wall, the direction situates this sublime and grotesque human comedy in an imagined space reminiscent of a cabaret. »
Le Devoir

Public Partners

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec