Physical theatre, live music, and assembled objects
Creation 2024
Locked up in a dark flat in Paris, the cactus Expedito observes passers-by through the window day after day. This is the story of his escape and his journey.
One day, thanks to a radio documentary emission, he discovers the existence of others just like him. They live in another continent, in a place that seems to be his homeland. He also discovers that his species is threatened with extinction.
So he decides to depart to help them out. But… how to proceed? Firstly, the cactus needs to get out of the flat, then leave the building, get to the airport, take the plane to Brazil and, finally, travel from the megalopolis of São Paulo to the countryside in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Will he make it?
This story takes us to an unknown region of Brazilian landscapes: the one with mountains, in the Pampas, in the Gaucho’s territories. Following the equally unknown route Transbrasiliana, the one that crosses Brazil from north to south, the cactus sees for the first time the country where he comes from. He discovers that life can be greener, yet sometimes harder.
Expedito’s journey is told by a narrator through text and movement. Costumes, puppetry and objects are also in hand to depict this adventure. With the help of a musician and sound artist, the narrative is inhabited by sounds and the voices of the many characters the cactus encounters on the road. Found, recycled and upcycled objects are used in the musical composition as well as the construction of the soundscapes, rhythms, and melodies on stage.
Poulpe Électrique builds a vibrant and colourful universe thanks to the artists’ knowhow that is a result of a long and rigorous practice. They are driven by a desire of technological sobriety, by the poetic potential of obsolete objects and waste, and by ecology.
Written, directed, performed and costumes by – Nicole Pschetz
Sound design and musical composition, lighting design, performed by – Joseph Jaouen
Brazilian Portuguese voice over – Leonardo Ventura
Lighting design assistant – Flore Marvaud
Lighting technician – Julie Znosko
This project counts with the support of:
Le Département du Val-de-Marne
Anis Gras, le lieu de l’Autre (Arcueil)
La Pop (Paris)
