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It was at the invitation of Caroline Parent, director of the Festival de L’Assomption, that Émilie Perreault embarked on the writing of La suspension consentie de l’incrédulité (The Consented Suspension of Incredulity). This magical title refers to the moment when the spectator turns off his phone and abandons himself to the enchantment of the theatre. “”It’s a weird title,” says Perreault. “ It’s intriguing, it’s not easy to remember, but I hope it gets people thinking about everything that makes culture an indispensable service.”
Theatrical gesture
The popular host doesn’t pretend to be an actress; she says she doesn’t even like being on stage. “At the same time, I have something to say and I’m working to find the right tone for this theatrical gesture and the paradox that I know how to embody.” The young woman plays with this posture, breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience.
So how to describe the form of La suspension consentie de l’incrédulité? “It’s not documentary theatre, even if there are moments when I evoke memories as a theatregoer and then comment on studies. There’s no question of this theatrical essay turning into a lecture—I have a very distinct lecture content, which is not at all in keeping with the play.”
A mission
Perreault is convinced of the importance of sharing culture. “In the days when I worked on Paul Arcand’s show,” she says, “I only had three minutes to capture the listener’s attention, between a business segment and the host’s editorial, but I took it very seriously.”
In her own show, the host hands out injunctions and subpoenas, when cultural objects seem to her to be inescapable. “I think doctors could prescribe culture;, the benefits of a good show are so numerous!”
Perreault is too busy for stage fright at the moment. She will be performing her play in the cocoon of Théâtre Duceppe’s backstage area—a place steeped in mystery and with a reduced capacity (80 people).
“Watching performances is about agreeing to wear someone else’s shoes and increasing your empathy,” she says. “The world would be a better place if everybody had access to those acts of transmission and sharing.”
Émilie Perreault presents La suspension consentie de l’incrédulité, a play based on two previously published essays: Faire œuvre utile and Service essentiel: comment prendre soin de sa santé culturelle. In a 5-à-7 version, backstage at Théâtre Duceppe, from April 16 to May 3. www.duceppe.com
This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en:
Francais (French)
