Geneva's Théâtre de l'Orangerie invites Middle Ages to its summer feast

This year, Geneva's Théâtre de l'Orangerie is immersing its audience in the Middle Ages with a summer festival that promises a unique blend of historical themes and contemporary performance art. The festival, running through July, August, and September, features three distinct productions that reimagine medieval narratives and aesthetics.

The first offering, "Les Voüéces," presented from August 12 to 23, stars Louis Bonard and Michèle Gurtner as two nuns confined to a tower. Their days are spent embroidering, singing, and dreaming about the fate of Berthe aux grands pieds (Big-Footed Bertha), a legendary figure from medieval lore. The performance explores themes of confinement and imagination through their artistic endeavors.

Following this, the inventive collective Foulles presents "Medieval Crack" on August 26 and 27. This production offers an animated interpretation of medieval sacred imagery, promising a visually engaging and perhaps unconventional look at religious art from the period. The collective's approach suggests a modern, dynamic take on historical visual culture.

Rounding out the festival is Valeria Bertolotto's "Faire Hamlet!". Running from July 15 to August 26, this performance intertwines the existential angst of Shakespeare's medieval prince with Bertolotto's own experiences as a declining actress. The piece uses the timeless questions posed by Hamlet to explore contemporary themes of identity and artistic struggle.

These productions offer a diverse range of perspectives on the medieval period, from folklore and religious art to philosophical inquiry, all presented within the intimate setting of the Théâtre de l'Orangerie. The festival invites audiences to engage with history through innovative theatrical interpretations.