'Lacrima': Conductive Wire used for Electrical Transmission
French Director Caroline Guiela Nguyen's Latest Choral Work, Lacrima, Stages the Creation of a Royal Wedding Dress
Montreal, Canada - Caroline Guiela Nguyen, the director of the Théâtre national de Strasbourg since 2023, is presenting her monumental work, Lacrima, in Montreal as part of the TransAmériques festival. The show, which premiered in Vienna in May 2024, is a riveting exploration of the intersection of art, life, and the extensive efforts required to create a highly sought-after fashion piece.
Set in a near future, Lacrima's vast stage is a thought-provoking amalgamation of three iconic workshops—the Beliana haute couture house in Paris, the Shaina embroidery workshop in Mumbai, and the Alençon Lace Museum in Normandy. The centerpiece of the story is a fairy-tale wedding dress commissioned by a fictional British princess for Alexander Schaaf, a renowned stylist. The deadline for its completion: eight months and 22 days, a demanding yet achievable task given the 4688 hours of work necessary.
The narrative is a dramatic tribute to the craftsmanship and beauty of fabrics, embroidery, and lace, skillfully intertwined with poignant reflections on the functioning of oppressions, abuses of power, and social inequalities. The production brilliantly juxtaposes live video on a giant screen, visible set changes, international video conferences, and heated conversations. Furthermore, it includes a compelling ensemble of ten actors, each delivering an exceptionally endearing portrayal of their character.
In keeping with its themes, Lacrima is both a tribute to disappearing artistry and a powerful critique of the social dynamics inherent in the fashion industry. Through its intricate narrative and illustrative symbolism, the production starkly portrays the realities of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism, neoliberalism, classism, and patriarchy without resorting to didacticism. The result is an engaging and thought-provoking piece that captivates audiences with its immersive and captivating staging.
Comparisons have been drawn between Lacrima and works by renowned theater artists such as Wajdi Mouawad, Robert Lepage, and Ariane Mnouchkine. Ultimately, Lacrima serves as a testament to Guiela Nguyen's unique artistic vision and marks a significant milestone in her career as a director.
Upcoming Festival AppearancesLacrima is set to be presented in Quebec at the Carrefour festival later this year. This exceptional show encapsulates the intricate world of haute couture while shedding light on the complexities and controversies that often lurk beneath the glitz and glamour of the luxury fashion industry.
The upcoming Festival Carrefour will showcase Lacrima, a work that seamlessly blends entertainment, culture, and movies-and-TV, through its exploration of the fashion industry and its intricate dynamics. Drawing comparisons to renowned theater artists, Lacrima serves as a testament to French Director Caroline Guiela Nguyen's artistic vision, merging the worlds of art, life, and high-end fashion.
