For the last three years, I’ve been teaching theater in French at the “The Language and Laughter Studio”, a multicultural center founded by Pascale Setbon. Three years that the children and I have been participating to the annual Festival Première Scène.Three years that we’ve been winning the Grand Prize!
“The Festival Première Scène, held each March at the Lycée Francais, is a juried competition that celebrates the language and culture of France. Schools from across the United States and abroad (France, Canada) are invited to come to the Lycée to perform scenes in French from established plays and original theater pieces inspired by a provided theme.
“Première Scène” represents a unique opportunity for elementary, middle and high school students—most of whom do not attend French-language schools—to become immersed in French language, and to experience first hand the theatrical traditions of la langue de Molière.”
This year, we presented two short plays that I had written for the children and directed: “Nos Cousinailles” and “Anonyme”, inspired by the given theme: “Les Retrouvailles”.
Thinking that we might not get away, again, winning a prize, we actually walked off with three!
“Grand Prix” for “Nos Retrouvailles”, “Prix d’Interpretation Féminine Francophone” and “Coup de Coeur for originality” for “Anonyme”!
The kids were thrilled and I was so proud of them. It was truly rewarding to witness one more time the strength and the energy exuding from a genuine teamwork, and wonderful to confirm how great the power of theater is.
Stéphanie Fribourg, Artistic Director of L’Oiseau Bleu Theater Company
www.loiseaubleutheater.org
See videos of the shows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiTnJH0VHHc&feature=share
http://vimeo.com/channels/303096
"Nos Cousinailles"
Photo/Credit: Pascal Perich
"Anonyme"
Photo/Credit: Carolyn Veith Krienke
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