ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST – PERFORMANCE, 2022
Description
This performance and video is the result of my collaboration with the gospel choir of the Center Culturel-Jean Cocteau and their choirmaster Julie Gay. It was when I was obsessed with the drama of the assassination of George Floyd, which overwhelmed me with its sheer cruelty, that I was offered to work with a gospel choir. These two things immediately came together to think of a tribute thanks to gospel, the music of African-Americans that carries their suffering through an artistic, poetic form. By transforming the lyrics of songs to lend them the words of Georges Floyd, we find the cathartic qualities of this music. I also had the chance to work with an available, committed choir, which was itself touched by these destinies. It was also one of the singers who told me about the story of Cédric Chauviat when I mentioned George Floyd during rehearsals. She challenged me on the dramas that are also happening in France. The choir is led by its choirmaster Julie, so beautiful and enthusiastic. Her direction of the choir becomes a magnificent dance.
