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An Artistic Project to Bridge Gaps in Local History
For over thirty years, Papillon Noir Théâtre (PNT) has been a staple in Caen, and now it embarks on a groundbreaking mission: to document and share the stories of LGBTQIA+ struggles in Normandy. This expansive initiative involves gathering personal testimonies, crafting a book-object, and producing documentary theatre. The project focuses on highlighting narratives often neglected by mainstream history. Since its founding in 1991, the company has merged artistic expression with educational missions, amplifying marginalized voices. Under the guidance of Alexandre Serrano and Sophie Girard, PNT is dedicated to reclaiming the stories of those whose histories have been overlooked.
Papillon Noir Théâtre’s dedication to commemorative work is part of a larger tapestry of queer culture in France, where art scenes have historically acted as safe havens, platforms for activism, and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community. Through documentary theatre, cabaret, performances, and collective art, often obscured narratives have been brought to the forefront. This historical element is integral to the history of queer cabarets, showcasing the significant impact these venues have had on shaping cultural and political memory in the queer community.
“Every era has its margins—made invisible, ignored, misunderstood, or simply unknown,” the collective reflects.
Unearthing LGBTQIA+ History in Normandy
Despite Normandy’s rich heritage, the social and political struggles of the LGBTQIA+ communities are largely absent from official records in the region and across France. These personal histories have mostly been preserved privately, if not lost entirely. Outside of the LGBTQI+ Archives Center, established in 2017 in Paris by Act Up, there is currently no public institution dedicated to preserving this important history.
PNT recognizes the urgency of this situation. Many activists from the 1960s to 1980s are now aging or have been affected by the AIDS crisis. The company notes:
“Generally without descendants, many of these lived experiences are at risk of fading from public memory…”
A Local Collaborative Effort
This memory initiative is a collective endeavor featuring Eliot Sévricourt, a psychologist, trainer, and head of the LGBTI Center of Normandy in Caen, who spearheaded the idea. Joining him are artist-writer Aurélie Guérinet and writer Zadig Hamroune, bolstering the project’s artistic and activism foundations.
For PNT, this is both an artistic endeavor and a political stance:
“Engaging artistically with themes like queer culture or LGBTQI+ matters is inherently political,” the team stresses, denouncing the rise of “far-right, virulent, even violent ideologies”.
Within this framework, theatre becomes a tool of resistance, offering a venue for collective voices and social reflection.
Seeking Testimonies for a Collective Memory
The project will unfold over two phases across two years. The first phase focuses on collecting testimonies from LGBTQIA+ individuals who have been part of or observed local struggles, particularly in the Caen region.
An open call is issued:
“We are actively seeking testimonies. Beyond our current contacts, all avenues are welcome: public calls, activist networks, associations, word of mouth…,” Sophie Girard states.
Interviews will follow a structured framework created by Eliot Sévricourt and will be video recorded, transcribed, and compiled into a book-object, designed to serve as a memory portal.
Transforming Personal Stories into Theatre
During the second phase, the collected stories will inspire a new theatrical production by Zadig Hamroune. This performance will merge documentary theatre with poetic fictional narratives to translate lived experiences into theatrical expression.
The goal is to highlight a collective history, bring to light the ongoing social and political struggles, and invite the Normandy audience to reconsider the margins of its historical narrative.
PNT – Le Lieu: A Queer Hub in Caen
This project is part of a larger goal to establish PNT – Le Lieu as a center for queer culture in Normandy.
“Queer culture in Normandy is rich, yet few places are equipped or willing to host its spectacular expressions, like drag shows,” Sophie Girard points out.
On March 27 and 28, two “Party Night Trouble” evenings will epitomize this energy with lectures, performances, drag shows, a dedicated bookstore, food truck, and bar, in collaboration with Collectif Machin-e and the LGBTI Center of Normandy (located at 33 route de Trouville).
Through this initiative, Papillon Noir Théâtre stands firm in its commitment to preserve the memory of local LGBTQIA+ struggles, shed light on the present, and transform theatre into a medium for visibility, education, and resistance, locally in Caen and beyond.
🔗 Company’s Official Website
📄 Project Dossier (PDF)
Through this artistic venture, Papillon Noir Theatre underscores that queer culture extends beyond nightlife or celebration; it’s a continuum of creativity, resistance, and cultural transmission. From historic cabarets to modern activist theatre, these spaces have fostered a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. To delve deeper into this richness and explore the connections between memory, artistic spaces, and LGBTQIA+ visibility, the Guide to LGBT and Queer Cabarets in France provides a detailed look at the venues, personalities, and legacies that shape this collective heritage.
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