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Immerse Yourself in a Minimalist Theatrical Experience
A Unique Adaptation of Moby Dick
At Maison Saint-Gervais, Bryan Campbell presents Submersion Games, a fresh take on the iconic novel Moby Dick. This performance reimagines the classic narrative as a sensory journey that is both personal and provocative. Echoing the boldness of queer performances in 2025, the piece seeks to redefine story and movement on stage.
The minimalist set features a tarp as the ship’s deck, with the audience seated on either side, creating an immersive ocean-like environment. Performers Bryan Campbell and Olivier Normand bring the story to life, inviting the audience to become part of this moving tableau. The show captivates without flashy effects, delving into the emotions and fantasies that the whale symbolizes.
A Deep Artistic Partnership
The synergy between Campbell and Normand stems from their long friendship. “We’ve known each other since I arrived in Europe in 2009,” Campbell shares. This connection enriches their collaboration, encouraging adventurous and novel artistic expression.
During a residency in Grenoble, they experimented with a BDSM-like protocol, using codes and safe words. “This provided us with both boundaries and freedom,” Campbell notes. Their real-life relationship enriches the story’s dynamics, exploring friendships, power roles, and intimacy.
Unpacking Power, Desire, and Responsibility
Beneath its light-hearted exterior, Submersion Games deeply examines power dynamics. Campbell reflects on his role as a choreographer, pondering how to handle his authority responsibly and in tune with his values.
The piece reimagines power beyond mere control, incorporating themes of care, responsibility, and consent. “Assuming power means serving the project, collaborators, and loved ones,” he states, aligning the work with contemporary LGBTQ+ art themes.
An Ecological Perspective Fueled by Desire
The performance also conveys an ecological message, with the whale symbolizing a complex, almost romantic longing. This duality reflects our fascination with and impact on nature, blending admiration with exploitation.
This tension is where the piece finds its strength, showing how our love for nature can coexist with acts of dominance or harm.
A Modern Reflection on Instability and Self-Discovery
In Submersion Games, Campbell goes beyond retelling Moby Dick. He crafts a theatrical space where themes of desire, authority, vulnerability, and ecological consciousness intersect, creating an experience that speaks to contemporary audiences.
Showtimes: Thursday, April 16 at 7 PM, Friday, April 17 at 8:30 PM, and Saturday, April 18 at 7 PM.
For more details and tickets, visit saintgervais.ch
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