ChatGPT
In 2020, the creator of spectacles, Luc Petit, had proposed “Tournai d’été”. This show revisited the heritage and folklore of this Gallo-Roman city in Hainaut. In 2021, other cities wished to host this formula that highlights local traditions. The spectacle, now called “Les Folkloriales”, will be set up in Namur in July before moving to the Élisabeth Park in Bastogne in August.
The public will discover this creation from August 20th to 29th, with two performances each evening at 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Originally from Bastogne, Emmanuel Dufoing lived in Paris for a long time. Now settled in Brussels, he has been part of Luc Petit’s team for almost four years. He is particularly involved in this event that will animate Bastogne in August. “Les Folkloriales is a spectacle tailor-made for the city that welcomes us,” explains Emmanuel Dufoing. “We tell its history, its past, its folklore…” The particularity of the concept is that it strongly involves local groups. For the Bastogne version, the creators contacted the Herdiers d’Ardenne, the Piches Cacayes, the Joyeux Sbirloux, the Giants… “Groups chosen for what they represent, for the values they convey. For their history!”
A lot of research
Numerous meetings helped to define the storyline of the show. “We did a lot of research with the support of the City’s services as well as the history circle or various local partners. We really wanted to know what was emblematic of Bastogne. This work allowed our author to write the story of the show.” If the creators of the show wanted to bring together the major folklore groups, they also called on local talents. That’s why we will see Anne-Marie Boeur’s dance school on stage. “While the show will consist of 90% of Bastogne’s folklore, there will also be a part performed by professionals including some fire actors.”
At nightfall
The sessions are scheduled for times when night will have fallen on the Elisabeth Park. “Bastogne’s folklore will be revisited in an extremely modern way and by illuminating the Elisabeth Park,” reveals Emmanuel Dufoing. “This green setting will be mystified by a whole light installation. Not to mention the very modern soundtrack and lively rhythms as always in shows signed by Luc Petit. So we will see Bastogne’s folklore in its 21st-century version.”
The show will last about thirty minutes and is aimed at a family audience. The spectators will be seated in bubbles. “It is not forbidden to stand up and dance,” smiles Emmanuel Dufoing. “However, spectators will not be able to move during the performance.” »
