Wiener Festwochen: Phia Ménard / Compagnie Non Nova La Trilogie des Contes Immoraux (pour Europe)

Phia Ménard is an uncompromisingly interdisciplinary artist whose practice is located between theatre, the arts of the circus, and the visual arts. In 2019 she had a surprise hit at the Wiener Festwochen with Maison Mère. This year she returns with a triptych production to premiere all three Immoral Tales. From Mother House to Father Temple and The Forbidden Encounter, Ménard questions the foundations of a united Europe. A captivating stage presence and hyperprecise actions create vivid pictures. A larger-than-life punk Athena, she is seen purposefully carrying out her construction work, strengthening fragile cardboard walls so they stand firm against the forces of gravity. And yet, her cardboard Parthenon is on shaky ground. Ménard’s minimal stage constructions demonstrate a Europe that is unable to provide protection, that collapses unprotected, or is only able to subsist through continual exploitation and constant growth. La Trilogie des Contes Immoraux (pour Europe) is an epoch-making composition made up of iconic architectures, a risky striving for power, and the forceful nature of civilisation. Europe dies as an ice-bound queen. And the audience becomes accomplice.