'Help, Reality!', theatre at La Manufacture
In 30 days
'Help, Reality!' is a theatre creation directed by Julia Vidit on a text by Marilyn Mattei, presented at the Théâtre de la Manufacture in Nancy. How do you portray poverty without betraying it? On a trestle-stage set devised with painter Bonnefrite and music by Chapelier Fou, four beggar figures simply seek to be seen.
A theatre that looks poverty in the eye
The play starts from a question at once simple and dizzying: how do you stage poverty without reducing it to a cliché? In a labyrinth of paper filled with posters and symbols, four beggar figures lead us through a series of short scenes. Behind doors, on a bench, at the edge of the pavement, these beings fighting to survive invent rituals and summon ghosts. By playing poverty, they seek less to display it than to ward it off, and to set our gaze moving again before a social injustice that has become almost invisible.
Julia Vidit and Marilyn Mattei, a committed writing
Director Julia Vidit, who runs the Théâtre de la Manufacture, creates this piece in partnership with writer Marilyn Mattei. Their writing, both sharp and poetic, alternates vivid speech with moments of silence, making room for other forms of play and contemplation. The approach embraces its political dimension: to set our gaze moving again before an injustice deemed unacceptable. Without mawkishness, the piece uses humour, the offbeat and the symbol to speak of a reality we often prefer not to see.
Bonnefrite and Chapelier Fou, image and sound
The show's strength also lies in its visual and sonic world. Painter Bonnefrite composes a trestle theatre of colourful posters and symbols, a collage set where paper becomes an inhabited labyrinth. The music, by Chapelier Fou, weaves a sonic carpet that accompanies the words and shapes the silences. This meeting of visual arts, music and theatre gives "Help, Reality!" a singular texture, between visual poetry and the gravity of its subject — a stage object that speaks as much to theatre lovers as to those curious about the visual arts.
Attending the performance in Nancy
The show is advised from age 14: an outing for adults and older teenagers rather than family entertainment. Performances take place at the Théâtre de la Manufacture, rue Baron Louis, in December, and booking is online. For the full cast, exact times and prices, trust the box office and the theatre's official website. The venue is easily reached on foot or by tram from the centre — a fine idea for a thought-provoking evening on a winter stay in Nancy, to extend over a drink and conversation.
Practical information
Address: 10 rue Baron Louis, Théâtre de la Manufacture, 54000 Nancy
Frequently asked questions
What is "Help, Reality!" about?
It is about how theatre can portray poverty and precariousness without betraying them. Four beggar figures act out their own survival through short scenes, to set our gaze moving again on a social injustice too often ignored.
Who created the show?
It is staged by Julia Vidit, director of the Théâtre de la Manufacture, on a text by Marilyn Mattei. The set is devised with painter Bonnefrite and the music composed by Chapelier Fou. See the official website for the full cast.
What is the recommended age?
The show is recommended from age 14. It is aimed at an adult and teenage audience open to social themes; it is not a show for young children.
Where and when is this show?
At the Théâtre de la Manufacture, 10 rue Baron Louis in Nancy, over a series of dates in December. Booking is online; check the official website for exact times and prices.
Pexels — Wendy Wei · Pexels — george charry
