the essential
A resident of Marpa de Lauzès wrote a play in Occitan. Others created the sets, the last performed it in front of around sixty spectators.
Bales of hay, a flock of sheep dotted with spots of black velvet and dressed in entirely embroidered doilies, hens laying golden eggs bordering on gigantism, and, most importantly at the center of this rural and imaginary setting, the residents of the Marpa Dr François Jubin de Lauzès! All ready, from head to toe, from headgear and top hat to straw-filled clogs, to give the public their very first show this winter.
They set up the sets
Entitled “La Ronda Occitana”, it was to the cheers and general enthusiasm of the spectators that this show achieved such success as we could never have imagined.
It was from the pen of one of the residents that this show was born and saw the light of day before the amazed eyes of around sixty people.
“They have been rehearsing for weeks, not to mention the sets that they completely put together during the workshops,” reveals Laurence Monestier, site manager. “We are committed to supporting residents so that they are actors in their lives rather than spectators. This show, created 100% by the residents, from the writings to the decor and until its restitution, is proof of that” , adds Carmen Olive, host.
-At 102, the dean of Marpa on stage
It’s not age that scares them, the dean of Marpa, who celebrated his 102nd birthday, was at the center of everyone, having fun with his intonations worthy of the greats, imitating the character of Saint Namphaise or another drac which had transformed into a giant.
The storyteller Clément Bouscarel, accompanied by his faithful four-legged companion, in turn touched by the residents’ performance, revealed to the public some of his tales, also inspired by his grandparents and of which we never tire.
The day ended with a concert by students from the Granja music school around delicious cakes and hot chocolate. Days like this make us grow, whatever our age, and we ask for more without hesitation.
