Seeing the reaction of the young people who attended Citlali Germé’s latest creation, we can say that the artist hit the nail on the head with a work that combines dance and theater.
Both comic and philosophical, Me, Chiquita offers spectators aged six to ten a magnificent quest. An adventure during which the main character, Chiquita, will try to put her finger on all the facets of her identity and make them all coexist together.
Because even if she loves her life as a princess, the young girl feels cramped in this pink sequined setting which does not completely satisfy her.
After being suddenly struck by memories that vaguely remind her of days climbing trees and screaming with coyotes, Chiquita will try to explore her world. A path on which she will encounter a headwind and many pitfalls, but during which she will also be accompanied by a reassuring voice, that of her Abuela (which means grandmother in Spanish).
Supported by good lighting, Citlali Germé establishes codes with certain movements and manages to quickly situate young people through its different characters and places that they visit. (Frédéric Matte)
Born in Mexico, Citlali Germé brilliantly embodies this friendly character who discovers, under her puffy princess dress, several sides of herself as well as her roots. Whether it’s a disturbing monster made of fringes and crinoline or a free little girl, in love with nature.
But, beyond the colorful costumes, it is above all thanks to dance that the artist expresses herself eloquently: with repetitive and exhausting gestures when she is a princess or others rather jerky while it embodies monster (the monster). Her steps don’t lie either when she undulates at the same rhythm as the rivers and when she transforms into a horse or an arrow, right down to her fingertips.
Chiquita completely transforms through the costumes, all camouflaged under her puffy princess dress. (Frédéric Matte)
We therefore quickly forget the very simple and somewhat gray decor in front of the interpretation of Citlali Germé, each of whose movements is punctuated by the music.
Full of humor, Me, Chiquita thus addresses more philosophical questions such as the quest for identity. And this, very gently.
In addition to making the young audience laugh, she shows them — without being moralistic — that you can be a princess and enjoy playing in the mud; that one can be both afraid and courageous; that our identities can be multiple and equally valid.
Moi, Chiquita is presented at the Les Gros Becs theater until May 5.
