In the small Alsatian town of Illfurth, the theater troupe directed by Lionel Lingelser offers us a captivating and immersive production of “The Possessed of Illfurth”. Dive into the heart of this captivating play where mystery and the supernatural combine to offer you an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Intimate and theatrical exploration
In his show “The Possessed of Illfurth”, the talented Lionel Lingelser reveals a deeply personal and beautifully staged play. This theatrical journey is inspired by Lingelser’s traumas and experiences, while developing on a rich historical basis linked to the mystical events of the children of Illfurth.
The quest for authenticity on stage
Interpreter Helios, his alter ego, Lionel Lingelser immerses himself in the role of Scapin. The actor, while confronting his personal anxieties, comes up against the demands of a tyrannical director, nicknamed the Sorcerer. This confrontation pushes Helios to probe his own emotional scars to achieve a theatrical state of grace, known as Duende.
A drama rooted in history
The plot of the play dates back to 1865, a year marked by the supposed possession of two young brothers, Joseph and Theobald Burner, in a small village in Haut-Rhin. These extraordinary events, punctuated by convulsions and voices from beyond the grave, left an indelible mark on the region, and more particularly on the Hélios family farm.
A visceral theatrical approach
Lionel Lingelser’s show addresses various themes of possession:
- Possession of the actor by the character
- Possession of the mask
- Psychic and physical possession by trauma
With subtle writing by Yan Verburgh, the transitions between autobiographical moments and more surreal sequences continually enrich the narrative.
Multiple faces for a unique performance
Lionel Lingelser impresses with his versatile and minimalist acting. Simply using his hands, he becomes Scapin, the flamboyant and almost disturbing Sorcerer, and even a hallucinated Holy Virgin. Through this transformation, he questions social norms and explores human depth in a poignant way.
A balanced and nuanced narrative
Despite the harshness of subjects such as homophobia and rape, the direction avoids easy pathos. On the contrary, it brings lightness and depth with touches of joy and sincerity. This makes it a complex but accessible, necessary and touching work.
Final in apotheosis
At the end of the performance, Lionel Lingelser and the precise writing of Yan Verburgh leave a strong impression. The show is thought-provoking while instilling positive energy and a deeper understanding of resilience and personal transformation.
Until June 1st Rond-Point Theater.
