Les Ballets C. de la B. (Belgium) - Gardenia
Inspired by the penetrating film Yo soy asi (by Sonia Herman Dolz), in which the closing of a transvestite cabaret in Barcelona affords us a glimpse into the private lives of a memorable group of old artists, actress Vanessa VanDurme collected a number of transsexual and transvestite friends in order to win over directors AlainPlatel and Frank Van Laecke and composer Steven Prengels for a project that can be called unique inevery respect. Because Gardenia is not a work of fiction.
Gardenia is a singular account, the most intimate of tales. Gardenia goes deep into the turbulent lives of nine striking people. Seven older individuals whoseemingly effortlessly navigate the twilight zone between being male and being female. In contrast andharmony with a “young guy” and a “real woman”. Each on a quest. Each with their own intriguingstory.Sometimes funny, sometimes overwhelming. Sometimes poignant, sometimes hilarious. Each with atrunk full of longing. Often lost or out of reach. Sometimes endearing. Mostly unusual. In their mindsthe sounds of the past. In their eyes doubts about tomorrow, but also a healthy dose of hope.
I, Marijcke, saw the show in Amsterdam, and needed a bit of time to realize why I liked it so much. And I think I liked it because of everything it could easily have been, but it wasn't: melodrama, exhibitionism, a tearjerker. But above all I liked it because of what it was: an honest and touching insight into the world of transvestites and glitter, show and reality.
Links
Page on the C de la B site about Gardenia
Photos
