A Play for the Ages of Trauma: The Gripping Story Behind France's Grenfell Moment
In the aftermath of a devastating tragedy in Marseille, a young playwright has crafted a powerful play that shines a light on the city's darkest secrets. "65 Rue d'Aubagne" is more than just a theatrical production - it's a poignant exploration of trauma, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit.
When the two dilapidated houses on the Rue d'Aubagne collapsed in 2018, killing eight people and leaving hundreds homeless, it sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage across France. The tragedy exposed deep-seated issues of urban inequality, social deprivation, and bureaucratic red tape, sending shockwaves through Marseille's already troubled underbelly.
Mathilde Aurier, the play's writer and director, was moved to action by a chance encounter with a survivor on the beach in 2022. Her conversation with this woman ignited a firestorm of emotions and ideas, which she poured into her new play. Drawing inspiration from the British playwright Howard Barker's "theatre of catastrophe", Aurier set out to create a work that not only captured the chaos but also illuminated the complex web of social issues at play.
The resulting production is a dizzying maelstrom of Marseille voices, perspectives, and emotions. Jumping between different narrative threads, it defies easy categorization - much like the disaster itself. With its fluid structure and kaleidoscopic performances, "65 Rue d'Aubagne" echoes the chaos of that fateful night.
At its heart lies a deeply human story: one of people seeking to find meaning in the face of unimaginable trauma. Nina, the fictional protagonist, is a poignant stand-in for those who lost loved ones and homes on that terrible night. As she navigates her own journey towards healing, Aurier masterfully conveys the sense of disorientation and desperation that pervades this city.
The play has become more than just a tribute to the victims; it's an urgent call to action against systemic injustice. As Marseille struggles to rebuild its housing stock and address the widening social divide, "65 Rue d'Aubagne" serves as a stark reminder of what's at stake: not just lives but also futures.
Aurier herself is acutely aware of her own role in this larger drama. A self-proclaimed tragic author, she has poured her heart and soul into this production, knowing that it may be the only voice for those who still lack one.
As the curtain falls on "65 Rue d'Aubagne", a new chapter unfolds - one marked by uncertainty but also boundless possibility. Will Marseille's leaders finally heed the warnings of its people? Can the city find a way to reconcile past and present, trauma and healing?
One thing is certain: this play will continue to resonate with audiences long after the final curtain call. It's a testament to the power of art in the face of adversity - a beacon of hope that shines brightly even in the darkest moments.
The 65 Rue d'Aubagne production at Théatre de la Criée, Marseille, runs until January 18th.
In the aftermath of a devastating tragedy in Marseille, a young playwright has crafted a powerful play that shines a light on the city's darkest secrets. "65 Rue d'Aubagne" is more than just a theatrical production - it's a poignant exploration of trauma, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit.
When the two dilapidated houses on the Rue d'Aubagne collapsed in 2018, killing eight people and leaving hundreds homeless, it sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage across France. The tragedy exposed deep-seated issues of urban inequality, social deprivation, and bureaucratic red tape, sending shockwaves through Marseille's already troubled underbelly.
Mathilde Aurier, the play's writer and director, was moved to action by a chance encounter with a survivor on the beach in 2022. Her conversation with this woman ignited a firestorm of emotions and ideas, which she poured into her new play. Drawing inspiration from the British playwright Howard Barker's "theatre of catastrophe", Aurier set out to create a work that not only captured the chaos but also illuminated the complex web of social issues at play.
The resulting production is a dizzying maelstrom of Marseille voices, perspectives, and emotions. Jumping between different narrative threads, it defies easy categorization - much like the disaster itself. With its fluid structure and kaleidoscopic performances, "65 Rue d'Aubagne" echoes the chaos of that fateful night.
At its heart lies a deeply human story: one of people seeking to find meaning in the face of unimaginable trauma. Nina, the fictional protagonist, is a poignant stand-in for those who lost loved ones and homes on that terrible night. As she navigates her own journey towards healing, Aurier masterfully conveys the sense of disorientation and desperation that pervades this city.
The play has become more than just a tribute to the victims; it's an urgent call to action against systemic injustice. As Marseille struggles to rebuild its housing stock and address the widening social divide, "65 Rue d'Aubagne" serves as a stark reminder of what's at stake: not just lives but also futures.
Aurier herself is acutely aware of her own role in this larger drama. A self-proclaimed tragic author, she has poured her heart and soul into this production, knowing that it may be the only voice for those who still lack one.
As the curtain falls on "65 Rue d'Aubagne", a new chapter unfolds - one marked by uncertainty but also boundless possibility. Will Marseille's leaders finally heed the warnings of its people? Can the city find a way to reconcile past and present, trauma and healing?
One thing is certain: this play will continue to resonate with audiences long after the final curtain call. It's a testament to the power of art in the face of adversity - a beacon of hope that shines brightly even in the darkest moments.
The 65 Rue d'Aubagne production at Théatre de la Criée, Marseille, runs until January 18th.
just saw this play "65 Rue d'Aubagne" about the Grenfell moment in Marseille and I'm blown away 
it's like nothing I've ever seen before. The way Mathilde Aurier weaves together all these different narrative threads is mind-blowing 
she's not just telling a story, she's exposing the systemic issues that led to this tragedy and still affecting people today 
but also somehow finding a sense of hope 
I mean, Nina's journey towards healing is so relatable it had me in tears 
but at the same time, I was inspired by her resilience and determination 
against all these social issues that are still plaguing Marseille. I love that Aurier is speaking truth to power and refusing to shy away from the hard stuff 
we need more voices like hers in our lives, you know?
it's going to change you in some way, I promise 
the way she weaves all these different narratives together is pure genius 
i love how it's not just a play about what happened, but also about what can happen next 
Marseille needs this kind of awareness and conversation right now, let's keep supporting artists like aurier who are making a difference 
. And how they're using this platform to call out systemic injustice in Marseille's housing system? 
That takes a lot of courage.
. But at the same time, I think that's what makes art so powerful - it can evoke strong feelings and spark conversations. 
. We need more voices like Mathilde Aurier speaking out about these issues, using their platform to raise awareness and push for change 
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. And Nina, the main character, feels so real and relatable. Like, we've all been in situations where we're trying to make sense of chaos, you know? 
Mathilde Aurier is a genius, I mean, her writing and directing skills are on another level! The way she weaves the story together, jumping between different narrative threads, it's like you're right there with Nina, feeling all her emotions. 
It's so raw and honest, it's like the play is speaking straight to your soul. And I love how it's not just a tragedy, but also a call to action against systemic injustice... we need more of this in our lives! 
This play is a must-see, trust me, you won't regret it! 
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. I get that the guy who wrote it had a good idea from talking to a survivor but let's not forget there are like hundreds of people involved in this whole thing...it's not just some one person's story. And another thing, what makes this play so special? Is it really gonna bring about change or is it just gonna sit on a stage and make people feel sorry for themselves? 