Le Lion et Le Rat

From 2001 to 2008, La Petite Fabrique, an independent production company directed by Annie Sellem, developed an original project : asking choreographers from different backgrounds to create short pieces loosely based on La Fontaine’s “Fables”.

Twelve short tales in varying styles, ranging from hip-hop to classical, were assembled. In their use of language, they are equally suitable for a family audience as for a knowledgeable audience. They rely heavily on a mix of disciplines and artistic diversity: there is a crossover of cultures, music and rhythms. The moral of each fable is treated lightly, with poetry and plenty of humour.

As Annie Sellem explains, “The choreographers’ work may be read on many levels: I think they drew upon their childhood to some extent, as every piece is as just as funny as the child’s world, and just as serious, too.”

Dominique Bovin has chosen the fable “The Lion and the Rat”.

“We always need there to be someone smaller than we are, but perhaps also more wretched, unworthy, repulsive, or then again, more adorable, distinguished, magical… and way beyond any moral, there is no doubt that this lesson is worth a tribute!”