Julien Gosselin is staging a five-hour adaptation of Roberto Bolaño’s Maldoror, which is at the Festival d’Avignon until July 12 before the Comédie de Genève next year. The production explores the intersection of political trauma and poetic resistance, drawing on the works of Isidore Ducasse, Arthur Rimbaud, and Stéphane Mallarmé to process the historical impact of the 1973 Chilean military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet.
How does Julien Gosselin adapt Bolaño for the stage?
Julien Gosselin, 39, utilizes a signature aesthetic described as a “pirate map” of theatrical storytelling. The adaptation functions as an exploration of existential meaning. Gosselin’s approach involves “undead” characters and maritime motifs, creating a sense of urgency that forces the audience to confront the intersection of art and political violence.
This production marks a return to the works of Roberto Bolaño for Gosselin. Ten years prior, at the Festival d’Avignon, he staged 2666, a saga of Roberto Bolaño.
Why is the 1973 Chilean coup a central theme in Maldoror?
The 1973 coup is framed in the production as a rupture that forces a confrontation with madness. The play examines how “criminals in uniform” imposed their own reality on a democratic society, leading to the suicide of president Salvador Allende. By weaving this historical trauma into the poetic structure of Maldoror, the play questions how individuals maintain their humanity when faced with systemic authoritarianism.
The evolution of political theater
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I see Maldoror? The production is at the Festival d’Avignon and is scheduled to be performed at the Comédie de Genève next year.
- Who is the author of the original work? While the play draws from the spirit of Isidore Ducasse, it is anchored in the vision of Chilean author Roberto Bolaño.
- How long is the performance? The production runs for more than five hours.
If you are planning to attend, prepare for an immersive experience.
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