LES ENFANTS DE BARBARIE

From 1926 to the 1970s, the aid organisation “Kinder der Landstrasse” (Pro Juventute) separated at least 2000 Jenisch, Sinti and Roma children from their families and placed them in orphanages and psychiatric clinics. The Travellers’ concept of home and life was perceived as a threat, they were declared unable to raise their own children, and their right to custody considered invalid.

”Les Enfants de Barbarie” takes its inspiration from this drama: considered a model of narrow-minded perception, one closed towards the “other”, the consequences of which are invariably fear and intolerance. The performance begins with a circus show, including a young violin virtuoso, acrobatics, and, of course, a clown. But the scenes soon become increasingly uncomfortable and drag the spectator into a world of memories, visions and nightmares. Astride Schlaefli convinces with her rigorous documentary approach to historical material and her knack for creating pictures of great atmospheric density and magical charisma, using musical, visual and choreographic means.