Photo : Christophe Raynaud de Lage
Eyes on me, Lucile Rose
Based on texts by Howard Barker, Eyes on me revisits the Shakespearean figure of Gertrude, the mythical mother of Hamlet. Mother, woman, queen, irresistible. To her desire, everything must be sacrificed, even if it means destroying, even if it means dying.
Théâtre 13 - Bibliothèque (Paris 13th)
About
An exacerbated incarnation of femininity, Gertrude asserts an uncontrolled sexuality and fertility that endow her with irresistible power. She will impose her desire to the point of murder and destruction—that of the State, of the family, of herself. With Barker, Lucile Rose decides to look head-on at the scandal provoked by female desire, to examine the impulses of control and possession it unleashes. Beyond any morality, Eyes on me questions the representations of femininity conveyed by literary and pictorial myths. From this supposed untimeliness, what can be rewritten? What can be rethought? Striking the narrative thread, the show is embodied in a plastic universe in constant collapse, a tribute to the performative gestures of Bill Viola and Gina Pane.
Director Lucile Rose
Based on Howard Barker
With Mélodie Adda, Rita Benmannana, Yanis Chikhaoui, Valérian Geay, Jeanne Louis-Calixte, Maxime Allègre, Pauline Bélier
Dramaturgy Roxane Becharat
Scenography William Ravon
Assistant Director Maxime Taffanel
Composition Maxence Vandevelde
Sound Marion Cros
Lighting Lucien Valle
Video John M. Warts
Costumes Yann Pagès
Set Construction Frank Échantillon
Production Support Nicolas Chapuis
Our take on this event
Prepare to be confronted by a raw, unapologetic exploration of female power and societal destruction. This performance creates a haunting visual landscape that challenges historical myths while daring you to look closer at the volatile nature of obsession.
From April 20 to April 30, 2027, the Théâtre 13 - Bibliothèque presents Des yeux sur moi, a play directed by Lucile Rose based on the writings of Howard Barker. This performance examines the complexities of feminine desire, control, and the societal myths surrounding womanhood through a visual language inspired by the performance art of Bill Viola and Gina Pane. This intense production, which challenges traditional moral structures and family dynamics, is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. With varied evening scheduling across the week, it offers a unique opportunity to engage with a provocative and ever-shifting artistic landscape.
Director Lucile Rose adapts Howard Barker’s work to confront the controversy surrounding female desire and the impulses of power it triggers. Through the character of Gertrude, the play explores themes of unbridled fertility and dominance that ultimately lead to the destruction of the state and the self. The narrative is punctuated by a deconstructing visual universe designed by William Ravon, paying homage to the performative legacy of artists like Bill Viola and Gina Pane.
The cast features Mélodie Adda, Rita Benmannana, Yanis Chikhaoui, Valérian Geay, Jeanne Louis-Calixte, Maxime Allègre, and Pauline Bélier. The production is supported by a creative team including dramaturg Roxane Becharat, composer Maxence Vandevelde, sound designer Marion Cros, lighting designer Lucien Valle, and video artist John M. Warts. Costumes are by Yann Pagès, with set construction by Frank Échantillon and production assistance by Nicolas Chapuis.
The play is performed at the Théâtre 13 - Bibliothèque in the 13th arrondissement. Performance times are set for 20:00 to 22:20 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Saturdays, the show runs from 18:00 to 20:20. This is a ticketed event intended for spectators 16 years of age and older.
