Arts at Emory | Newsroom

Contact: Emory European Studies Project, Dr. Judith A. Miller, Associate Professor, Department of History, Emory University, 404-727-6564, histjam@emory.edu

“Autour de Koltès/About Koltès”
Presented by Emory European Studies in collaboration with 7 Stages Theater

From October 2008 through March 2009, Emory University will host members of Atlanta’s 7 Stages Theater, French director Thierry de Peretti, and sound composer Nicolas Baby as they work on the translation and production of a play by Bernard-Marie Koltès (1948-1989), “The Day of Murders in the History of Hamlet” (“Le Jour des meurtres dans l’histoire d’Hamlet”). This play is the latest in 7 Stages’ ongoing Koltès US Project, a series of translations by Isma’il ibn Conner of 7 Stages, and productions of plays by an important writer who is gaining increasing recognition in the U.S. The Emory European Studies Project and 7 Stages were awarded an Officer’s Grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support the residency, which will be complemented by “Autour de Koltès/About Koltès,” an interdisciplinary series of events offering opportunity for dialogue across disciplinary and professional boundaries.

Bernard-Marie Koltès produced an enigmatic and demanding body of work. His plays engage boldly with questions of desire, isolation, sexuality and race. Their language is lyrical and provocative, mixing an elevated French style with the language of the New York streets, crime novels, kung fu films, and West African cities. Koltès came to prominence in the early 80s, when Patrice Chéreau, then already a major figure, chose to open his tenure at the Amandiers Theater at Nanterre with Koltès's work. Since Koltès’s death in 1989 of AIDS, a number of established and emerging directors and companies in Europe have undertaken productions of his works.

Isma’il ibn Conner of Atlanta’s 7 Stages Theater, the guiding force behind the Koltès US project, is undertaking the daunting task of translating Koltès’ challenging texts into English, many for the first time.

French director, Thierry de Peretti, one of a young generation of directors rising to prominence, will lead the 7 Stages production of this next translation, scheduled for the spring of 2010.

“Comme Une Ètoile Filante” (“Like a Shooting Star”), panel discussion, Mon., Oct. 20, 4:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m., free, White Hall 208, Emory University, aerfani@learnlink.emory.edu, 404-290-3179
This opening event in the series features a public screening of the documentary by François Koltès; a panel discussion with French director Thierry de Peretti, Isma’il ibn Conner from 7 Stages, Catherine Dana and sound composer Nicolas Baby; and a reception.

Witnessing Translation, Mon., Oct. 20-Fri., Oct. 24; and Mon., Oct. 27-Thurs., Oct. 30, free. For location and times, and to reserve a seat, contact Amin Erfani at aerfani@learnlink.emory.edu or 404-290-3179. This chance toobserve French stage director, Thierry de Peretti, sound composer Nicolas Baby, translator Isma`il ibn Conner and actors from 7 Stages, including artistic director Del Hamilton, as they work on “The Day of Murders in the History of Hamlet” by Bernard-Marie Koltès. Public can get involved, reserve a time to come individually or in small groups to witness what often takes place behind the scenes: the team will work through the text of the play and discuss how the words will translate to stage. Upon request, there will be opportunities for Emory participants in these visits to speak privately with team members about what they've witnessed.

Brave New Works Reading of Isma’il ibn Conner’s Translation of Koltes’, The Day of Murders in the History of Hamlet, (in English),Fri., Feb. 6, 2009, 7 p.m., Schwartz Center, Theater Lab, 1700 North Decatur Rd., Atlanta, GA30322, aerfani@learnlink.emory.edu, 404-290-3179. The Playwriting Center of Theater Emory presents a biennial Brave New Works new play festival featuring public readings, workshops, discussions, artist residencies and more. The reading of The Day of the Murders in the History of Hamlet is one of nine projects in this year’s festival.

Thierry de Peretti & Nicolas Baby in Conversation , Thurs., March 19, 4-5 p.m., Schwartz Center, Theater Lab, free, (in English), aerfani@learnlink.emory.edu, 404-290-3179 .
The production of Bernard-Marie Koltès’ “The Day of Murders in the History of Hamlet” (“Le Jour des meurtres dans l’histoire d’Hamlet”) will be discussed by French director Thierry de Peretti and sound composer Nicolas Baby, followed by an audience question and answer period.

News Release

10.07.08

EMORY EUROPEAN STUDIES PROJECT

For immediate release, Oct. 3, 2008

“Autour de Koltès/About Koltès”
Presented by Emory European Studies in collaboration with 7 Stages Theater

News Release

10.07.08

EMORY EUROPEAN STUDIES PROJECT

For immediate release, Oct. 3, 2008

“Autour de Koltès/About Koltès” Presented by Emory European Studies in collaboration with 7 Stages Theater

“Autour de Koltès/About Koltès”
Presented by Emory European Studies in collaboration with 7 Stages Theater