Les Carnets du Sous-Sol de Dostoïevski

« I think even the best definition of man is the following: a bipedal and ungrateful creature.  »

In Les Carnets du sous-sol by Dostoevsky

Within a relatively undefined rectangular scenographic setup (representing at once the hero's mental space, a basement, a room…), the performance gives voice to the hero of Les Carnets du sous-sol who has chosen to take himself as a subject of observation, to question his thoughts by establishing a dialogue with imaginary gentlemen. Faced with the certainties of his era, the hero opposes his desire, which he calls his « whim  », and which, according to him, is constitutive of man to the point that the latter would rather go mad than renounce his fundamental freedom.

Author: Fiodor Dostoïevski

Adaptor: Marie Ballet

Translator: André Markowicz

Cast and director: Christophe Laparra

Duration: 1H10

Press extract: From the very first minutes, Christophe Laparra imposes an inhabited presence: he doesn't just embody the hero, he lets himself be traversed by him, to the point that his entire performance becomes a form of controlled collapse. A total, impressive involvement, which gives this Sous-sol a rare strength. Béatrice Lise. Zénitude profonde le mag On stage, Christophe Laparra embodies this complex character with remarkable charisma. He displays a powerful performance, artistic generosity, and sensitivity that captivate from beginning to end. A profound show, which reveals the modernity of Dostoevsky's text. Christian Dumoulin. Culture Évasion An actor driven by the desire to constantly reinvent his character, and who performs as if his life depended on that moment. Pascal Verdeau, Culture-Tops

Superb show, crying out with truth! B.C. Lerideaurouge When the actor's performance and the staging thus combine to convey all the complexity and richness of a text as tragic and inspired as it is magnificent, one leaves content. Sarah Franck, Arts-chipels