Man with a bread-shaped cross to bear
DANCE, PHYSICAL THEATRE & CIRCUS
(Le) PAIN
Assembly Roxy (Venue 139), until 28 August
JJJJ
The fact that “pain” means ‘bread’ in French is a bit of a gift for Jeandaniel Broussé. Growing up in the South of France, parental expectation weighed heavily on his shoulders. Should he become the fourth generation of bakers to run Patisserie Broussé or follow his heart and become a performer? Evidently, he chose the latter – and while bread’s loss is our gain, we get the best of both worlds in (Le) PAIN.
On a stage busy with bags of flour, silver tables, shiny bowls and a small oven, Broussé describes the anguish of choosing one life over another. He also tells us about a very different kind of pain that helps him make a decision, but no spoilers here. As he chats, flour and water is poured, mixed and kneaded by his expert hand, and as it’s left to rise, he demonstrates his other skills, as a dancer, circus artist and musician. Costume changes take him from aprons to sequins, but a winning smile is worn throughout.
When he’s not playing music, the humour comes thick and fast, adding another string to Broussé’s already talented bow. But there’s also a charming sentimentality here, as we watch video footage of his parents sharing their own thoughts about the highs and lows of bakery life. The conversation with his mum, in particular, leads to a hilarious moment of audience participation that we all get behind with gusto.
By the end, a flour-strewn stage lies before us, Broussé’s touching and funny tale has been told, and the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked French sticks. Which, like his life story, he is more than willing to share.