Liana Dolgopolova

At the Noorderzon Festival in Groningen

'COURTISANE' is a contemporary musical theatre performance about the life but especially the work of French Renaissance writer Louise Labé (1524-1566). A tomboy, feminist avant-la-lettre, belle rebelle and courtesan. Calvin called her a dirty whore. She described her intense yearning for love in fiery sonnets.

For five centuries, she has inspired composers and poets. A fascinating insight into five hundred years of sexual revolution. Prompting exegeses within departments of French and gender studies around the world.

'COURTISANE' will premiere at the Noorderzon Festival and then tour over twenty old Groningen churches. The famous organs are given a leading role in the exciting compositions. A performance with the sleeves rolled up. Cheeky, voluptuous, tasteful, tough and sexy!

https://schoutbijnacht.nl/courtisane-productie

About the performance in Krewerd

In each church, the actors and a bassoon enter into a dialogue with the church organ. To remain intelligible, singing softly - this performance is played unamplified - is not an option in St Mary's Church. In addition, the players and musicians have to deal with a different setting. The tuning of this organ is different from what is common today. In practical terms, it means that the players in Krewerd have to sing almost a whole tone higher. To this end, they do so with great verve.

https://theater050.nl/blog/schout-bij-nacht-courtisane-krewerd