October 2, 2003

Cixous will lead workshop series

Northwestern will sponsor a series of lectures and workshops (Oct. 6-10) featuring internationally renowned French feminist philosopher, writer, playwright and activist Hélène Cixous; French actress Myriam Azencot, and two members of the Théâtre du Soleil, one of the most celebrated theatre companies in Europe – actress Myriam Azencot and Maïtreyi, a movement instructor and actress.

Hélène Cixous

During their visit to Northwestern, Cixous, Azencot and Maïtreyi will present workshops for Northwest-ern undergraduate students, as well as a private workshop, by invitation only, for actors and directors.

Three of the “Hélène Cixous and the Théâtre du Soleil” events are free and open to the public. They will be held at locations on both campuses. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not necessary.

The public series begins with the Théâtre du Soleil and of Cixous’ play “Tambours sur la Digue”/“Drums on the Dyke” at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at Annie May Swift Auditorium. The program will include a short presentation of the Thèâtre du Soleil by Craig Kinzer, associate professor of theatre; a screening of excerpts from the stage production of “Tambours sur la Digue” at the Théâtre du Soleil; and a discussion with playwright Cixous and actress Azencot.

Cixous’ lecture, “The Book I Do Not Write: Discovering the Interior Stage – Books and Plays at War with the Author,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, will be held at the McCormick Tribune Center. A presidential reception will follow the lecture.

Cixous’ lecture “Evening at the Corner of the Two Worlds: A Chronicle of Creation with the Théâtre du Soleil,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, will be held at the School of Law, Lincoln Hall.

Cixous is best known in the United Sates as a feminist critic whose concept of “ecriture feminine” opened new ways to deal with gender difference in culture, writing and social theory. As a playwright, working closely with director Ariane Mnouchkine at the Théâtre du Soleil, she has been concerned with ethical and political questions in contemporary history, especially the effects of colonialism, corruption and social injustice. Cixous is professor of English literature at Paris VIII and the founder and director of the university’s Centre d’Études Féminines, the first of its kind in Europe.

Azencot has participated in all of the Théâtre du Soleil’s productions under the direction of Mnouchkine for the past 20 years, and since 1996 she has also been involved in actors’ workshops. Maïtreyi started her collaboration with Mnouchkine in 1982 as a dancer, actress and training young artists.

For more information, visit www.communication.northwestern.edu or call (847) 491-5490.