French theatre nerds do droll version of the Big Bang at reopening Rotterdam Schouwburg

Ok, a few people might have been a tad disappointed. Who had hoped that Rotterdam's theatre would reopen with real bang, after the highly successful upgrade of the interior by scrap artist Jan Versweyveld (suspended ceiling, marble and carpet on the stairs). But, of course, it can't. After all, the Rotterdam Schouwburg only does bangs if International Choice boss Annemie Vanackere has convinced herself in advance that that bang will turn out to be completely different from what everyone expects. Whoever the poster of this year's festival closely, could already guess that it would be something of a sizzle.

A French sizzle. Then again.

Philippe Quesne is one of those delightful French theatre nerds who loves sweet little funny performances. He makes a kind of object theatre, in which actors walk around reminiscent of the creatures from Jacques Tati's world: completely introverted, awkward and irresistibly funny to watch.
This time, Quesne's world is all about comic book-like images of the origins of life, the discovery of fire and the apocalypse. Imperturbably the eight players are at work, and sometimes the result is beautiful, but more often it is mostly droll. And sometimes it is also just boring and less inventive than you might hope.

As a finale to this separate International Choice, 'Big Bang' therefore still falls a bit short. This edition of the annual festival full of unexpected international theatre performances was different anyway, because of the refurbishment of the Schouwburg foyer. Almost everything was on location or in 'De Gouvernestraat', the old home of Lantaren/Venster. And although some things were disappointing, there were also unimaginable highlights to experience. The places where some companies played were definitely among them.

Rotterdam would do well to cherish its frayed edges, just as the Rotterdam Schouwburg is cherishing the theatre's frayed edges with this festival. Because it is on those frayed edges that the world is most exciting. Also for Henk and Ingrid.

Le Big Bang can still be seen on Sunday, October 3, 2010.