Affiche / Exhibition November 24th, 2004 to July 24th, 2005It is a known fact that Le regard du sourd has overwhelmed the world of theatre more than any other production since the last war. Robert Wilson's genius shone forth that day and has never ceased to impose itself since. Yet Wilson is not only a stage director, he is also a visual artist, an unequalled lighting designer, a decorator, a designer of furniture and a teacher of the magic and mysteries of the stage at his Water Mill centre. This protean artist has soared to the level of the greatest and often higher still.
His work on La Fontaine's fables at the Comédie Française is a perfect example. Childhood, a theme ever present in his productions, takes on all its importance. In his own manner, after so many others, and after Oudry and Gustave Doré in particular, he has illustrated the Fables, bringing out their modernity, their irony and their cruelty. How right the public were to besiege the Comédie Française and give each performance an ovation.
I am very happy that following on from the exhibition « Yves Saint Laurent-Dialogue avec l'art », it should be Robert Wilson who joins us. We have been friends for a long time. For me, this friendship is built upon deep admiration. When viewing this exhibition the public will discover a new approach to our fabulist. Whilst not distancing himself from his work for the theatre, Wilson has established a new relationship with La Fontaine. It is essential to compare and confront the two. For my part I am delighted that the most modern of American artists should tackle the most classical of French poets and offer us a new interpretation of his works.
Pierre Bergé
