This tradition cannot be dated, but it is known to have already existed in 1830, well before the Lyon puppet shows. In the 19th century, these performances had their moments of glory, as some Présèpi featured around sixty puppets. The first Nissart Présèpi was written by Menica Rondelly and Antoine Augier in 1901. The First World War interrupted these shows. It was not until 1926 that this popular tradition was revived thanks to Jouan Nicola.
A century later, Serge DOTTI and NUX VOMICA are reviving this tradition through the show Estra-Présèpi, written entirely in Niçois. Following in the footsteps of the unknown workers and artisans of Old Nice who created this tradition, as well as the famous Rondelly, Augier, and Jouan Nicola, is a heavy responsibility, as it requires both adhering to and departing from their paths.
“This story is about a small people who decide to move in the same direction: that of a birth, and not just any birth. The destination is less important than the journey. We start together and walk. We will know where we are going once we arrive. The essential is the present of the desire.”
Serge Dotti
“Lou Présèpi” is the theatrical representation of the Christmas festivities in the Niçoise tradition. The story tells the adventures of the angel Bouffareù, who announces a birth as he passes through a village named Babazouk…
In a contemporary version of the Présèpi, Serge Dotti has created burlesque and endearing puppets around a Niçois farce that will delight young and old alike.
Text and direction: Serge Dotti & Nux Vomica
Performers: Serge Dotti, Louis Pastorelli, Maurice Maubert
Sound effects, noises: Jérôme Fantino
Sound creation: Louis Pastorelli
Scenography: Maurice Maubert
Songs: Fred Chiris, Serge Dotti, Louis Pastorelli
Puppets: made as part of a workshop at the CEDAC of Cimiez, directed by Serge Dotti, with participants: Monique Alzial, Michèle Lavarenne, Patricia Coletta.
Artistic collaboration: Isabelle Sénèque
Duration: 1 hour
Entry: 5 €
December 21, 23, 29, 30, 2007 at 8:30 PM
Théâtre du Pois Chiche – 2, rue du Château (Old Nice)
