Paying for it • La Brute • Théâtre National

The La Brute collective is examining a taboo: prostitution. Via documentary theatre, it raises questions about the sexual service marketplace, and further, the place sex holds in society.

The product of investigations and stage writing led by seven ESACT graduates, the show covers different aspects of prostitution. On one hand the female slave trade (Nigerian and Albanian networks…) and street prostitution are at the center of the field work which took place in the very neighborhood of the Théâtre National. On the other hand, the words of women who have “chosen” this trade and who are fighting for the recognition of their rights will also be highlighted on stage.

The roads that lead to prostitution often cross those of drug addiction, financial debts, online meeting sites which lead to student prostitution, a taste for money earned and spent outside the system, etc. Paying For It researches these practices which are multiplying.

Carefully documented are the artistic team’s many exchanges with prostitutes, members of the Vice Squad, clients, and associations for the defense of sex workers, and with sex worker spokesperson Sonia Verstappen who has been associated with the project since its inception.

In trying to uncover the secrets of an opaque world, Paying For It wishes to eliminate the stigma that crushes these women. And far from justifying prostitution, the show reminds us that to try to eliminate it will just make it worse.

Information

Language

FR (no surtitle)

Venue

Studio

Duration

1:40

Surrounding the show

Discussion "Rencontre Constructeurs d’Histoires" 13.11.2019 with Marie L. Barret & Sonia Verstappen

Discussion "Rencontre Constructeurs d’Histoires" 20.11.2019 with Maxime Maes & Sonia Verstappen

Cast

Direction
La Brute :
Jérôme De Falloise
Raven Ruëll
Anne-Sophie Sterck
Wim Lots
Nicolas Marty

Actors
Jérôme De Falloise
Raven Ruëll
Anne-Sophie Sterck
Martin Panel
Ninuccia Berthet
Julie Peyrat
Gabriel Bideau
Marion Gabelle
Ninon Borsei
Martin Rouet

Dramaturgy
Sonia Verstappen

Sound design and live music
Wim Lots

Lighting design Stage Manager and lighting
Nicolas Marty

Sound design
Julien Courroye

Assistant director
Coline Fouquet

Set and costume design
Marie Szersnovicz

Management, production and touring
Catherine Hance
Aurélie Curti

Création Studio Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles

Production
Wirikuta ASBL

Co-production
La Brute ASBL, Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles, Théâtre Jean Vilar de Vitry-sur-Seine, La Coop ASBL / Shelter Prod

With the help of
taxshelter.be, ING & tax-shelter du Gouvernement fédéral belge

With the support of
la COCOF

Sets construction and costumes
Ateliers du Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles

Thanks
Sonia Verstappen, Marie Devroux, Marie Alié, Manuel Chemla, Marie Bruckman, Robin Lescot, UTSOPI, Quentin Deltour, Julie Bechet, Marie-Christine, Lola et Pascal, Espace P de Liège, Jean-Luc Drion et Josiane, Maxime Maes, Julie Arcelin, Katia Jones, Janis, Karine Minnen, Alexandra Paparelli, Pierrick De Luca, Marie L. Barret, Jean-Michel Chaumont, Roxana Burlacu, Thierry Schaffauser, Marianne Chargois, le STRASS, Fabian Drianne, Delphine, Espace P Bruxelles, Irène Kaufer, Gail Pheterson, Pascale Maquestiau, Hans Vandecandelaere, Guy De Troyer, Franz-Manuel Vandelook, Jimmy, Didier, Renaud Maes, Magaly Rodriguez Garcia, Yvan, José, Ingrid, Gaëtan Absil, Alex Avenière, Alice Jo, Priscilla Adade-Helledy and everyone we may have forgotten.

Calendar