SOUS LE POIDS DES PLUMES (BENEATH THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS) DANCE SHOW AT THÉÂTRE RAYMOND KABBAZ

Before I tell you about this really interesting French dance show Mr. X and I saw the other night, I have to say how good it was to be back at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz for the first time this season. I love that theatre! It’s the most easy-going entertainment experience in town!

I’ve seen such a panoply of performances there—musical ones, from orchestral classical to gypsy jazz; a one-man play; a couple of animation evenings; a movie’s pre-opening screening; and even a few presentations that defy explanation. And, of course, many dance shows, including an entire four-day festival!

Beneath the Weight of Feathers, (Sous le Poids des Plumes in French,) is a one-hour-long continuous-motion display of creative dance moves and situations. It’s billed as hip-hop, but, as a hip-hopper from way back myself, I assessed that it’s not exactly traditional hip-hop, per se. It is, rather, everything!

(L-R) Mounir Kerfah, Mounir Touaa, Yann Crayssac, and Benjamin Midonet. Photo by Nicolas Soira, as is the image at the top of this review.

I don’t know what style I’d call it. There is some hip-hop in the choreography, but also breakdancing, contemporary, some mime moves, a tad of popping, and even a bit of contortion. And it’s all fascinating. You can never even come close to guessing what will happen next with these guys! There were so many moments where I gushed, “Wow,” out loud.

There’s much charm and humor, as well.  All credit in the world to this quartet of performers: Yann Crayssac, Mounir Kerfah, Benjamin Midonet, and Mounir Touaa.

At one point, Benjamin wrote this message on a prop suitcase: “Poetic and Creative are our Mark.” (In English, no less.) That about sums it all up.

I don’t understand the title, though, but the French are often heavy thinkers, (as evidenced for eternity by French sculptor Rodin’s The Thinker.) The official explanation is, “Four hip-hop dancers plunge us into a dreamlike world where their different memories of life collide.” But I don’t even understand those words!

Yann Crayssac. Photo by Nicolas Soira,

So I just watched the movement and very inventive use of props, (the big sheet of plastic is especially fascinating,) and enjoyed the visuals.

I chuckled right from the beginning, when the quartet made the stage look like… my bedroom, (especially that day as I chose my outfit for the evening,) by flinging a bunch of clothing everywhere! And then they cleaned it all up, which reminded me of what awaited me upon my return home that night. I love having synchronicity with such talented people. (And now when my bae sees my wardrobe mess, I can tell him that I’m just emulating Beneath the Weight of Feathers!)

Speaking of my bae, I asked the krump-dancing Mr. X for his quote on the show, and he immediately replied, “Sacre bleu!” When I said that I’m not sure of that term’s modern usage in France, he changed it to, “Mon dieu!” Both of those are to demonstrate his admiration for the entire presentation.

After the enthusiastic standing ovation at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, there was a Q-and-A with the dancers and choreographer, Fouad Kouchy. He didn’t speak much English, so my favorite dancer, Mounir Touaa, did the interpreting, in fabulous English.

At one point, a little girl asked when he started dancing, and he answered that he had begun at thirteen, without stating his current age. So I surprised even myself by calling-out, “Quel âge avez-vous maintenant?,” which means, “How old are you now?” I was shocked that I still knew enough high school French to ask that! I then asked again in English, (for the non-French-speakers in the audience, and perhaps the French ones who couldn’t understand my very weak Francais,) and Mounir gave a most charming answer. It was something to the effect that age is a state of mind or being. (In my amusement, I forgot to copy down all of his exact words.)

(L-R) Choreographer Fouad Kouchy, Benjamin Midonet, Yann Crayssac, Mounir Touaa, and Mounir Kerfah. Photo by Karen Salkin. (Note the suitcase with the message, on the very left.)

The entire event was absolutely delightful, from start to finish, as are most events at that venue.

And by the way, at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, the pre-show mingling is also lovely. I think they always have beverages and darling little baguette sandwiches from a famous LA bakery on offer for sale, so it’s even okay to arrive a bit hungry.

Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz
10361 W Pico Blvd. West Los Angeles
310-286-0553
And please check-out their website, so that you’re always aware of the usually-one-night-only shows: www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com