The novel Thérèse et Isabelle written by Violette Leduc between 1948 and 1951 caused a scandal at the time. The novel recounts the passion of body and soul as felt by two teenage girls, and the reaction condemning them and keeping them apart. The poetic and erotic language was promptly censored and it was not until 2000, well after the author’s death, that the complete version was published. It is now acclaimed as a founding text of lesbian love written by a woman accepting and affirming desire and daring. The challenge for stage has been taken up by Marie Fortuit and ardently so as she explores all aspects of the novel including the different social backgrounds of Thérèse and Isabelle, and the relationship with authority that requires adolescents to submit to the will of adults. She has drawn the line from past to present with three young actors performing in her signature style of extraordinary visual and sound landscapes, featuring classical music and popular songs performed live.

Marina Da Silva