First weekend of rehearsals in the heart of the Cévennes for the Son et Lumière show

Le premier jour de répétition consiste notamment à faire du repérage, s’approprier le scénario. MIDI LIBRE – Alexis Béthune

The life-size representations will take place on July 19, 20 and 21, at the Musée du Désert, in Mialet, near Alès.

On the forest grounds of the Mialet Desert Museum, around a hundred extras, half of them in costume, are testing the waters for the next show that they will put together these 19, 20, and 21  July, same place. This Saturday, June 15, the first rehearsals take place. "You must advance to the oak tree! Only give each other furtive glances!",launches, microphone in hand, Jean-Noël Schwingouber, the director of the next show by the Son Et Lumière  association in Cévennes, born from Protestant scouting.

A full-size flagpole was set up for rehearsals. FREE NOON – Alexis Béthune

Under the theme of Exile, actors and extras will slip, for two dates, into the shoes of the Huguenots, who, in 1685, after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, nearly 200,000 fled their lands, persecuted for their Protestant faith. "Traces of these refugee families were found in Virginia. The scenario therefore follows the story of the Dupuy family, in their journey from Anduze to America, summarizes Dany Benezet, assistant director. This fiction based on historical facts, which echo today's news, without giving a lesson, without morality."

The period costumes were sewn by hand, by volunteers. FREE NOON – Alexis Béthune

Retracing the exile of the Huguenots

So, to delve into the 17th century, volunteer costume makers worked on the meticulous creation of period costumes that were larger than life, horses were repatriated for the period. occasion, and the technique, made up of professionals, works on the play of lights, particular to the shows given by the association. "The schedule is respected, we are planning a lot at the moment, we are trying not to frustrate anyone. Today, the extras discover the scenario themselves. The goal is for everyone to have fun, while conveying a dynamic of reflection on this theme", explains Jean-Noël Schwingouber.
Young people, children, elderly people came together for an experience that was both friendly and professional.

The horses, present at the casting. FREE NOON – Alexis Béthune

While others take their turn on stage, others occupy the meadow in a moment of relaxation. Just like Benjamin, Fanny, Manon, and Camille, who are between 11 and 25 years old, who came mainly for "the good atmosphere of the event", and "put yourself in the shoes of your ancestors."

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