(LE/THE) PAIN
JD Broussé
(le) Pain is the debut solo show from Total Theatre award-winning artist, JD Broussé. It was made in collaboration with cheeky cabaret director and future national treasure Ursula Martinez and co-commissioned by London International Mime Festival and Warwick Arts Centre.
Jean Daniel Broussé is the only son of a third generation baker. Destined to follow in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather and inherit the family bakery in rural France… But JD, queer, a circus artist and intolerant to patriarchy – is not a baker.
(le) Pain is the unexpected chapter in the bakery story. A journey through bread making, acrobatics and growing up in strait-laced provincial France, that reverberates with the tragedy, comedy and joy of making a break for it.
Jean Daniel Broussé (JD to his friends) studied Medieval History and Modern Literature at university in France and then Circus Arts in London. He worked with Square Peg, Barely Methodical Troupe and Ellie Dubois’ Superfan AND he co-created KNOT with Nikki which won international acclaim and many awards. JD is not going to bake cakes. Or Bread. Or is he?
“JD’s story is often poignant, often painful, but it is sprinkled with mischief and dusted with humour. ★★★★
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“The making of bread as a metaphor for the shaping of a life is unforced and very funny. ★★★★
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Premiere: 2020
Set-up: Indoor
Running time: 55 minutes
Language: English, French, Occitan
Touring party: 2
Minimum stage dimensions: 5m wide x 4m deep
Age guidance: 16+
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Devised and performed by Jean Daniel Broussé
Director: Ursula Martinez
Movement Director: Leah Marojevic
Acrobatic Consultant: Charlie Wheeller
Lighting Design: Joe Hornsby
Costumes: Max Allen
Original Music: Samir Kennedy
Producer: Di Robson
Production Manager: Hannah Blamire
Technical Stage Manager: Fergus Waldron
Projections: Sam Williams
Video Material created by Jean-Daniel Broussé, Laurie Warman, Evelyne Larran
Co-commissioners: Warwick Arts Centre, London International Mime Festival
Funders: Arts Council England Lottery Funded, Jerwood Circus Residencies
Thanks to: Betrand Broussé, Myriam Broussé, Staff of Boulangerie Broussé
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“The making of bread as a metaphor for the shaping of a life is unforced and very funny.” The Guardian ★★★★
“JD’s story is often poignant, often painful, but it is sprinkled with mischief and dusted with humour ” Financial Times ★★★★
“a moment of profound change in our civilisation ” The Scotsman ★★★★
“Knot is a beautiful, touching show, performed with magnificent skill and so much heart.” The 730 Review ★★★★
“The strength, stamina and control of both performers are spectacles within themselves.” The Wonderful World of Dance
“A thrilling and entertaining show; perhaps pioneering a new genre of comedy acrobatics” Dance Tabs ★★★★
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JD offers a wide range of wrap-around activities, including: post-show discussions, acrobatics workshops, dance workshops. Available for all ages and levels.
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Nikki & JD are an acrobatic duo with a unique blend of skills in circus and Award-winning company Nikki & JD was co-founded by acrobatic duo Nikki Rummer and Jean-Daniel Broussé with a unique blend of skills in circus and contemporary dance. The company’s mission is to achieve strong storytelling that packs an emotional punch, using high-level circus schools and dance to evoke the feelings and awe that words cannot always touch, and the words that provide a strong narrative arc. Using humour and the accessibility of acrobatic flips and balances, we seek to take people on dark and joyful journeys into the human condition.
Their first show, Knot, premiered in 2016 in London and has toured globally with over a hundred performances in the UK, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Japan, South Korea and Peru. In 2019, Knot was awarded a Herald Angel and the Jacksons Lane and Total Theatre Award for Circus at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In 2021 and 2022, Nikki and JD created solo pieces: Nikki’s Unbroken and JD’s (le) Pain, which toured UK-wide, cementing their reputation as forward-thinking talent in the contemporary circus scene.
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For more information, check availability, please contact Axel Satgé: axel@yelloweverything.com.
