A long-drawn-out project that started in 2009, ‘Stabat Mater Furiosa’ is the result of the collaboration between the Alambic Theatre, located near Paris, and the Monot Theatre in Beirut. Written by Jean Pierre Siméon and staged by Marie Claire Braconneau, the play is a reference to the ‘Stabat Mater Dolorosa’, a religious hymn to the suffering of Mary during the crucifixion of Jesus.

Interpreted by French-Lebanese actress and pianist Elise Pouchelet, ‘Stabat Mater Furiosa’ tells the story of a rebellious woman whose long monologue sounds like a prayer, a never-ending litany that protests against war and death and extols the virtues of love. Born in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War before being adopted by a French family, Elise Pouchelet’s interpretation is inspired by her own origins, a story that she will continue to explore during her residency at Monot Theatre in September.

Created by a French-Lebanese team, ‘Stabat Mater Furiosa’ intends to link different cultures. As the play was already written, Pouchelet introduced Flamenco dance in it, a symbol of the bridging of cultures between the East and the West, with the help of choreographer Chantal Rabourdin. During her performance, Pouchelet will be accompanied by Lebanese oud player Oussama Abdel Fattah.