“In the Country of Hypers” – Urgent Report from Avignon Festival Off
Avignon, France – July 13, 2025 – The Avignon Festival Off is buzzing with early acclaim for “In the Country of Hypers,” a new theatrical adaptation based on the acclaimed reporting of journalist Florence Aubenas. This isn’t just another play; it’s a sharp, witty, and deeply human exploration of modern life within the walls – and caddies – of the hypermarket. For those following Google News and seeking culturally relevant events, this production is a must-watch.
From Hypermarket Aisles to the Stage: A Unique Adaptation
Aubenas’s original work, published in Le Monde in 2019, immersed readers in the everyday realities of a hypermarket in Mendes, France. She observed the customers, the cashiers, the endless displays of products, and the subtle dramas unfolding within this microcosm of society. “In the Country of Hypers” doesn’t simply recreate these observations; it transforms them. The collective The Gang to Leon, along with adapter Gilles Ostrowsky and director Audrey Bertrand, have crafted a “pocket show” designed to be both accessible and profoundly unsettling.
Beyond the Products: A Reflection on Modern Society
The play isn’t a straightforward narrative. Instead, it’s a series of vignettes, a collage of moments that capture the essence of hypermarket life. The creators deliberately “tinker” with reality, amplifying certain aspects and underscoring others, often through the playful intervention of clowning techniques courtesy of Gilles Ostrowsky. Questions linger: What are the cashiers *really* thinking? What dreams are deferred within those fluorescent-lit aisles? Is there a life beyond the endless cycle of consumption? A particularly poignant moment features a young woman revealing her aspiration to be a fairy – only to find herself employed as a cashier. This isn’t a condemnation of the job, but a gentle, heartbreaking commentary on societal expectations and the crushing of dreams.
A Performance That Challenges and Engages
Critics are praising the show’s simple yet suggestive staging, which creates an “agora” – a public space for dialogue and reflection. The three actors, Sophie Cusset, Audrey Bertrand, and Noé Pflieger, deliver perfectly synchronized performances, moving between stand-up comedy and deeply emotional moments. They directly engage the audience, challenging slogans and prompting viewers to question their own relationship with consumerism. The production avoids caricature, instead presenting characters with genuine humanity, even in their most absurd moments. It’s a performance that feels both wacky and deeply resonant, echoing the spirit of commedia dell’arte and the Théâtre des Tréteaux.
Evergreen Themes in a Fast-Paced World
While rooted in a specific time and place, “In the Country of Hypers” taps into universal themes of globalization, overconsumption, and the search for meaning in a mass-produced world. The play’s relevance extends far beyond the Avignon Festival, offering a timely reminder of the human cost of convenience and the importance of questioning the systems that shape our lives. Understanding the fundamentals of SEO is crucial for content visibility, and this production’s themes are ripe for discussion and analysis in the digital age.
Show Details & Reservations
“In the Country of Hypers” is running at the Théâtre du Train Bleu in Avignon until July 24, 2025, with performances at 4:05 p.m. Release dates are July 11 and 18, 2025.
- Location: Théâtre du Train Bleu, 40 Ruis Paul Player, 84000 Avignon
- Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Reservations: www.theatredutrainbleu.fr (No phone bookings)
“In the Country of Hypers” isn’t just a theatrical experience; it’s a cultural touchstone, a mirror reflecting our own complicity in a world driven by endless consumption. It’s a production that will stay with you long after you leave the theater, prompting you to look at the everyday – and the hypermarket – with new eyes. For more breaking news and in-depth cultural coverage, stay tuned to archyde.com.
