Alpha Blondy on New Album 'RISE', Bob Marley's Legacy, and Circus Arts with Firmin Gruss

Alpha Blondy: Music, Peace, and 'RISE'

• 🎶 Alpha Blondy, an Ivorian reggae star and self-proclaimed "tourist of Ivorian music," discusses his career spanning over 40 years, focused on spreading messages of peace and bringing joy to his audience.
• 💡 His new album, "RISE," is described as a militant and spiritual work, aiming for elevation and self-improvement.
• 🎤 Blondy emphasizes the importance of Bob Marley's legacy, stating that Marley gave courage to "children of the ghetto" and "African children," proving that one can rise from humble beginnings.
• 🌍 The album "RISE" denounces injustices and calls for a fight against oppression, with tracks like "Revolte-toi Africa," highlighting the crucial need for the "elevation of Africa" and the world.
• ✨ Inspiration for the album comes from everyday human interactions, concerts, and discussions, reflecting Blondy's belief in the beauty and complementary nature of humanity.

Firmin Gruss: A Legacy in Equestrian Circus Arts

• 🎪 Firmin Gruss, director of the Alexigrus company, comes from a family with over 150 years of tradition in equestrian circus arts.
• 🐴 He highlights the deep humility and justice required when working with horses, emphasizing the importance of care, gentleness, and dedicated time.
• 🐴 Gruss introduces his Lusitanian horse, Océano, showcasing the strong bond and admiration he has for his animal partners.
• 🚀 The company, led by Firmin and his siblings, blends traditional family savoir-faire with new elements like external directors, authors, and composers to innovate while preserving its core identity.
• 🎭 Firmin Gruss himself performs multiple roles, including aerial straps, ladder balancing, whip cracking, and horseback acrobatics, showcasing his versatility.

The Disappearance of Josef Mengele: A Theatrical Adaptation

• 🎭 The play "La Disparition de Josef Mengele" adapts Olivier Guez's novel, recounting the escape of the notorious Nazi doctor after World War II.
• 🩺 Josef Mengele, a physician at Auschwitz, fled to South America in 1949, initiating his life on the run.
• 🧠 Actor Michaël Chirignan was drawn to the role by Guez's writing and his approach to portraying the "monster" while maintaining a necessary distance.
• 🗣️ The adaptation aims to remind audiences of the cyclical nature of evil, especially as survivor memories fade and new generations emerge.
• 🔍 The scenography is designed to evoke a clinical, memory-filled space, referencing Mengele's medical past, the act of remembrance, and the extensive manhunt by the Mossad.