" Le mystère de la Cathédrale" (1999)

That particular play has been given an alluring, allusive title.

Modern christianity may have forgotten the "mystères" that were being played ages ago. They were different kinds of plays based on biblical subjects.

Alain Combes wrote and directed a play that shares part of the former "mystères" spirit.

The show starts as far back as the 15th century. As they would do in the Middle-Ages, Alain's staging is lively. The action moves through all parts of the cathedral.

Seven male and female actors become in turn the characters Christ met in his life. Everything inside the cathedral - paintings and sculptures included- responds to the text said by the actors, to the songs, to their restrained though inventive acting.

And then the cathedral, a magnificent illuminated book, springs into life among the audience.

We performed in Albi's cathedral, on mondays, tuesdays and wednesdays in August 1999, at 9 PM. The average number of spectators was 80 and twice we had to ask quite a few people to please come another day, for there were already too many spectators inside.

The archbishop has already asked us to come and play something next summer, which we'll do with great enthusiasm of course. But before that, we'll play the "mystère de la Cathédrale" in Lyons.