“Atomic Alert” by Frederic Sonntag – Directed by Lefteris Giovanidis

The play (Film – Performance) “Atomic Alert” by the French author Frédéric Sonntag and Thomas Rathier, which has been admired by both audience and critics in Paris and Avignon, it is going to be hosted at the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation under the direction of Lefteris Giovanidis. The performances are commencing on Friday 23 November and they will last till Sunday 30 December 2012, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 21.30, Sundays at 20.30.

“Atomic Alert” had its premiere on March 2010 in Paris and it continued being presented in various French cities. It is a special performance with a particular artistic character that combines cinema and theatre. The writer has chosen various scenes from American black-and-white films of the decade of fifties and he re-edited them together. He created a new film with a completely new plot. Five actors are making the speakage of all the film’s characters and they use the method of post-synchronization in order to make new dialogues accompanying the images. The performance is characterized by a strong comic mood and Sonntag – in his unique way- makes a political comment about the corruption that exists in institutions.

The story begins one morning, in a small calm town ruled by order. However, an accidental nuclear explosion brings the chaos. How can the Army hide this accident? It was really a mistake? Can the Mayor reassure the safety to his civilians? Which is the role of the Mass Media? How can they justify the occurrence of the first effects? The young reporter will be able to publish her information? Who is trying to hide the truth? The power games begin and the corruption of the politicians is revealed in its entire splendor.

Frédéric Sonntag is one of the most promising French playwrights. He is an author, actor and director and he was graduated from CNSAD in 2001. He is also the founder of the theatrical team AsaNisiMAsa. His way of writing creates representational forms that combine theatre, narration, concert and video-installation. His profoundly political oeuvre has been translated and presented worldwide and he states his opinion about the things that are happening in Europe. “Atomic Alert” is his first work presented in Greece. The French Institute has translated and presented his text: “Sous contrôle” (Under Control).