Oedipus The Visionary
Fonact, Fontainebleau, France, March 2025.
Photos by Aurelian Bonnefon
It was my pleasure to be invited to FONACT (Fontainebleau School of Acting) to direct a production of Oedipus The Visionary by David Greig. FONACT is an international school started by Laurent de Montalembert using methodologies that Laurent was influenced by at Guildhall School of Drama when he was there as a student. FONACT students come from all over Europe and further afield and the difference in student's lived experiences makes for a very rich environment in which to study. Rehearsal studios are large and airy and the Theatre Municipale where we performed is a beautiful version of a small European Opera house. I had the privilege of working with a number of extraordinary practitioners who formed the creative team: Grace Andrews who is Head of Programming and Practice assisted me and also did the movement direction on the piece. Danny Mcgrath joined us in the final two weeks for additional movement support, Manon Vernier gave stage management support but was much more than that and Woody who also owned and ran a local bar created the most superb lighting design. I would wholeheartedly recommend FONACT as a conservatoire style training - they offer a three year BA course of study and in the final year students travel to Athens to complete the course. It was a highlight of my year