Les Grandes Obliques

A choreographic work based on the writings of Paul Virilio

The starting point for this initiative was an artistic collaboration with Kitsou Dubois, a choreographer and dance researcher who was invited to join the Gaïa artistic team for Compagnie Bivouac’s 2026 production.

Over the course of their joint residencies, the vision of urban planner and philosopher Paul Virilio captivated the choreographers and took shape through discussions between Maryka Hassi (director), Benjamin Lissardy (acrobat), and Kitsou Dubois. Les Grandes Oblique aims to sensitively analyze his ideas in order to present an artistic interpretation of them.

Paul Virilio’s concepts surrounding the oblique (as a counterpoint to the vertical/horizontal duality) and speed and movement(which transform human perceptions and alter our relationships with those around us) fascinate the artists. Since his approach also examines imbalance (a fundamental element of our artistic research) these various concepts will inform our upcoming acrobatic and choreographic explorations.