Critique – Bertrand Bossard and his animal offer a joyful « six-legged comedy ».
« It’s now or never for photos. Afterwards, it won’t be possible, » warns Bertrand Bossard as he trots calmly and saddle-less on Akira – a Lusitano thoroughbred known as « Kiki » – while the audience settles into the stands of the Théâtre des Abbesses. Dressed in a dark suit over a Hawaiian shirt with horse-shaped flowers, the seasoned rider guides his mount with spurs. A disco ball and colorful spotlights joyfully illuminate his rounds in the arena covered with cut-up and shredded gray carpet scraps (set design by Leah Chalupt Clavel).
This quirky « stand-up » show presented as a « six-legged comedy » tells the story of Bertrand Bossard and his beloved horse. They met twelve years ago at the Théâtre du Centaure in Marseille. Two marriages, two divorces, five children – « it’s too much » – for the former. A rough start and an uncertain future for the latter. Because it was him, because it was me. They found each other. The 57-year-old versatile artist speaks with humor and self-mockery about their passionate, exclusive friendship. « No, my wife, you have no reason to be jealous, it’s not the same thing. » Stephan Eicher sings « I have no friends like you, oh no no no, no other friend like you. »
In harmony with nature
Video images revisit their beginnings. « You don’t mind if I say you’re lazy, right? » he whispers in Kiki’s ear. By his side, Kiki is very well-behaved. He smiles (yes, really), listens, strolls, asks for a caress or a treat, and yawns as well. He has seen it all during their training sessions. Bertrand Bossard not only wants to make people laugh, but also aims to be accessible to everyone. At 17, this aspiring teacher was vice-champion of France in team eventing. He explains every word of the equestrian lexicon. At the risk of interrupting the rhythm of this patchwork show.
Illuminated by Bertrand Blayo, the two friends perform together for a little over an hour. Bertrand Bossard skillfully embodies various characters like a horse seller or the vet who invites him to decide, or not, to castrate Kiki. Due to old age – one year for a man is the equivalent of three years for a horse – the happy owner shows how he now mounts his favorite animal. He learned to be in harmony with nature, remembering the day he took the time to listen to his partner by putting himself in his shoes. An emotional moment, they were in danger.
Sometimes they are interrupted. A groom, Maëlle Dreveton, French amateur vaulting champion in pas de deux, offers water to Akira, then explains to his master that he must work him in a balanced way. The mischievous man becomes serious again. The touching and magical final scene of « Plusieurs » alone is worth the trip.
« Plusieurs » at the Théâtre des Abbesses (Paris 18th), until June 22. Phone: 01.48.87.54.42. And at the Centquatre-Paris (19th), from January 31 to February 2, 2025.
