Bon Appétit is a puppetry and clown performance from Hijinx Theatre in Wales and Compagnie de L’Oiseau-Mouche in Roubaix. The creative team includes four learning disabled artists, two from Wales and two from France.
This new production has evolved from original exchanges between the two companies in 2022 and 2023. During three days of workshops in each country, artists explored puppetry and clown techniques, engaging in in-depth discussions about their connections with France, Wales, and identity. The exchange was funded by British Council Wales.
The companies were inspired by the connections formed among artists and the potential for collaboration on a performance. In France, part of the exchange revolved around food provided by the venue’s chefs for mealtimes. The traditional start to a meal in France is 'Bon Appétit'. In Wales, there is neither a Welsh nor an English direct translation for 'Bon Appétit', which intrigued their French friends. This linguistic anomaly has served as a starting point to explore both cultures' connections with food.
The project will conclude with a performative sharing to a limited audience at L'Oiseau-Mouche’s venue in Roubaix on 22 March.
This activity is also part of the Wales in France year, a programme of education, arts and cultural activity supported by the British Council Wales, the Welsh Government, Wales Arts International, and Arts Council Wales.
