Raphaëlle Lhuillier et Margaux Padrutt

Adults and children form a circle around the brazier, singing and dancing despite the fatigue of the journey. They have walked for several days before reaching these remote lands eaten by the sea, where the peoples of the route gather every year.
They come ashore under the banner of their respective tribes and tread the waves in a mystical and noisy enthusiasm to celebrate the memory of their saint: Sara la Kali.
In this Provençal village, they settle wherever they please, without worrying about propriety or anything else. They are free. They set up camp in the middle of salt flats and reed beds. The men play dice, the women adorn themselves with gold coins and tell fortunes. For the duration of their stay, this will be their home.
From the heart of the church to the sea, they walk barefoot, chant a few invocations, pray for their wishes to be granted. They are proud, independent, mysterious, unpredictable and laughing.
Inspired by the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer pilgrimage, this crypt-like piece calls for celebration. Fragments of fabric and elements gleaned from the surrounding countryside accumulate in the space. In the centre, a circular hearth symbolises family and togetherness; around it, stories and memories of bygone days are passed on.
This is how Pisla, a female figure from the gypsy community, recounts her first journey to these sacred lands and evokes the founding myths, symbols and legends of her people, eternal pilgrims united to the sea.

With the sponsorship of Atelier François Pouenat

PROJECT REALISED WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, Pierre Frey, Atelier François Pouenat,
Codimat, La Manufacture de Tressage, Made by Bobine, La Société Choletaise de Fabrication, Alexandra Ferdinande, Marie Meilhan-Bordes and Diane Desplats (tarot card game), Tressage pas sage & Studio mo-mo (wicker seat)