Theatre company Deliv’ART will be presenting Voilà! a cabaret that takes us back to Paris in the Roaring Twenties at the Sydney Fringe Festival next month. Anne-Sophie Ridelaire is the company’s founder. We talk to her about her experiences in theatre companies, including the artistic collective Le Petit Bateau, which was based in a converted garage in Bondi. She tells us about her passion for the arts and, of course, we discuss the show Voilà, which will be presented at the Sydney Fringe in September. Read on to find out all about it.
ABOUT ANNE-SOPHIE
Anne-Sophie Ridelaire, you’re the founder of Deliv’ART, the theatre company behind the production Voilà ! Why did you decide to create this company?
The idea of creating Deliv’ART emerged in 2020, during COVID. Given that we could no longer do public events but only ‘small social gatherings’ at home, I had the idea of creating immersive dinner shows and delivering them directly to people’s homes. Deliv’ART (art delivery) grew out of this idea. We were lucky enough to run for a good year until we could no longer cope with the tougher laws.
Deliv’ART is an artistic production company specialising in cabarets and set design. All the events created have a very French feel.
You were born in France and came to Australia on a solo road trip in 2012 when you decided to make Sydney your home. What led you to come to Australia at the time? And what made you decide to stay?
I came to Australia with the intention of doing a road trip, solo, discovering Australia, learning English and then coming back to France after 5 months. That was the plan, like for a lot of other people. I returned to France after 5 months, to hand in the keys to my Paris flat and organise my return to Australia.
I fell in love with life in Australia. The cultural diversity, the nature, the lifestyle. There was an air of great freedom. But what made me decide to stay more than anything else were the friends I met in Bondi and with whom I created this artistic community called ‘Le Petit Bateau’. One of my biggest dreams was coming true and I couldn’t give up.
It wasn’t for lack of trying in France! But the opportunity never came, it was too complicated, and I didn’t get the chance to meet people who were as motivated as I was.
You’re an artistic director and event organiser. Did you study these fields in France?
Yes, more or less, I started with a degree in social sciences in Reims, then a degree in performing arts (dance) in Strasbourg and I finished with a Master’s in directing cultural and artistic projects at La Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris. Above all, I learnt a lot through volunteering and work placements.
But what’s certain is that I’ve always been attracted by the influence of art and culture in society.
How long have you been interested in the arts? How long have you been involved in the arts?
Since I was old enough to go to a show! I didn’t grow up in a privileged environment, but I was incredibly lucky to have a mum who always took me to the theatre. It was her way of investing in my future. I can still see myself as a little girl, marvelling at the sets, the costumes and the dances – they made me dream. I’ve been involved in the arts since I was 3, starting with ballet and then painting and piano when I was 7.
In 2014, just a few years after arriving in Australia, you founded the arts collective Le Petit Bateau in a converted garage in Bondi. How did you build this business to attract international artists?
Yes, officially in 2014. The collective was formed in 2013 shortly after I arrived in Australia. At that time Bondi was very different, there was still a lot of freedom to create public events. We were lucky enough to take advantage of this period before the lock-out law hit Sydney.
I think the fact that we were all from different countries, artists, young, passionate, living in a building that we had converted into an artistic community in Bondi, was more than enough to attract attention. Very quickly, a lot of journalists came to interview us and from then on I started receiving emails from artists from all over the world which opened a lot of doors and collaborations.
You have said that your artistic vision is deeply rooted in the exploration of societal dynamics and human transformation. Can you tell us more about this?
Society and human beings are my primary sources of inspiration. It’s a subject I’ve been passionate about for a long time. More precisely, I would say that what interests me is the transformative power of art on human beings. I’ve always been a fervent campaigner for free access to art and culture for all.
I’ve been lucky enough to do voluntary work in France, particularly in social housing estates, and to organise creative workshops for young people with other artists. I’ve seen and can testify to the positive impact that art and culture can have on young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. I’m living proof of this myself, hence my motivation.
This exploration is also reflected in my creations. I always draw inspiration from the facts of society to create my shows. I’m convinced that art is a powerful tool for bringing people together, sparking dialogue and building a better world.
ABOUT THE SHOW
You’re presenting Voilà! at the Sydney Fringe. Tell us a little about the show.
Voilà! is an immersive cabaret show that transports the audience to 1920s Paris. It’s a celebration of art, friendship and diversity, all wrapped up in the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. The show features 10 artists from different countries and cultures.
What inspired the creation of Voilà! and its setting in 1920s Paris? How did you choose the theme of the Roaring Twenties for this cabaret?
The creation of ‘Voilà!’ and its setting in 1920s Paris grew out of a deep fascination with this extraordinary period in history. The Roaring Twenties represented a unique moment when art, culture and society underwent a veritable revolution. It was a time of artistic effervescence, women’s emancipation, music and dance, party spirit and cultural melting pot. It was a period of artistic effervescence and social liberation.
It was an era that perfectly embodied the values I wanted to celebrate: freedom of expression, artistic daring, challenging social norms and joie de vivre.
I also wanted to draw a parallel with our own times. The story takes place in Paris in 1924, exactly 100 years ago, and at the same time Paris was hosting the Olympic Games! There’s a lot to be said around that, which was a real treat for me when I wrote the play.
What aspects of Paris in the 1920s were most important to you in the show?
I wanted to emphasise the bohemian spirit, the liberation of morals and the artistic explosion of the period. Fashion, music and the general atmosphere of Pigalle were key elements in recreating this unique atmosphere.
Can you explain how ‘Voilà!’ blends reality and fantasy to create its immersive experience?
‘Voilà!’ mixes real historical characters with fictional ones, creating a world where reality and fantasy merge. Madame Coco’s flat becomes a place where anything is possible, where time and space bend to the imagination.
The show takes place in Madame Coco’s flat. Who is Madame Coco, and who inspired her character?
The story takes place in Madame Coco’s intimate and eccentric flat, which is the beating heart of the cabaret. Madame Coco is the mistress of ceremonies, the thread that connects all the performances and all the characters in the story.
Madame Coco is a French drag queen, a choice that adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to her character. She embodies the spirit of self-transformation and reinvention that was central to the 1920s. As a drag queen, Madame Coco also represents the fluidity of gender and the questioning of social norms that were beginning to emerge at the time. She is a symbol of freedom, self-expression and acceptance – themes that resonate as much today as they did a century ago.
The character of Madame Coco is inspired by a number of iconic figures of the time, including Coco Chanel, whose name she borrows. Like Chanel, Madame Coco was a strong, independent and avant-garde woman. She has a sense of style and daring, but also a determination to break established codes.
What kind of performances can audiences expect in Voilà!?
There’s a variety of performances in the show: there’s burlesque, magic, dance, circus, and even a vintage clown inspired by Charlie Chaplin. Each artist brings their own unique speciality to the show.
How do the Voilà! artists bring their unique magic to the stage?
Each artist has been chosen for his or her ability to embody the spirit of the Roaring Twenties while adding their own personal touch. Their talent and charisma create a truly magical experience. But the magic doesn’t stop there – we’ve been friends and working together for several years, and that’s something you can feel on stage too. The pleasure of sharing, the pleasure of making people dream, that’s what makes us unique. Each artist in this show has a deep passion and dedication for their art that amazes me every day. I’m their number one fan!
How do you hope the audience will feel when they enter Madame Coco’s flat?
I want the public to feel transported back in time as soon as they walk through the door. The aim is to create a sense of wonder and excitement, as if they were entering a new and fascinating world. The aim is to leave everyday life at the door and let yourself be carried away!
What kind of emotions or reactions are you trying to elicit from the audience throughout the show?
Laughter! Wonder, maybe even a little nostalgia. But above all, I want the audience to feel a deep connection with the characters.
How does the show encourage the audience to embrace the spirit of love and acceptance?
Through the different characters and their stories. I want to encourage the audience to embrace what makes them unique and to accept others as they are.
There’s also the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Madame Coco’s flat, which creates a safe space where everyone can feel accepted as they are.
How did you approach the design and staging to transport the audience to 1920s Paris?
Every element of the set, costumes and lighting has been meticulously chosen to completely immerse the audience in that era.
Creating a unique and immersive set design is an integral part of my shows. It’s my signature.
How do the music and choreography reflect the spirit of the period and the themes of the show?
I’ve mixed authentic period styles with modern touches to create a bridge between past and present, reflecting the universal themes of the show.
Voilà! was performed at the Playground Byron Bay and Waves Chapter 3 in Crescent Head earlier this year. How was it received by the audience?
The reception in Byron Bay and Crescent Head was extraordinary. The audience really appreciated the immersive aspect of the show and the way it transported them to another era. The feedback has been incredible, which is why we embarked on the FRINGE adventure! We still sometimes get messages from the audience asking when we’re coming back, which is extremely encouraging.
Has the show evolved since these performances? If so, how?
Yes, the show has evolved! I’ve fine-tuned certain performances, deepened the characters and increased the interaction with the audience to make the experience even more immersive. The text of Madame Coco has been reworked in greater depth to make the message even clearer.
What were the biggest challenges in creating an immersive cabaret like Voilà!?
The greatest challenge was to create a coherent and credible universe while allowing spontaneity and interaction with the audience. It took a lot of work to find the perfect balance between the structure of the show and the freedom to improvise.
As artistic director, I take a great deal of interest in the opinion and well-being of each artist, which can take time and also requires an enormous amount of patience in certain situations, especially when you have 10 artists on stage! But I think we’ve succeeded!
What message or impact do you hope ‘Voilà!’ will have on the Sydney Fringe audience?
I hope with all my heart that ‘Voilà!’ inspires Sydney Fringe audiences to embrace the joy of life, celebrate diversity and recognise the beauty of individuality.
In a world often marked by stress and uncertainty, I want to remind my audience of the importance of savouring every moment. Art has the power to transform, to heal, to connect.
I hope my show will remind everyone of the importance of artistic expression in our lives.
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We thank Anne-Sophie Ridelaire for this interview
KEY INFO FOR VOILÀ !
WHAT: Voilà
WHEN :9-10pm on 12 – 14 September
WHERE: Village Green Festival Garden – South Tent, 25 Harbour St Darling Quarter Village Green (South), SYDNEY (Gadigal country)
HOW: Buy your tickets for the show Voilà ! via this link
HOW MUCH: Ticket prices depend on the night you choose to go but are as follows:
- Full Price $40 – $45
- Deadly Tix (Tickets for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and other First Nations communities) $20 – $22.50
- Concession card $38 to $43
- Student $35
- Groups of 6 or more $33.33 to $37.50 per person.
Discover other shows at the Sydney Fringe with links to France and the Francophonie by reading our article here
