Theatre: ‘The Puppeteer’

As part of the fight against violence against women, the Villers AOC charity and the CCAS of Villers-sur-Mer are presenting the play *Marionnettiste*, performed by the Partage de Midi theatre company based in Ouistreham.

When Isa meets François, it’s love at first sight. He is so funny, thoughtful and protective. She feels lost in this big city where she has just arrived and knows no one. Two years pass without incident, until François gradually reveals his tendency towards jealousy and his pathological possessiveness. And then, he drinks a lot too. Too much. Tempers often flare, and harsh words are exchanged. Insults follow. But François always manages to make amends. He knows just the right words to offer comfort after a row. He loves Isa. The arrival of little Paul will surely be the remedy for these moments of madness. A new life under the southern sun will unfold before them. But the abuse resumes with a vengeance, becoming ever more violent.
When François realises that Isa wants to leave him, the verbal humiliation escalates to the point of death threats…

This play is based on Marie Anne’s autobiographical account, published by Editions Corlet. It highlights the complexity of domestic violence, the fear it instils, the isolation and silence of the victims, and the control exerted over them.

Following the performance, there will be a discussion session with the audience, attended by representatives from the CIDFF in Lisieux and officers from the MPF14.