Les Carnets du Sous-Sol de Dostoïevski

“I think the best definition of man is: a bipedal and ungrateful creature.”

In Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground

Within a relatively undefined rectangular scenographic setup (representing simultaneously the hero's mental space, a basement, a room…), the performance gives voice to the hero of Notes from Underground, who has chosen to make himself the subject of observation, to question his thoughts by establishing a dialogue with imaginary gentlemen. Faced with the certainties of his era, the hero opposes his desire, which he calls his “whim,” and which, according to him, is so fundamental to man that the latter would prefer to go mad rather than renounce his fundamental freedom.

Author: Fiodor Dostoïevski

Adaptor: Marie Ballet

Translator: André Markowicz

Cast and direction: Christophe Laparra

Duration: 1H10

Press extract:

From the very first minutes, Christophe Laparra imposes an inhabited presence: he doesn't just embody the hero, he lets himself be traversed by him, to the point where his entire performance becomes a form of controlled collapse. A total, impressive involvement that gives this Underground a rare power. Béatrice Lise. Zénitude profonde le mag

On stage, Christophe Laparra embodies this complex character with remarkable charisma. He displays a powerful performance, artistic generosity, and sensitivity that captivate from beginning to end. A profound show that reveals the modernity of Dostoevsky's text. Christian Dumoulin. Culture Évasion

A comedian driven by the desire to constantly reinvent his character, and who performs as if his life depended on that moment. Pascal Verdeau, Culture-Tops

Superb show, crying out with truth! B.C. Lerideaurouge

When the actor's performance and the staging thus combine to convey all the complexity and richness of a text as tragic and inspired as it is magnificent, one leaves content. Sarah Franck, Arts-chipels