Health | In Ensuès, children are on stage despite cancer

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Illness, ringing infusions, falling hair, depressing meal trays, severe fatigue, aplasia, exams? Next to. Not forgotten, but resolutely out of their minds. Make room for big smiles, applause, greetings, triumph, from children of proven maturity who deliver themselves on stage with all their spontaneity.

Ultimate concentration, ultimate rehearsal, in dance and song with the support of the slammer, not stingy with advice to Marie, his partner on “Dans le fou”.Photos serge gueroult

For the premiere of their new show, the children being treated for cancer beamed at La Timone Hospital. It appears from the “banana” that appeared on their faces, at the end of this real show, mounted by the association “Sourire à la vie” with the support of its sponsor, Grand Corps Malade, and the contribution of two dancers from the National Ballet of Marseille, Vito Giotta and Angel Hernandez. Scenes that follow each other, artful lighting, music and beautiful acting numbers … Everything to make the filled space of Cadran in Ensuès-la-Redonne topple with emotion.

However, no excessive pathos. Above all, a two-year job, depending on the childcare sessions, to provide The little prince changes his story, version revisited by the founder of “Sourire à la vie”, Frédéric Sotteau. Or when Saint-Exupéry’s work takes a turn for the worse, crosses paths with an inpatient child, contemplates the definition of love … With Marie, a young woman from Aix with a golden voice, Grand Corps Malade sings In the fog, his duet sung with Louane. The troupe dances, spins around. And since it’s a real show, with real actors, a tour follows. After Ensuès, it will be Paris on June 20 at the Théâtre du Rond-Point, then Corsica, Aix, Istres …

“Children are the stars of every night. This is the third show and this will be the third toursays Frédéric Sotteau. The troupe consists of 25 children, some still in treatment, others in remission … It is a huge project that has the great virtue of getting them out of isolation. There is also a real medical work, as singing, dancing, all this optimizes rehabilitation.”

Ultimate concentration, ultimate rehearsal, in dance and song with the support of the slammer, not stingy with advice to Marie, her partner regarding.
Ultimate concentration, ultimate rehearsal, in dance and song with the support of the slammer, not stingy with advice to Marie, his partner on “Dans le fou”.Photos serge gueroult

On stage, each child delivers without counting. Still a small bonnet on her head, which she will be able to leave in a few weeks, dances Lys, 14 years Marseillaise. “I did that before. This piece gave me joy. We all support each other. And since I do not go to class anymore, it allowed me to find friends“Next to her, Théo, a former member of the squad, is still present, even six years after his resignation.”I toured Canada with the associationhe remembers. They gave me so much, by coming to see me in my room, by allowing me to play sports again, by teaching me to dance, by giving me the opportunity to meet Richard Bohringer, that I continue with to help them. My turn to give …”

The slammer is the godfather of the association.
The slammer is the godfather of the association.Photo SG

“Sourire à la vie”, an association born in 2004, has over the years become an important part of the childcare process. In her “Lighthouse of Smiles” in L’Estaque, she welcomes them to allow them to breathe between two stays at La Timone. And planning to expand the premises, a place that makes sense and where they can work on the rest of their theater adventures.

“Smile for Life”, 153, Estaque Beach, Marseille. www.sourirealavie.fr

Big sick body: “Every time I get an outburst of energy”

Ultimate concentration, ultimate rehearsal, in dance and song with the support of the slammer, not stingy with advice to Marie, her partner regarding.
Ultimate concentration, ultimate rehearsal, in dance and song with the support of the slammer, not stingy with advice to Marie, his partner on “Dans le fou”.Photos serge gueroult

You are always present for every creation of “Sourire à la vie” …
Yes. Every time I get such an energy outburst with these kids! I met them one night in Aix, they were dancing to one of my songs. I went to see them, I thought it would be better if I sang with them, instead of just putting the record on. And I became with pleasure the godfather of the association.

Why this quality requirement for the show?
For we do not want the public to come just to do a good deed. Those who come up with this idea alone will always be amazed at the content. Because these children, who are going through a terrible ordeal, are so mature! That’s why we work with the scenery, the staging, the choreography, the music.

What are the children talking about with you? of the hospital?
Oh no, they talk to me about everything. It’s for sure that I, who spent a year in care, the hospital, I know what it is. But if I hadn’t been hurt, I would have had the same desire to share the scene with them. The more we see each other, the more they talk to me about all the topics, their lives, my life, the people I meet, my concerts … Being with them gives me a lot. In the midst of the whirlwind of records, promotions, concerts, it makes me feel good to find them. They give me so much strength!

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