Today was another day with spectacles français, but in comparison to the others, they were much subtler. In the morning, I walked from the hotel to the Centre Pompidou to stretch my legs after sleeping in. I bought my first croissant outside of the hotel breakfast room, and I enjoyed it while taking the metro to the 16th Arrondissement.
The whole group reassembled at 14h30 for a guided tour of select buildings in the Passy section of the 16th arrondissement that represent the style of art nouveau. Our guide, Fabrice, was very friendly and informative – yet another specialist who helped me clarify 
details of French culture and history. I was surprised to learn that art nouveau never really became a mainstream style in France. Perhaps this is because the French are preferential to symmetry and simplicity instead of the subtle eclecticness and somewhat daring emphasis on nature that Fabrice revealed to us through his commentary on the buildings of
the area.
details of French culture and history. I was surprised to learn that art nouveau never really became a mainstream style in France. Perhaps this is because the French are preferential to symmetry and simplicity instead of the subtle eclecticness and somewhat daring emphasis on nature that Fabrice revealed to us through his commentary on the buildings of the area.Our evening activity was truly a unique and new experience for all the students. In this world premiere of his contemporary, hour-long piece, D’Après Nature, director Philippe Quesne offered statements and/or warnings about the environmental effects of man. In leaving the Théâtre de la Bastille on the rue de la Roquette, I must confess that I had nearly no conception of what the “message” was; but after speaking with the other students and, of course, with Philippe Quesne himself who mixed with those of us who attended the post-premiere buffet and cocktail party, I gradually found that the various aspects and messages of the piece came together to form an overall meaning for me.
Even though the piece was very contemporary, unusual, and different from anything I have seen and possibly will ever see, I found it again another great and subtly spectacular example of French artistic creativity.
January 9, 2006
Exploring L’art nouveau and Contemporary French Theater
