Adaptation of a novel
La ligne de nage is a stage adaptation of the novel by Julie Otsuka, offering a melancholic yet hopeful story that reflects on the shared human experience and the resilience of life. The narrative follows the lives of people who gather at a pool known as "down there," seeking respite from the challenges of daily life.Themes and setting
The story delves into themes of memory, community, and the passage of time, centered on Alice, a retired laboratory technician in the early stages of dementia. She swims at the pool out of habit, and the people around her watch as she gradually loses her memory. A crack at the bottom of the pool symbolizes her condition, while the pool’s closure represents inevitable change and loss.Efforts to help Alice
Alice’s daughter tries to preserve her mother’s memories, but dementia is a progressive and incurable condition, making such efforts ultimately futile. Even remedies like infused green tea with ginkgo biloba and prayers fail to slow its progression. As a result, plans are made for Alice’s future care at Belavista, a private facility specializing in memory disorders near a former parking lot and a shopping mall.Production details
Translated by Carine Chichereau and published by Gallimard in 2022, the production is adapted and directed by Sylvain Gaudu, with artistic collaboration from Antoine Gautier. The scenography, light design, and other creative elements are handled by various contributors, including Jean Galmiche for sound design and Esther Abarca for choreographic supervision.Support and venues
The production is by Le pavillon 33, with co-productions from several cultural institutions and support from the Region Ile de France and other organizations. It is scheduled to be performed at multiple venues across France, starting in November 2026 and continuing through March 2027. The company receives support from the city of Colombes and the department of Hauts de Seine.
