A coming production to the Port Theatre will challenge show-goers' concept of truth, how it's revealed and if it even should be. Confession Publique was conceived, directed and choreographed by Mélanie Demers and brought to life by collaborator Angélique Willkie initially in 2021. "I think the idea of Confession Publique was to use the stage as a way to reveal yourself," Demers said. "So, [Willkie] is asked to share bits and pieces of her story and play with the idea of the confession as something that creates a panorama of our lives." Considering the juxtapositions in the production, Demers described herself as the type of artist who wants to control everything, but doesn't want to decide anything. Since Willkie is asked to share something new about herself for every staging, improvisation is an important aspect of the performance. With each anecdote, secret and memory revealed, by means of text, music and movement, Willkie exposes more and more of herself. "[Willkie] is always working with the vertical of not knowing what she's going to share… This changes, de facto, the quality of the performance, depending on what type of story she's going to share on that specific night." As the creator, Demers said the idea of Confession Publique initially came to light as she finished a three-year residency and wondered how she could wrap up the experience of performances, research and rehearsals. "This idea came to me that, when we go on stage, we reveal ourselves like a noble striptease," she said with a laugh. "And I was trying to see how truthful I could be, how raw I could be on stage. And what came to me is that whatever you put on stage becomes fiction. So even if you want to play with the truth, you're always sculpting it and directing it and guiding it and corrupting it." Demers was approached by Willkie, who had worked as Demers's dramaturge for previous productions, and asked to create a solo in which Willkie could study how, through history, trauma and cultural background, the performer influences a piece. As presented by Crimson Coast Dance Society, Confession Publique will be staged at the Port Theatre, as part of the theatre's Spotlight Series, from Oct. 9-10, with both showings at 7:30 p.m. A content advisory for the production is posted on the Port Theatre website. Confession Publique has references to racism, sexual violation, and contains nudity and mature content. Tickets can be purchased at www.porttheatre.com [https://www.porttheatre.com/events/confession-publique-2025/].
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