On Wednesday, 13th March, a group of pupils studying French in Years 12 and 13 went to the UEA Sacré Theatre production of Eugène Ionesco’s masterpiece Rhinocéros.

The play describes how a peaceful town is shaken as its citizens turn into rhinoceroses, swept up by a strange collective frenzy. Only the very ordinary character of Bérenger is determined to resist, no matter what. Ionesco uses the transformation of the villagers into rhinoceroses as a metaphor for how easily people can be swept up by collective pressures and abandon independent thought. Written after World War II, the play reflects on how many people in France collaborated during the Occupation, which allowed Nazism to spread. Through absurd humour, Ionesco warns of how easily people follow the herd, and why resisting pressure is essential. In an era of the power of the internet, social media and fake news, its central theme still resonates.

Despite the serious themes, the visual theatre made it very accessible to the pupils who also appreciated the absurd comic moments, and the powerful message of the play was understood. The stand-out moment was the immensely talented Erwann Limon transforming into a rhinoceros in front of the audience’s eyes.

Sacré Theatre at the UEA is the UK’s longest-running permanent French language theatre company, and they are a permanent fixture in our calendar – we are so lucky to have them on our doorstep!

It is always an immensely enjoyable afternoon, and this year was no exception. It has provoked thought and debate amongst the group, and links directly with the A2 French syllabus theme of Occupation and Resistance. We look forward to next year’s offering.