Interview with Richard Pech

The Convoy of Nîmes

The Charroi de Nîmes

12th-century chanson de geste. Presented by Richard Pech, puppeteer.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

As a puppeteer with a passion for History, I am as interested in my art as in its origins. I collect a number of objects and documents on the subject, from Antiquity to the present day. The term puppeteer-researcher suits me rather well. This taste naturally leads me to create shows with a historicist approach; it is an inexhaustible subject of study and research, across all eras. I am currently working on a cycle devoted to the medieval puppet.

From March 22 to April 10, 2023, the exhibition "The Art of Nîmes," organized by the students of the Master 1 in Old Master Art under the guidance of David Brouzet, lead professor at IESA arts&culture, around the UNESCO nomination of the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, will be held in the IESA gallery. What was your motivation for taking part in this event?

"The Pleasures of the Hermitage" is the name of this very beautiful IESA exhibition led by David Brouzet a few years ago. Devoted to the 18th century, several artists, myself included, had recreated the art of entertainment in a "folie," that of the former Bagnolet château that hosted us. It was only natural that the idea of presenting puppets resurfaced this year for "The Art of Nîmes." Thanks to the "Charroi de Nîmes," a 12th-century chanson de geste, it was possible to respond in form as well as substance to the exhibition’s subject and to enrich it with a historical performing arts show. Puppets, in the Middle Ages, contributed to the popularity of the great epic tales, and this title lent itself ideally to the occasion.

Without spoiling the show, can you briefly talk about its subject?

The "Charroi de Nîmes" is part of a cycle devoted to Guillaume d’Orange, a hero both historical and legendary of the 9th century. This brave warrior’s great deeds were used to extol the faith and the virtues of chivalry that fascinated the 12th century. The excerpts presented, with puppets, narrator, and musician, will tell why and how Guillaume took back from the Saracens the rich and beautiful city of Nîmes.