WHY WE FIGHT

Eric Arnal-Burtschy

Theatre artist and choreographer, Eric Arnal-Burtschy has also been involved in the French army for several years and has participated in various military operations in the Sahel. In his semi-autobiographical monologue Why We Fight, he intertwines his own story with historical texts, letters and diary fragments from other people in an attempt to explore what can engage each of us. What are we fighting for?

The title of the show is derived from a series of propaganda films designed to explain to the American public why the United States intervened during the Second World War. Arnal-Burtschy wonders what Why We Fight can mean today. A gesture that is intimate and vibrant with contemporary relevance.


ERIC ARNAL-BURTSCHY obtained a master’s degree in European Studies before moving on to the performing and visual arts. With Lyllie Rouvière he created Bouncing Universe in a Bulk, a diptych on the universe and the infinite, and Ciguë, a solo on the relationship to freedom and solitude. His latest creation, Deep are the Woods, is an immersive installation in which light is the interpreter. Always interested in diplomatic and strategic issues, he is also a reserve officer in the French army.


Creation et interpretation: Eric Arnal-Burtschy
Outside eye: Nadège Sellier
Vocal coach: Fabienne Seveillac
Dramaturgical advice: Kristin Rogghe, Sara Vanderieck
Special thanks to: Adama Traoré, Arnaud Dupuy de la Grand’Rive, Bara Srpkova, Camille Tauvel, Cédric Eekhout, those who are still over there, those who left, Chab Touré, Elke Huybrechts, François-Xavier Le Pelletier de Woillemont, Isabelle Jonniaux, the ultramarines of the 61st artillery regiment, Lou Colombani, Maxime Kottman
Production: BC Pertendo & Still Tomorrow
Co-production: workspacebrussels, Halles de Schaerbeek, Magasin des horizons / National Center for Arts and Culture (Grenoble), DRAC Ile-de-France / Ministry of Culture
With support from: Théâtre de Vanves, Le 104, GMEM-National Center for Music Creation, MOUKA, KAAP, National Choreographic Center of Orléans