Roger the First, another Conquest

The story of the Great Count Roger and the Normans in Sicily

The performance retraces the history of Roger I, conqueror of Sicily, and highlights an extraordinary journey. It follows the rise of a son of a small Norman lord who became a mercenary, culminating in the conquest of the island after more than thirty years of commitment.

The whole presentation offers a lively moment of entertainment, punctuated by touches of humor, while providing insights and keys to understanding this little-known chapter of history, marked by its complexity and violence.
The narrative emphasizes the role of women, political alliances, and the strategies employed, revealing the gradual construction of a cosmopolitan culture that gave rise to important architectural, scientific, and technical legacies.

A collective and unifying project, the performance mobilizes around a hundred volunteers. It includes a children's choir preparing songs in Norman in partnership with local schools. The music, specially composed for the event, is performed live by the Municipal Harmony "Les Persévérants".

Text written by Véronique Martin-Morvan, accompanied by Célia Bréard (Cie des Grands Gamins). A scientific committee is formed to provide feedback on the historical elements recounted in the text.

Practical Information:
All audiences
Duration: 1h30

Cooperation France / Southern Italy

Photo©Andrea Lebouvier