Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In person

Franco Dragone

Text Sheridan Becker
Images Rex Features

Theatre director Franco Dragone moved to Canada from Belgium in the 80s where he would go on to direct nearly all of Cirque du Soleil’s most prestigious shows. In 1999 he formed his own company in Belgium. His latest production, Kdo!, debuts in Brussels this winter

I’ve been asked on several occasions what would be an ideal performance to see that best represents my work.

I’d like to say it is always the next one – jokingly, of course!

It isn’t easy to adhere to a philosophy on life.

Every day, we’re subjected to a possible accident or related illness that threatens our daily existence. Jacques Attali, a former adviser to President François Mitterrand, sums it up best in his book A Brief History of the Future [Fayard, 2006]. He believes the future of humanity and the next utopia will be in the quest for brotherhood. It’s simple: you can’t have ideas if you don’t love people and want to make a better world.

For the first time, Belgium will showcase a world premiere of one of my theatrical productions.

The show is called Kdo! and the performance will be held at the end of December 2009. In spite of the economic crisis we’re currently facing, there’s a need to offer a moment of relief for the soul, the eyes and the heart. I plan to present a show I hope will not only entertain people, but also relieve them from the difficult year we’ve been going through. I’m looking forward to this family-friendly show because in Belgium we really don’t have a kind of holiday show event, like they do in Paris or New York. Of course, we have lots of shows that come to Brussels at the end of the year, but they’re quite expensive. The going rate is €120 a seat – that’s outrageous. I’ve called on all my talented artist friends from around the world and asked them to help me to create a holiday show like no other. The best talent in the business will be a part of the programme, and the price for tickets will also be reasonable. It’s going to be a Christmas family-friendly show filled with circus, dance, magic and multimedia presentations.

When [casino developer] Steve Wynn came to visit he was astonished by the quality of food he was served here. And, of course, Celine [Dion], Sting and Jeffrey Katzenberg [CEO of DreamWorks Animation] were also blown away by the fantastic quality of restaurants Mons has to offer.

The Waterloo Battlefield project is an incredible opportunity for us artistically because we’ll be able to bring together innovative technology and mix it with emotion, theatre and history.

The plans for the project are unique. For example, I guess this could be anywhere in the world, really.

the centrepiece will be a virtual-reality simulation, where visitors will be immersed into the battlefield by talking and seeing what’s involved and happening all around them. The concept is all about being there. Of course, we’ll be sure to keep the underlying and fundamental importance of the battle itself. Our aim is to combine 3D with live action. It’s all about technology at the service of theatre.

Not to sound presumptuous, but I used to say I have no ideas – I just have eyes.

I open my eyes and I’m always inspired to play with something. Like Federico Fellini once said: “I try to keep the eyes or the innocence of a child.” I always try to be playful. I try to see the character in the clouds – and remember in Belgium we have lots of clouds. When we stop play, we get old. We have to keep playing. Never stop playing. That’s what a dear friend of mine tells me – and I believe it. But the real ideas of mine come from the love I have for other people.

I listen to different types of music all the time.

Currently I’m working on Macau material. Therefore, I’m listening to traditional and contemporary Chinese music all the time at the moment. I also listen to my 27-year-old son’s taste in music. I believe young people are more in sync with music today.

I also always listen to music that I’m currently working on.

Right now that means I’m listening to Handel and learning about his life. I would like to create a show using Handel’s music. I want to see what we can do with classical music.

Today we can live without everything except the people we love.

On a more practical note, I need a computer, a pen and book. A book to read, a pen to write, and a computer to classify and communicate.

Franco’s Belgium

■ Best restaurant I have several favourites places – they all receive equal billing in my book. I frequently visit La Table des Matières and L’Envers du Décor. I also like L’Aléandro and Vin sur Vin. All of these restaurants are in La Louvière.

■ Best bar

Le Café des Étangs in St-Denis is a nice bar and restaurant. You can eat delicious mussels and even select your own fish for your meal

■ Favourite shop Carlo et Fils – I’ve been a customer for years and they offer excellent customer service. One can buy costumes and all sorts of fantastic clothes here.

■ Best time out Well, that would be writing on a terrace at any bar or café, especially when the sun is shining or there’s a heater.

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