Thélème. Revista Complutense de Estudios Franceses Vol 27 (2012) 381-403 382 A Geometrical View of the Contemporary Theatrical Character: the Notion of Figure as a Cylinder in Jean-Luc Lagarce’s Theatre

Abstract

The cylinder is a geometric figure generated by a solid object made of parallel curves and bounded by two superimposed circles which are the base and the vertex. It seems it has (?) no clear connection with either the theatre or the figure. However, when it comes to dealing with the body and the contemporary theatrical voices, this figure provides a renewed view of the character. The cylinder, as well as the character, displays a double function: a present and stable object with the ability to move by itself, fuelled and pushed by its own structure and energy. Both components are shown as both action and a means of action. Therefore, using the cylinder, this article will try to establish a new vision of the contemporary dramatic character and its language, using mainly the work of French dramatist Jean- Luc Lagarce.