Garance BONOTTO, master in History (Class of 2016)

My academic career began with a double degree between Sciences Po and La Sorbonne in modern literature, which I pursued for three years, while also studying drama at the conservatory of the 15th arrondissement during the second year. These parallel experiences allowed me to cultivate my taste for critical analysis and research while developing an artistic sensibility. I enrolled on a research master's in history with the desire to cultivate my interest in cultural history and more specifically the history of stage practices (experimental theatre and performance), but I was also particularly interested in the history of representations. At the same time, I trained in drama at the conservatory in the 9th arrondissement for 3 years. After completing my master's degree, I wanted to devote myself to the practice of theatre by joining the CRR (Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris): during my dissertation, I realised that I preferred to ‘embrace’ the practices that fascinated me rather than study them, although I took great pleasure in researching and delving into the archives.

My years of study at the School of Research provided me with a method for approaching complex subjects, cross-referencing sources, refining my perspective and structuring my thinking. They also taught me to cultivate and strengthen my curiosity, exploring new themes with an open mind. This training enriched my ability to analyse and question: valuable skills in many fields.

Emmanuelle Loyer and Laurence Bertrand-Dorléac made a deep impression on me by supporting me rigorously and kindly throughout my research dissertation, helping me to refine my thinking and my critical faculties. Elissa Mailänder's gender studies classes and her way of tackling complex subjects with clarity and passion also made a big impression on me.

I am a director, actress and drag queen. My job is to design and direct artistic projects. I write the plays that I direct, and I also act in my own plays and performances or for other companies, in both informal and more institutional venues.

After my master's degree in history, I decided to completely change direction and focus on theatre, enrolling in a full-time course at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris, where I obtained my Diploma in Theatre Studies. With my friend Mona Abousaïd, I co-founded la compagnie 1% artistique, an adventure that allows me to develop artistic projects, particularly in Normandy: we have gradually built up our network and our visibility, through projects that were first self-produced and then supported by partners. This period after school was also characterised by odd jobs that enabled me to persevere until I achieved the status of intermittent worker, a key stage in making a living from my passion.

My training has allowed me to cultivate a keen interest in gender issues and the deconstruction approach, which deeply nourish my artistic research. It has also taught me to rigorously problematise my reflections, while developing a strong taste for documentation, which is essential for the development of committed and structured projects.

I would advise a student wishing to move into directing to get a solid grounding, including what it means to set up a project from a production point of view - something that you don't necessarily learn at drama school. Perseverance is also essential, because the road can be long and strewn with obstacles and discouragement, especially in the current context of a culture as a public service in danger. So it is especially crucial to meet people with whom you feel artistic, political and human affinities, because it is collaboration that gives meaning to our professions. Finally, cultivate curiosity, because it is the indispensable driving force behind the desire to create.