You can rebel against rules, but still have an order with the disorder. You can oppose authority, but still become an intellectual. Having the desire to be free, but having to follow societal norms which imprisoning one’s self-fulfilment. 

Jacques Prévert, a French poet and screenwriter, did not like to write how he was supposed to write. He stunned his readers and spectators with surrealist creations, which means that he expressed his deepest thoughts and dream imaginations, which were without any logic, but had a lot of fantasy and absurdity. Prévert is famous for criticizing grammar rules imposed by authorities, and for seeking liberty and independence. His art was hallmarked by his unique, and bizarre humor, which can be confusing for people since they do not know if they should laugh or frown. 

On Saturday, a Paris artist group tried to translate Prévert`s feelings on the Wichita State Campus Activities Center stage with mimic, vocals, and performance. The challenge of the group was to translate Prévert`s surrealist poems on a stage, and to make the spectators laugh at the same time. He made daily situations so absurd, and bizarre that one cannot help but laugh. 

Professor Brigitte Roussel helped the group with the organization. She teaches Modern and Classical Language and Literature at WSU. She was impressed with the way the Paris artist group transformed Prévert`s works on the stage. 

It was not limited to what was written down, it was about making the spectator feel what Prévert meant, she said. 

A poem by Prévert cannot be read, it needs to be lived on the stage André Nerman, the main actor said. The title of the performance was ‘Rapelle-toi Prévert’ which refers to one of Prévert poems, and encourages that Prévert should not be forgotten. Nerman emphasized Prévert’s ability to express his desire from the eyes of a child who can make everything possible with his or her fantasy. Prévert’s work means: being free like a child, who wants to do whatever is in his or her mind; being independent like a child from any societal pressure, and wishing to be able to fly away from worries like a bird. Furthermore, Nerman said that even though both symbols express creativity and liberty, they are vulnerable. However, he said that in the end those characteristics will succeed, and will be stronger. Nerman`s purpose was to offer the spectators entertainment which was hilarious, but reflective at the same time. 

It was not only Prévert who succeeded by showing the connection between kids and birds, but also Nerman by making Prévert`s thoughts come alive on stage.