Whatever
by Marius von Mayenburg – La Scala Provence (Avignon, Summer 2025) / La Scala Paris (Autumn 2025)
Erik and Simone are an almost ordinary couple.
He is a translator, she works in the automotive industry; she travels often, he stays home to look after the children.
When she returns from a trip with a small gift, a perfectly constructed argument begins to unfold. By constantly reversing roles and perspectives, Whatever dissects power, dependence, and desire within a contemporary relationship — between guilt, need, and the struggle to reclaim oneself.
Text: Marius von Mayenburg
Direction and translation: Robin Ormond
Set and lighting design: Manon Vergotte
Music: Arthur Frick
Costumes: Louise Digard
Dramaturgy: Laurent Muhleisen
Production: La Scala Provence / La Scala Paris
©️ Photo credit: Vahid Amanpour
Press excerpt
France Inter – Fabienne Pascaud (Le Masque et la Plume, 2025)
“A real favourite! Darkly fierce and superbly performed by Marilyne Fontaine and Assane Timbo.
An absolute must-see.”
Le Monde – Joëlle Gayot (juillet 2025)
“Mission accomplished in style!
Mayenburg’s biting fable is played like a knife fight.
The actors are flawless, surfing through the rapid-fire dialogue with agility.
Robin Ormond displays an astonishing mastery of language.”
Télérama – Fabienne Pascaud (TTT, 2025)
“A striking production by Robin Ormond.
Few French directors have dared to take on Mayenburg’s disruptive theatre. Ormond has found the perfect tone.”
L’Humanité (2025)
“A firework of humour and domestic disaster.”
L’Affiche (2025)
“You’re left speechless by this performance.
Actors of remarkable subtlety, precision and commitment.”