Marseilles’ Old Harbor ablaze: in between closeness and gigantism

On the 3^rd and 4^th of May, the Carabosse Company will launch its latest project: “The Old Harbor between Fire and Flood”. The illuminations will celebrate the inauguration of the newly renovated site of Marseilles’ Old Harbor (referred to as “le Vieux Port” by locals, the iconic place  stretches out beneath the Canebière avenue), and also start the beginning of the cultural season dedicated to street art (see: “La Folle Histoire des Arts de la Rue 2013”). Supervised by the street art society Karwan, the program was presented in Marseilles last December with Karwan director Anne Guiot, MPM president Eugene Caselli, cultural councilor for the city of Marseilles Daniel Herman, MP2013 vice-president Ulrich Fuchs, and the Carabosse Company director Gerard Court, also referred to as fire expert.

« The wicked fairy shall be the one to charm the restored Old Harbor”, declared a delighted Eugene Caselli. Thanks to the technical skill displayed by the Company and its’ 300 partners, “the performance should light up smoothly”. A transporter wharf will link the two opposite banks, thus inviting the public to take possession of the given space. The spot’s choice was not made by chance. It reflects “the perfect place to talk both about Europe and the Mediterranean area”, explained Anne Guiot. It was however not Gerard Court’s first choice. He confessed to have studied “lots of other possibilities, but only the Old Harbor offered an area that was both gigantic and intimate, thanks to the sea and its little creeks, making it the ideal place for such a display”. A project seemingly daring at a time when not even the first brick designed for the port’s renovation had been set in place!

The task, which will cost around €800, 000, is considered by the association MP2013 as:”an incredible project worthy of the philosophy of a European Capital for Culture”. « This is a high quality project designed by a company renowned worldwide; a popular event and destined to all public”, points out Ulrich Fuchs. More importantly, it shall be “a unique sensorial experience for the visitor, with sound and visual effects, an experience both rare and poetic”! For example, bystanders will walk on the harbor’s blazing waters, or stroll under a 900 feet-long flaming archway flanking the city hall. Two musicians on either side of the port will melodiously escort the fiery dance of these thousands of burning wicks, cackling with mirth under the dark sky.

About 60,000 to 80,000 people are expected on both nights from 8:00 to midnight. The tryst is set on the Old Harbor for the 3^rd and 4^th of May and, in case of downpour, the fairy display shall be reported to May 5^th! But don’t worry! After all, Gerard Court did say “nothing will stop us!” So drop by and meet us there!!

Written by: DVDM

Translated by: Q. Richard