Heroines, silent lives of farmers told on stage

In 2017, while on an artist residency at the Guémené-Penfao retirement home (Loire-Atlantique), the actress Anne-Cécile Richard was touched by the testimonies of residents, former farmers. “They told me they had worked all their lives on the farm, without any official status. But they had never talked about it before, probably out of modesty. They thought their story would interest no one.” With the help of director Antoine Malfettes, and Sebastien Lucas on technical management, their company “On t’a vu sur la pointe” drew inspiration from these stories to bring them to light. The play “Héroïnes,” created ten years ago and performed over a hundred and sixty times, will be shown this Friday, April 17th at 8:30 pm at the community hall in Fresnoy-au-Val. A first in the Somme region.

The play starts as a lecture on the role of women in agriculture. “Quickly, the lecturer, from a line of women who worked the land, delves into her own personal story,” says Anne-Cécile Richard. She adds, “I am alone on stage, with photo portraits, real voices of women testifying, and significant technical support—so not truly alone! These testimonies are those collected at the nursing home, and those of farmers from all generations encountered in Finistère, their home department. “We created a story based on these stories. It is a work of fiction that is largely inspired by reality.”

It pays tribute to those who toiled without recognition but also highlights current issues. “Even though social advances have been significant in recent decades, some farmers tell us that not everything is resolved yet. Some tasks, like operating machinery, are still gendered. One woman confides being mocked when she borrows a tractor from the collective farming service. Another had to be accompanied by her husband to professional meetings to develop her agricultural project, in order to gain credibility. By default, one is still seen as a man in the farming world, and women still have to make an effort to find their place.”

A Thought-Provoking Show

At the end of the performance, there is a planned time for socializing. “It is a show that provokes reactions from people, and makes them want to discuss it. Everyone is affected by agriculture in their daily lives. We appreciate this moment of exchange.” For her, the performance helps to “reconnect with a society that is becoming increasingly removed from the agricultural world.” Anne-Cécile Richard also hopes that the stage will “spawn others” in Picardy. “We love performing on the farm.”

Practical Information

Show on Friday, April 17th at 8:30 pm, at the community hall in Fresnoy-au-Val (1 place de la ville).
Reservation by email: culture@cc2so.fr or by phone: 03 22 90 19 65
Box office opens on-site starting at 8 pm (subject to availability).

Ticket Prices

Full price: 8 €
Membership card: 10 € allowing access to reduced rates later.
Reduced rate: 5 € for members, children 3-16 years, job seekers, RSA beneficiaries, and students (upon presentation of proof), groups of 8 or more with advance reservation.
Free: under 3 years old and Pass Jeune CC2SO beneficiaries.
CSE membership card: 20 €

Find information and access to online ticketing for the 2025-2026 cultural season shows on the CC2SO Agenda page: CC2SO Event List