Our dear friend Olivier Cueto, a member of the company, passed away on Saturday, 28 March 2020. Even at the very end, he never gave up hope that he would win against his illness.

One month prior, to the day, on Friday, 28 February, we performed our latest show Natchav together on the stage at Garges-lès-Gonesse. They were two magnificent performances. He was there — we were together — bringing this show to life, this story of escape and freedom — themes that were so dear to him — that we had created and dreamed up together for three long and beautiful years. For this last creation, right to the end, he carried the show, performing on stage with steadfast and boundless courage.

Olivier’s shadow and light continue to watch over the town of Les somnambules and hide in the warmth of the belly of the whale in Pekee-nuee-nuee.

So many tours and theatres where we gathered to play together and share ideas and emotions with an audience. So many residencies, so much time spent thinking, writing, shaping, trying things out collectively, and all this in the joy and good humour that he knew all too well how to share!

We will miss him terribly, but he will always be with us when we perform the shows we have created together.

On behalf of the entire team of Les ombres portées, here’s to you Oliv!