From protest to performance: Martine Guilbert’s fight for change

French protests intensify: activist Martine Guilbert turns anger about low wages and distrust in politics into theater

Transcript

00:00Martine Gilbert turns protest into performance.

00:02It may look light-hearted, but she is totally serious.

00:05I don't get to the end of the month.

00:07She works as a cleaner, earning just 900 euros a month.

00:10To survive, she depends on her son's support.

00:25For months, France has faced protests over rising prices

00:28and political instability.

00:31Martine is among those who took to the streets,

00:33demanding change.

00:39Martine has been protesting against the French government

00:42for years in the hope of a better future.

00:48Martine joined a political theatre group,

00:50turning her frustration into creativity.

00:53The activists are staging a play that explores the themes

00:56of protest and police brutality.

00:58Since I've done theatre with the troupe,

01:02it has given me more security.

01:06You see?

01:07So the fact of playing and playing with friends,

01:12is something very emotional.

01:14The activists are determined to bridge the gap between politics

01:18and the people, using both their performances on stage

01:21and their voices off stage.