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PARIS — As evening descends on the enchanting City of Light, a captivating new experience is brightening the walls of Saint-Sulpice church, a historical monument with an interior even more expansive than Notre Dame, and just as awe-inspiring.
The grand neoclassical structure located on the Left Bank is showcasing mesmerizing 360-degree video projections, innovative technology, and live actors, all of which narrate the church’s significance in French history.
This multimedia spectacle, titled “Paris Cœur de Lumières” (Paris Chancel of Lights), runs until November 23 and converts the vast 6,000-square-meter (65,000-square-foot) interior space into a vibrant digital stage using advanced video mapping techniques.
Director Damien Fontaine elaborated on the technical aspects, saying, “We conduct a laser scan of the entire building to reconstruct the space in three dimensions. We then ‘unfold’ it like origami, returning it to a 3D representation for projection as a cohesive image. Over 45 projectors each illuminate various segments of the vaults, sections of pillars, or parts of the nave, creating a mosaic of visuals that coalesce into one grand imagery.”
The projections breathe life into stone carvings, transforming them into dynamic narrators, while original musical scores, coupled with immersive audio environments, envelop visitors in a rich sensory experience.
Actors animate the historical narrative with over 350 performers and volunteers dressed in more than 500 authentic costumes. They mingle with the audience to depict local families and rivalries, weaving personal stories into the broader tapestry of history.
Many volunteers expressed amazement at the lesser-known facets of French history they discovered. Among them was Anne Dubosc, a 65-year-old amateur actress, who portrayed Anne of Austria, the mother of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. “She was an extraordinary woman, deeply engaged in matters of politics and religion,” Dubosc shared. “I hadn’t realized her crucial role. The greatness of Louis XIV partly stemmed from this remarkable mother who was fiercely protective and instrumental in shaping him as a statesman.”
Dubosc described performing in Saint-Sulpice as a unique experience: “It feels exceptional. You lose track of the boundary between fiction and history.” The historical costume profoundly influenced her performance. “The corset constricts me so tightly that it embodies an authentic 18th-century posture, naturally exuding majesty. This costume not only affects how I carry myself but also shapes my mindset, resonating with the character’s gravitas,” she added.
This production highlights an increasing trend in Paris, utilizing light technology to celebrate the richly adorned interiors of its historic churches. A similar multimedia display took place earlier at Saint-Eustache church, featuring video projections, striking lighting effects, and an immersive electronic soundscape.
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