TO KNOW HOW TO KEEP

An original ensemble show based on accounts of Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1798 campaign to Egypt, To Know How to Keep explores timeless questions of culture, leadership, narrative, and self-preservation. The world premiere production was directed by Emily Nicole Cameron, and staged at FRINGEPVD’s Waterfire Arts Center Drive-In Stage in Providence, RI, from July 23—July 31, 2021.

In this epic yet intimate drama, Napoleon Bonaparte leads a French campaign to colonize Egypt at the turn of the nineteenth century. After more than a year of unsteady fortune, Bonaparte mysteriously abandons his forces to return to France. In his commander’s absence, Commissary of War Guillaume Laurent struggles to preserve himself amidst the building chaos, and to reconcile his admiration and disdain for Bonaparte. The Knights of Salisbury creator Tim Caron returns with a time-jumping tale based on firsthand accounts and commentaries on a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in French and Egyptian history. 

​Founded in 2014 by The Wilbury Theatre Group, The Providence Fringe Festival®, a.k.a FRINGEPVD, is produced to nurture emerging and established performing artists by presenting fun, fearless and affordable theater to the community. FRINGEPVD creates ties between artists, audiences, businesses and local organizations, amplifying the vibrancy of Providence as a renowned cultural destination and an unparalleled place to live, work, and visit.