L'exploitation à la cool

They are the ones at the very bottom of the ‘start-up nation’ ladder, on a pittance. A reflection on modernity, the excesses of comfort, and the ease of having everything, straight away, right here and cheaply. But at what cost?

A reflection on modernity, the excesses of comfort, and the ease of having everything, straight away, here and on the cheap. But at what cost?

It is these young people who today find themselves at the very bottom of the ‘start-up nation’ ladder, paid a pittance, with no minimum wage, no sick pay in the event of an accident, no paid holidays, no unemployment benefits, and forced to provide their own work equipment at their own expense: a smartphone – which must be 4G and is expensive – an often dilapidated bike with half-broken brakes, no helmet, and no lights to ensure their safety at night.
On any evening of the week, around 8 pm. As in all globalised cities, large or small, the scene repeats itself: dozens of delivery riders, on bikes or scooters, recognisable by their square insulated bags emblazoned with the logo of the platform they work for, wait between two fast-food outlets, their eyes glued to their phones. Jules Salé uncompromisingly denounces both the cynicism of big business and the complacency of the state. More than just a personal account, this is a generational indictment of the ‘Uberisation’ of our society.


[El Ajouad Theatre Company]