Anna Politkovskaya (1958-2006) became famous for her reporting on the Chechnyan war and she died for it. As a Russian journalist, she was constantly intimidated and threatened by the regime, arrested on suspicion of spying, and was finally assassinated in the elevator of her building. A beautiful text, “Donna non rieducabile memorandum teatrale” was written in 2007 by Italian playwright Stefano Massini. … Read More
Malandain Ballet Biarritz at Chaillot and around Europe
Paris was a mess because of the strikes and yet Théâtre de Chaillot was fully booked for a week with Malandain Ballet Biarritz performing “La Pastorale”, a tribute to Beethoven on the 250 th anniversary of his birth, commissioned by Theater Bonn. It was the first time I saw this now famous company made of International dancers and based in Biarritz. … Read More
At la Comédie Française, the best fashion show in town
What a great surprise it was to see Bertold Brecht’s “Galileo” at the Comédie Française. I don’t usually speak about French only shows in these columns but the play is so spectacular that I had to mention it to you. The direction is by Eric Ruf, administrator of the theatre, the fabulous costumes by Christian Lacroix and the lighting by … Read More
French and Italian opera compete at Garnier
It is exceptionally a drawing and painting exhibition, “Un air d’Italie” that attracted me to Palais Garnier, where the Paris Opera is celebrating its 350 anniversary. Devoted to works and singers from 1669 to 1791, it reminds us of the importance of Lully, Rameau, Gluck… for the kings of France. The scenography, which mixes superb drawings and arias you can … Read More
Celebrate Valentine in style on Thursday the 14th!
Valentine like New Year can be tricky to celebrate if you don’t particularly like candlelit dinners and cliché evenings. It was first established in the 14 th century as a day for courtly love by Geoffrey Chaucer, the well known British poet, author of the Canterbury Tales. This year, Musée Rodin is organizing a romantic night visit and following the … Read More
Gerard Mortier’s legacy, a Prize for young theater directors
Gérard Mortier shook the opera world when he ran the Salzburg festival and the Paris Opera. Everyone did not agree with his creations but he was somewhat of a revolutionary. He died too young from pancreatic cancer four years ago and his friends have created a Prize in his honor. “Prix Mortier, Next Generation” is attributed to young professionals … Read More
Robert Lepage strikes again, at Théâtre du Soleil
Robert Lepage’s new show, Kanata, was announced last summer as having been canceled in Canada. The reason? “First Nations peoples” demonstrated against the fact that their parts in the play were not acted by their people. A very sensitive political issue. Thus Ariane Mnouchkine the famous founder of Théâtre du Soleil, decided to take the project in hand and develop … Read More
350 years of the Paris Opera
The Paris Opera is celebrating its 350 th anniversary this year and Henri Loyrette, former President of Orsay and of the Louvre, is in charge. Founded by Louis XIV and directed by Lully, the Académie Royale de Musique created on June 28, 1669, was meant to entertain and charm the public. It was the first permanent opera house of the … Read More