Home CultureA small selection of shows for the month of April

A small selection of shows for the month of April

by Melle Bon Plan
Published: Updated:

Ah, finally springtime is here with its longer days that should give us a huge boost of energy. Except it’s sunny every other day! But no matter, thankfully we can count on our dear artists and their shows to take our minds off things.

Some of them even kindly played along with the interview process, like Chris Gabrieli, an “hyperactive” soul in the artistic world, and Thierry-Paul Valette, actor, poet, and painter.

THE THREEPENNY OPERA Comedy - Carole Parodi

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Richard Bohringer doesn’t hang around in the rain too much…

(by Julie Brando)

Poster of Richard Bohringer for the play "TRAÎNE PAS TROP SOUS LA PLUIE" (Don“Traîne pas trop sous la pluie”, now that is a very enigmatic, poetic, and nostalgic title. The latest show by the generalissimo Richard Bohringer, currently playing at the Théâtre de l’Atelier, is a must-see invitation to memory. It’s a must-see because we find an actor who is fulfilled despite the years that have marked his face, yet have done nothing to dim his fervor and the immense joy he takes in speaking of words and his life.

Because even if “writing is the only truth,” it nevertheless reveals shadows, moments that aren’t easy to share, and yet the man, the writer, the actor lets them fly through the room, without modesty, without shame, without mystery…

Bohringer invites us to join his world. Traîne pas trop sous la pluie is one of those rare shows where the audience becomes one with the artist. A connection that, for a moment, touches us and gives us the impression of sharing a coffee with this great man and being part of his intimacy. We travel toward that Africa of another time. We meet fragile, wounded individuals.

Richard Bohringer on stage, illuminated against a black background.

Memories, a duty of remembrance that Bohringer has immortalized with his literary genius, his cavernous voice, and his unwavering sense of storytelling. And when the storyteller emerges from his flight into the land of yesterday, he returns to the present and plays with improvisation. Bohringer writes and confesses his wanderings, his weaknesses.

Richard has fun, making the most of these privileged moments where the man takes over the stage. Richard looks up to the sky and greets his old friends. Because the artist never forgets those who helped him “Become”!

Richard Bohringer at the lectern, theatrical gesture in black and white.

A staging filled with subtlety and simplicity for a complex artist who astonishes with every minute. The title of the show Ne Traîne pas trop sous la pluie speaks of wandering and the danger of melancholy. Richard Bohringer doesn’t let himself be sucked into nostalgia; on the contrary, he turns it into an ally that helps him return with optimism and panache to his new concerns.

Bohringer reveals everything without regrets or artifice. He is real! We love these moments of fire where the young man resurfaces. But what beautiful moments are the return of the old man and his amazed gaze, which seems to tell us: “Thank you for being here.” I have only one thing to say: Thank you to you, artist!

Until April 23, 2016
Written and performed by Richard Bohringer
Théâtre de l’Atelier
1 place Charles Dullin 75018 Paris

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RAINBOW Festival Day at the Foire du Trône

(by Cathy)

Rainbow Festival poster at the Foire du Trône, May 2016, with artists.For me, the Foire du Trône was limited to cotton candy, rides, and stuffed animals to be won. I can’t even explain my astonishment when Morgan Joubert contacted me to tell me about a beautiful project that is close to his heart.

This fairground child and nephew of Marcel Campion, the King of Fairgrounds as he is called, grew up between fair stalls and candy stands. Today, his new project sets the tone for solidarity with the RAINBOW FESTIVAL day, in the presence of sponsors Julie Piétri, Lââm, and Pascal Soetens.

This exceptional and free gay pride concert will therefore close the Foire du Trône and will be hosted by Silvère and Philippe Wintousky, with guest of honor, the Quebec singer Fabienne Thibeault, who will be surrounded by many friends from the music scene.

The day promises to be grandiose with clowns and fire-breathers. Note that the fairground workers, artists, and partners are supporting the association Le rire c’est l’espoir. So, young and old alike, regardless of your sexual orientation, come have fun and share your joy of living!

Nothing is as festive as diversity: let’s strive toward freedom (Morgan Joubert)

'Bar Aux Succès' fairground with Crazy Mouse roller coaster and Grimbergen terrace.

"La Croustille" chip shop in front of a Ferris wheel, April fairground.

Rainbow Festival
Monday, May 23, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
free entry, free concert
Foire du Trône
Pelouse de Reuilly 75012 Paris

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Chris Gabrieli spins and lives at 200 km/h

(by Cathy)

Portrait of Chris Gabriel, artist for April showsChris Gabrieli, a face you might not know yet, but one you will remember in 2016. Better known as Chris Gabrieli, TV actress-director, she has hosted the biggest stars on her shows, including Patricia Kaas, and even Kevin Costner, the most famous “Bodyguard” on the planet…

But Chris doesn’t stop there. Cinema is making eyes at her, and it is quite naturally that she will bring the famous Marquise de Sévigné to life alongside Marie-Christine Barrault in ‘Melle de la Charce’ by L. Baillemont, which will be released next May.

Also a patron of the Montgeron Animal Refuge “ASF” (Animaux Sans Foyer / Animals Without Homes) with Julien Courbet, her first challenge focuses on the defense and interests of animals, requiring the regular presence of artists and media.

Chris Gabriel and a woman chatting with a cup and a program.

Recently, during an evening alongside Patrick Préjean, a magnificent actor whom she will host on her next show, the latter announced to her in a preview his return to ‘Une Famille Formidable’, the hit TF1 series.

Chris Gabriel surrounded by spectators after an April show.

In 2016, Chris Gabrieli‘s goal will be to make us dream, and we will be there to see and applaud!

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Coming Outch

(by Cathy)

Poster for Fabien Tucci Fait Son Coming Outch, theater in Paris.Here is a very likeable young actor whose one-man show I went to see in Paris. I insist on his kindness, which immediately puts you at ease when taking your seat to watch his performance. He’s the kind of person you don’t forget, and I even had the impression I’d known him forever.

The story:

It’s not easy to admit one’s homosexuality, so Fabien Tucci does it through derision. You might tell me it’s been done before because it’s true that many already deal with the subject. But Fabien is sincere, genuine, funny, moving, and so close to his audience that in the end, you think it’s just a buddy wanting to admit to you what you… didn’t think about him.

Cathy’s opinion:

Fabien has a real stage presence. Given how he opens up, you wonder if it’s a character he created or if it’s his true story. And for that reason alone, the show works. Watch out, this boy has talent!

Smiling man giving two thumbs up against a dark background.

Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, until June 28, 2016
duration: 1:00 hour
Rates: €5 / free with BilletRéduc (voluntary donation in the hat)
Théâtre Popul’air du Reinitas
36 rue Henri Chevreau 75020 Paris

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Jérémy Charbonnel in ‘The Modern Man’

(by Cathy)

Poster of Jérémy Charbonnel "L'Homme Moderne" at the Point Virgule with a lollipop.With all the shows the capital offers us, I always feel like I’m making wonderful discoveries, and when I look into the career of an artist I’ve just seen, I always realize that I missed a few details…

That is the case with Jérémy Charbonnel, whom I had just discovered through his one-man show. It’s true that I felt he was very comfortable on stage, not only in his gestures but also in his tone.

Returning home, I discovered that he had notably acted in the film Cloclo with Jérémie Renier, and on television in a TV movie with Laurent Gerra as his partner.

The story:

His show sketches a collection of portraits, from the slightly ditsy blonde to the cougar, including an English teacher, all presented between stand-up and sketches full of humor. With his “ideal son-in-law” look, Jérémy won’t leave anyone indifferent.

For a comedian, it is always very flattering to play at the Point Virgule, a magical place that has seen the birth of a large number of artists who now play in the big leagues.

Jérémy Charbonnel

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, until June 28, 2016
duration: 1:00 hour
Rates: €13 with BilletRéduc
Théâtre Le Point Virgule
7 rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie 75004 Paris

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The Threepenny Opera

(by Melle Bon Plan)

Poster L'Opéra de Quat'Sous 71.The Threepenny Opera is an opera without really being one. This great masterpiece by Brecht is actually more of a musical comedy, I would say, since it subverts the opera genre with spoken and sung scenes around questions that examine social values and hierarchies between men.

The set design of the show, very inventive, revolves on a rotating platform, hosting both the orchestra and the actors, divided into two clans clashing in a burlesque and quirky tone, against a backdrop of romantic struggles.

In short, an epic and sung theater production that lays bare bourgeois ideologies and stirs the mud in a delicious parody to be absolutely discovered if this production comes to your area.

Threepenny Opera-Carole Parodi

The Threepenny Opera

duration: 2h15

2016 Tour
from March 31 to April 14 at Théâtre 71 in Malakoff
from March 1 to 20 at Comédie de Genève, Switzerland
March 23 at Spectacles Français in Biel, Switzerland
from March 31 to April 14 at Théâtre 71 Scène Nationale in Malakoff, France
April 22 & 23 at Théâtre du Crochetan in Monthey, Switzerland
April 26 & 27 at Nuithonie-Equilibre in Fribourg, Switzerland
from May 2 to 4 at Les 2 Scènes, Scène Nationale in Besançon, France
May 10 at Théâtre Le Reflet in Vevey, Switzerland
May 24 at Théâtre de Corbeil-Essonnes, France
The show will head back on tour from March to May 2017

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Thierry Paul Valette: Actor, Painter, Author

(by Cathy)

There are beautiful encounters that you make and want to share with those who, like me, have artistic curiosity. I love artists who express themselves with great sensitivity through their art while keeping a touch of mystery.

Bearded man in front of a colorful mural of stylized female figures.

A few weeks ago, I wanted to take advantage of my weekend to see what was happening in the Parisian exhibition scene. So, with a decided step, I went to an opening, that of painter Thierry Paul Valette.

While browsing his canvases, I entered a colorful, lively, and seductive universe, and quite naturally, with the help of my imagination, I brought characters to life in my mind, while trying to understand what the artist wanted to express.

By chatting with him, I discovered he was an actor and author of poetry—in short, a very complete artist. And he kindly played along with the interview questions to help us get to know him better.

Paintings of colorful mermaids dancing and playing music on an abstract red background.

Meeting:

Hello Thierry Paul, you are a complete artist: actor, poet, author, painter. What have you kept from your former profession as an antique dealer?

A taste for beauty, high standards; I love meticulous work. All these old objects and furniture have a soul, a history, a life. I love letting myself be surprised by finds. I always buy, and I buy too much; it’s a vice, a drug. Soon, I will create a column where I can talk about my passion in a highly prestigious international magazine.

How did cinema enter your life?

The acting profession is a profession of encounters, and during one of them, I remember an anecdote about director Ryan Thompson who compared me to Guillaume Depardieu… In 2002, Cheik Doukoure gave me my first role in ‘Paris selon Moussa’. Later, I also shot TV series. I am still continuing the acting profession, and soon I will have the lead role in a series currently in preparation, “Jjb Lifestyle,” which takes place in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu with guests like multiple world champion Braulio Estima. My role is paramount because the entire series rests on me.

You, being an author, have you ever thought of writing a short or feature film?

Yes, of course, but I’ve never done it. My universe would be close to that of Jean-Pierre Mocky. In terms of directing, I like to direct actors. I have the eye and, above all, the gaze. But since I am very demanding, I am waiting for the right moment.

And painting?

Ah, that’s something special! When I was twenty, I painted for a year and then stopped everything. At the time, I painted still lifes and landscapes, and I started again in 2008 for a completely different universe that you discovered during the exhibition opening. I am very happy to announce that a second exhibition is in preparation for the coming months.

Have you ever thought about music?

I find rhythm in the verses I compose. While writing, I hear the melodies. What pleases me is the spoken/sung style, and I absolutely do not appreciate everything that is formatted. A project close to my heart is an album of my poetry with musical accompaniment, which is in preparation. You see, I’m never bored!

Abstract colorful painting of three women lying down on an oriental sunset background.

I was delighted with this meeting which allowed me to get to know the artist you are better.

Thank you Thierry Paul …..

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article written by Cathy, Julie Brando and Melle Bon Plan

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