- 05
- Nov.
- 2024
Driven by the creative vision of Josyane Boulos, director of Le Monnot theater, a vibrant tribute to Jacques Prévert comes to life. On the stage of the theater's ACT, the poet will be celebrated through poems and songs performed by Josyane Boulos, Zalfa Chelhot, and Cyril Jabre. The performances are scheduled for Wednesday 6 at 12 PM, Friday 8 at 3:30 PM, and Tuesday 12 at 5 PM.
Jacques Prévert’s work continues to inspire literature enthusiasts, lovers of rhyme, and wordplay. Embracing this spirit, Josyane Boulos, Zalfa Chelhot, and Cyril Jabre will bring the poet's words to life, embodying them on stage to captivate the audience of Le Monnot theater.
This swift artistic initiative, organized shortly after a meeting with actors, directors, and creators, highlights the determination of Lebanese cultural leaders to press forward. They adapt their actions to the participants' preferences when it comes to performance times and types of initiatives, despite the chaotic situation in Lebanon.
Reviving Jacques Prévert's words is a powerful cultural act of resistance, significant not only for the universality of his themes but also for his political and social engagement. Moreover, it celebrates his use of the French language, which is simple, poetic, and vividly expressive.
Josyane Boulos, the theater’s director, explains: “I wanted to create affordable projects to support Le Monnot theater. Jacques Prévert is a meaningful choice for me; Les Feuilles mortes was one of my late father’s favorite songs, and he also wrote a poem inspired by Le Petit déjeuner du poète. Furthermore, Prévert embodies a lightness, joy, and optimism that are essential right now. His work evokes life and happiness—feelings we desperately need these days. By highlighting his texts, we hope to offer the public a breath of fresh air and an escape from our daily struggles.”
To determine performance times and ticket prices, the theater team relied on a survey conducted after the cultural meeting, aiming for solutions suited to the crisis. “We really took the public’s opinions into account to encourage theater attendance. Of over 400 responses, most preferred afternoon showtime, considering the security constraints in Beirut. Regarding pricing, while most wanted prices to remain the same, some expressed the need for lower-cost tickets. Facing an economic crisis worsened by war, we opted for flexibility: free tickets or support tickets at $10 or $20. This approach makes theater more accessible while supporting our activities,” confirms Josyane Boulos.
Is theater crucial when even basic needs are at risk? Josyane Boulos states: “We also asked the public this question: Can theater have a positive impact in times of crisis? An overwhelming majority—79%—answered absolutely, seeing theater as a source of relief and a space for connection. In my view, theater becomes essential in a war-torn Lebanon precisely because it meets a need that goes beyond material necessities. In living conditions that strip people of their bearings and dignity, theater offers a place of respite, reflection, and comfort. It brings people together, nourishes the spirit, and reminds us that even in the worst circumstances, art can bring hope and a form of inner resilience. Theater is a refuge for the soul, a place to feel human and share emotions—something vital when even basic needs are at stake.”
This generous act goes beyond resilience. It embodies an unwavering passion for culture and theater, offering a diverse audience the chance to connect with French language, poetry, angelic music, and, above all, to discover or rediscover Jacques Prévert.
Free entry or tickets available at Antoine bookstore or Le Monnot theater.
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