- 24
- Dec.
- 2024
The family show L’Auberge de Noël, presented by Les Bouffons at Le Monnot theater this December, brings audiences a blend of magic and emotion. Starring Cynthya Karam and directed by Bruno Tabbal, alongside iconic Christmas characters like Rudolph, Frosty, Gingerbread, the Fairy, Santa Claus and his elves, this festive adventure invites viewers into the enchanting world of Christmas. On stage, surprises and heartfelt moments intertwine to rekindle the joy of celebration and the warmth of togetherness.
This Christmas season, L’Auberge de Noël, produced by Les Bouffons and written and directed by Bruno Tabbal, continues the tradition of captivating audiences of all generations. With Cynthya Karam in the lead role and an exceptional cast, the show promises to immerse the audience in a world of wonder at Le Monnot theater. Both Karam and Tabbal shared with This is Beirut their artistic vision and the challenges behind this annual tradition.
For Karam, the ability to portray different characters goes beyond technical skill and requires complete immersion. “For me, being an actress means embodying a person with their own way of thinking, walking and living their story. Rather than playing different roles, it’s about diving into a unique personality. Every character I play has DNA completely different from my own, and my challenge is to step away from myself and fully embrace that character. It’s this experience, stepping into someone else’s shoes, that I find deeply fulfilling.”
In this show, Karam feels particularly connected to her character, Céleste. “Céleste is probably the closest to the kind of mother I could be. With children, you can’t fake it. You can’t pretend to love them if you don’t truly feel it. If you don’t exude joy or love, they can sense it immediately. I strive to be as authentic as possible to convey the message that being yourself is the most beautiful quality. That’s an important lesson I want to share with them: they are beautiful just the way they are.” For Karam, this authentic approach is essential. “Children are like sponges; they absorb everything, even our mistakes. When they love you, they see you as a role model. If you make a mistake, they might replicate it. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful and always give your best. For me, embodying the best version of myself makes me truly happy.”
Tabbal, meanwhile, took a deeper approach this year, tackling more serious themes in L’Auberge de Noël. “The play tells the story of Céleste, who, after the war, retreats to an inn in the mountains with her friends Line and Laure. There, they meet characters scarred by painful pasts. Together, they breathe the Christmas spirit into this remote place and bring hope to its inhabitants.”
The play, however, is not limited to children. “The success of our previous shows and the audience's feedback have shown us that this formula works. We respect children and their intelligence, while also addressing the entire family. It’s this balance that makes our work so rewarding.”
For Tabbal, this project is also a meaningful human adventure. “I love telling stories, and young audiences are undoubtedly the best listeners. Yet, what motivates me even more is the family-like atmosphere within our team. The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved breathe life into this project, which has become a cherished tradition.”
This year’s show includes a special surprise: the participation of Tabbal’s father. “My father has always loved acting. He hadn’t been on stage for over 50 years. When I saw him, I immediately thought it would be a great idea to give him this opportunity again. He’s so natural and endearing that the children adore him. He’s the real star of the show. He plays a grandfather that everyone instantly loves.”
With L’Auberge de Noël, Les Bouffons once again deliver a performance where magic and emotions merge to celebrate the holiday spirit. Combining profound themes with moments of pure wonder, the show promises to delight audiences of all ages.
The olay is showing until December 29 at Le Monnot theater. Tickets are available at Librairie Antoine.
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