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The renowned Franco-Lebanese trumpeter, jazz musician and composer Ibrahim Maalouf is making his acting debut in the play Un homme qui boit, rêve toujours d’un homme qui écoute (A Man Who Drinks Always Dreams of a Man Who Listens) at 13e Art in Paris, from February 27 to March 31, 2024.
Ibrahim Maalouf, the distinguished Lebanese instrumentalist recognized with two Grammy Award nominations, is set to take the stage at 13e Art in Paris from February 27 to March 31. However, in a novel twist, he won’t be performing as a musician, but stepping into the role of an actor. This marks a debut acting performance for him, where he interestingly portrays a musician within the play.
Entitled A Man Who Drinks Always Dreams of a Man Who Listens, this theatrical piece by Denise Chalem draws its inspiration from the engaging chronicles of Kamel Daoud, featured in the weekly magazine Le Point. These writings explore the profound bond between a Frenchman and an Algerian, divided by their origins, professions and geographical locations. The genesis of the play is rooted in two significant encounters: the first being between Kamel Daoud, a celebrated writer and journalist, and Denise Chalem, an accomplished actress, author and director.
Denise Chalem shares her experience, “Reading Kamel Daoud’s chronicles, I was captivated by the sharpness of his insights and the spoken quality of his language. This led me to delve into his background, geography and early life, sparking the concept of an imagined meeting between two friends, divided by culture and origin. One is a Southern writer, the other a musician in Paris. My aim was to create a narrative that reflects the emotional journey and connection to Daoud, who beautifully stated that all languages are variations of a single flame.” The narrative also encompasses the collaboration between actor Thibault de Montalembert and musician Ibrahim Maalouf, with actress Sarah Jane Sauvegrain joining them.
Anticipation is high for the play, initially introduced in a directed reading by Denise Chalem for the Scènes d’Avignon at the Théâtre du Chêne Noir in 2021. Three years later, it is being presented as a full theatrical production in Paris, highlighting the remarkable collaboration between these two distinguished artists.
The story unfolds around Pierre, a young musician constrained by his small Parisian apartment, unable to freely play his trumpet, and Zireg, his writer friend, who offers him solace in his childhood home. There, they embark on a journey of rediscovery, filled with conversation, laughter and differing viewpoints.
Ibrahim Maalouf’s Touring Adventures
Prior to embarking on his theatrical endeavor, Ibrahim Maalouf graced the stage at the second pre-Grammy show on February 3, performing alongside fellow nominees: Think Tank, Cimafunk, Tommy Parker, Austin Brown and Blvk Cvstle. From April 20 to May 4, 2024, Maalouf is set to captivate audiences across North America and Canada with his latest project, “The Ibrahim Maalouf Electronic Experience.”
For ticket bookings and further information, visit 13e Art Theater’s website, follow Ibrahim Maalouf on Instagram @ibrahimmaalooufofficial or visit his official website at https://www.ibrahimmaalouf.com/.
