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Following the globally acclaimed Olympic opening ceremony, the Paralympic Games in Paris promise an equally grand and surprising spectacle in the heart of the city.
The pressure is on for the Paralympic opening ceremony in Paris on Wednesday evening, as organizers aim to match the ambition and grandeur of the Olympic ceremony that garnered worldwide praise. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of both ceremonies, assured that despite the challenges, the Paralympic event will have the “same level of ambition” as its Olympic counterpart.
Each ceremony has its own unique personality, according to Thierry Reboul, the executive director, who acknowledged the Paralympic athletes’ request for an equally ambitious event. This marks the first time a Paralympic opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium, adding to the complexity of the undertaking.
Starting at 8:00 PM (Paris time) on Wednesday, approximately 4,400 para-athletes from 182 delegations will parade from the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde, where a show titled “Paradox” will take place. Thomas Jolly highlights the paradox of using the city as a backdrop, as it is not entirely adapted for people with disabilities. The ceremony’s narrative will follow a line from discord to concord, emphasizing themes of inclusion and diversity.
Jolly, who aims to combine festivity with politics in his performances, believes that “shows are always political – that doesn’t necessarily mean militant.” He has chosen to collaborate with Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, known for his narrative strength and theatrical power, to ensure that “the body, bodies, all bodies are at the center of this ceremony.”
The musical signature will once again be provided by Victor Le Masne, composer of the Olympic anthem. In comparison to previous ceremonies, Le Masne promises a more minimal and stripped-down score, yet still featuring a diverse array of drums, keyboards, and other instruments. An excerpt titled “Sportography” has been revealed, incorporating athletes’ words into a musical language set against a lively, rhythmic backdrop. The repeated chant of “Perseverance, resilience and determination” underscores the spirit of the Paralympic Games.
Le Masne has also pledged a “journey through the musical repertoire” with surprise guests, maintaining his signature blend of symphonic and electronic elements. The ceremony will be filmed live by OBS, a subsidiary of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with a new director at the helm, and broadcast live by France Télévisions.
As the world prepares to tune in to the Paralympic opening ceremony, expectations are high for an event that will showcase the resilience, determination, and diversity of the para-athlete community. Paris is poised to deliver a spectacle that will not only match the ambition of the Olympic ceremony but also celebrate the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.
With AFP
