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The play Les Femmes pardonnent mais n’oublient jamais will be staged at Le Monnot Theater from September 18 to 22, 2024. It is directed by Pierre Léandri, featuring Fibs Tendille, Bérénice Bala and Polo Anid.
The comedy Les Femmes pardonnent mais n’oublient jamais will kick off the theater season at Le Monnot. Josyane Boulos, the artistic director of the theater, explained the criteria behind her selection: “I have always been keen to welcome actors of Lebanese origin, such as Roda Fawaz, Charif Ghattas or Fernanda Barth. This exchange is highly enriching for our audience. Polo had previously performed in Jamais le deuxième soir in September 2019, a production I had organized that met with tremendous success. When I found out he was involved in a new comedy, my representative in Paris went to see it and confirmed that the Lebanese audience would love it. So, I didn’t hesitate to invite the troupe to perform at Le Monnot Theater.”
Questions for Polo Anid
How did the idea for the play come about?
The play was originally written by Pierre Leandri, Franck Duarte and Enver Recepovic, three authors with extensive experience in comedy and boulevard theater. They wanted to explore themes like relationships with a woman, plot twists and manipulation. Without revealing too much and spoiling the enjoyment for the audience, I can say that there are plenty of twists and surprises in store.
What is it about?
The play features three actors on stage. At a certain point, a female character disrupts the balance of a couple, leading to a crisis. The couple then has to deal with this third person who unsettles the harmony they had established. I’d rather not give away too much to keep the element of surprise for the audience. However, I can assure you that it’s an unpredictable play, full of unexpected moments.
Why Lebanon?
First of all, because it’s my country of origin, my father’s homeland, which I hold very dear. Part of my family lives here. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to perform this play, as well as others, during tours around the world. Returning to Lebanon after the success at Le Monnot Theater with Jamais le deuxième soir, thanks to Josyane Boulos, is always a joy. I’m thrilled to experience once again the warmth of Lebanese hospitality and to perform for an audience I cherish.
What impact do you think the play will have on the Lebanese audience?
I hope that, even if just for a moment, this play will help the audience forget their sources of anxiety, stress or worry. I’m delighted to be here to bring joy, laughter and good spirits. The goal is to escape the everyday routine, forget the troubles that can disturb our well-being, and simply enjoy a pleasant time together, with actresses eager to discover the country. I’m excited to introduce them to Lebanon, this extraordinary country with its amazing people who have welcomed me so warmly.
This play has already enjoyed great success in Paris, where it was performed for over two years without interruption, seven days a week. We paused it due to new projects, but the audience’s demand led us to reprogram it. After Lebanon, we’ll resume the play in residence in Paris, picking up where we left off at the Comédie Montorgueil starting in October.
A Personal Note
I’m counting the hours and days until I return to Lebanon, to perform at Le Monnot Theater, which I hold in high regard, and to enjoy everything this magnificent country has to offer: its contrasts, its mountains, its sea, its cuisine, and most of all, the warmth of its climate and its people, who truly know how to live life to the fullest. We are immensely grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to reconnect with this exceptional audience.
