Courgette, a theatrical adaptation of the novel Autobiography of a Courgette by Gilles Paris, continues to touch audiences with its poetry and emotion. After making a mark in cinema with My Life as a Courgette– nominated for the Oscars and winner of two Césars in 2017 – the poignant story of Icarus, nicknamed Courgette, now finds deep resonance in the theater. Icarus – alias Courgette – is a 10-year-old boy placed in a foster home after a family tragedy, where he meets other children broken by life, such as Simon and Camille. Through these new friendships, he discovers the strength of human connection, hope, and begins his journey toward resilience and healing.
This work, full of light and music, written by Pamela Ravassard and Garlan Le Martelot, portrays the path of resilience for children with difficult pasts, discovering the strength of friendship and the hope of rebuilding their lives. In this adaptation, Vanessa Cailhol, Florian Choquart, Garlan Le Martelot, Lola Roskis Gingembre, and Vincent Viotti skillfully transport us into this sensitive world, where wounded childhood finds a way to heal.
The production has been praised by critics and has accumulated numerous nominations, including 7 nominations for the Molières 2024, including the Molière for Best Public Theater Actress for Vanessa Cailhol. The excellence of the creative team has also been recognized with 7 nominations for the 2024 Musical Comedy Trophies, notably for the Libretto Trophy awarded to Paméla Ravassard and Garlan Le Martelot, as well as the Directing Trophy for Paméla Ravassard. Additionally, the outstanding performance of Vanessa Cailhol has been highlighted with a nomination for the Best Female Performer Trophy.
One of the strong elements of this production is the music, directed by the talented Stéphane Corbin, a renowned vocal coach and composer. A multidisciplinary artist, Corbin has created music for many plays and musical shows, while being a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, notably through his charitable project “Les Funambules” (presented at the TLF in 2020). In Courgette, he accompanies the actors on a sonic journey that amplifies the poetry of the story and the emotions of the characters, adding a musical depth to this already poignant work.
As Gilles Paris writes: “Adults need to be shaken to let the child within them fall out.” It is in this spirit that the show manages to touch spectators of all ages, bringing them back to that part of childhood that we all carry within us.
Date: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Address: TLF, 1201 Ortega St, San Francisco
Ticketing: click here – From 9 years old – Play in French
Thank you, TLF!
