A cultural stroll through Paris with actor Michel Boujenah and Lilly Wood & the Prick • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Théâtre des Variétés: A historic Parisian theatre with a rich history and significant cultural importance.
• Lily Wood and the Prick: A French musical duo known for their eclectic style blending electro, folk, and pop. Their latest album is titled Christina.
• Michel Bouchenard: A renowned French actor, known for his comedic roles and long association with the Parisian arts scene.
• Brigitte Bardot: A French actress and model, iconic for her beauty and rebellious spirit, celebrated in a gallery exhibition.
• Family Dynamics & Inheritance: A central theme explored in Michel Bouchenard’s current play, Toute la famille que j'aime.
• The Power of Laughter: A core belief of Michel Bouchenard, emphasizing its connection to childhood and emotional release.
• Artistic Collaboration & Evolution: The process and challenges of collaboration within Lily Wood and the Prick, and their artistic growth.

Michel Bouchenard at the Théâtre des Variétés

Michel Bouchenard begins by expressing his deep affection for the Théâtre des Variétés, describing it as a place filled with history and personal significance. He notes the theatre was constructed in 1807 and considers it one of the most beautiful in Paris, even calculating it as the place he’s spent the most time in his life. He emphasizes the unique atmosphere of the theatre, particularly the backstage area, which he describes as a transition zone between reality and the world of performance.

He is currently performing in the play Toute la famille que j'aime (All the Family I Love), a comedic piece centered around a father, a fan of Johnny Hallyday, and his two children, Laura and David, who suspect he intends to disinherit them. The play explores themes of family, manipulation, and the enduring myth of Johnny Hallyday. Bouchenard explains the humor arises from the children’s extreme actions driven by this fear, and the play ultimately touches on the complexities of familial love despite flaws. He highlights a line from the play: "On est on est méchant, on est calculateur, on est manipulateur mais ça nous empêche pas de nous aimer" ("We are mean, calculating, manipulative, but that doesn't stop us from loving each other").

Bouchenard reflects on his career, noting that he often finds himself playing characters involved with money, referencing his previous role as Arpagon in Molière’s L'Avare (The Miser). He jokingly admits to not being particularly frugal, but appreciates exploring the character trait of avarice. He recounts a period of overwhelming success early in his career, describing a bizarre incident involving a large melon sent as a gift, which left him feeling disoriented and overwhelmed by the attention. He concludes by stating that his driving force is always the pursuit of something new and the desire to make people laugh, emphasizing the profound connection between laughter and childhood joy. He notes that seeing someone laugh reveals the child within them.

Lily Wood and the Prick: Christina

The segment then shifts to Lily Wood and the Prick, who are promoting their fifth album, Christina. They describe the album as a culmination of their creative partnership, almost a fusion of themselves into a single entity. They characterize themselves as a "two-headed monster," highlighting the dynamic interplay between band members Benjamin Coto and Lily Wood.

The album Christina represents a shift in their artistic approach, marked by a willingness to experiment and collaborate with other artists. They explain their creative process: Benjamin typically creates the musical foundation, while Lily adds melodies and lyrics. They emphasize the importance of conversation and mutual respect in their collaboration, acknowledging that they don’t always agree but value each other’s perspectives. They admit to occasional disagreements, but maintain a respectful and productive working relationship.

They discuss the impact of their early success with the remix of their song "Prayer in C," acknowledging the initial disorientation of having a song they’d created years prior suddenly become a global phenomenon. They explain that the remix, while successful, didn’t fully capture their artistic essence, prompting them to reaffirm their commitment to their unique, experimental sound.

Homage to Brigitte Bardot

The final segment focuses on an exhibition at the Galerie de l'Instant dedicated to Brigitte Bardot. The curator, Julia, explains the exhibition aims to celebrate Bardot’s early years, emphasizing her image as a symbol of freedom and independence. She highlights the naturalness and liberation evident in Bardot’s photographs, particularly her disregard for societal norms regarding the body.

Julia notes that Bardot’s attitude towards her own image was revolutionary for the time, challenging conventional notions of femininity. She emphasizes the exhibition’s focus on Bardot’s authentic and carefree moments, captured in candid photographs. She points to a specific photograph of Bardot laughing, with her hand covering her mouth, as particularly touching, representing her most natural and relatable self.

Synthesis/Conclusion

This broadcast offers a multifaceted exploration of the French arts scene. It showcases the enduring appeal of classic theatre through Michel Bouchenard’s performance and reflections, the evolving creativity of a contemporary musical duo in Lily Wood and the Prick, and the lasting legacy of a cultural icon in Brigitte Bardot. The common thread throughout is a celebration of artistic expression, the power of performance, and the importance of embracing individuality and freedom. The interviews reveal the dedication, vulnerability, and collaborative spirit that underpin creative endeavors, offering insights into the artistic process and the enduring impact of art on individuals and society.