Le Prix de Goncourt

received by Romain Gary

(also known by the pen name Émile Ajar)

The Molière Award

Best Show in an Independent theatre, Best Actress, and Best Adaptation

“Climax, itself”

Le Figaroscope

The Reason to Love, and the Reason to Live

La vie devant soi (The Life Before Us)

Romain Gary is the only writer to win the Le Prix de Goncourt twice, which is one of the top three literature awards. The theatrical adaptation received le Moliere de la Meilleure Production Théâtrale. The story depicts the gravity of life through the characters living amidst discrimination and violence in the slums of Paris. But reality is not entirely black or white. Even in the midst of despair, incredible moments of life and hope will greet you from the stage.

"When thinking about the beautiful things of the world, death is nothing"

Momo is a ten-year old boy and does not know what it is to weep or complain. He wishes to become a great author like Victor Hugo. But, Madame Rosa, the only person to be on his part, is dying. What can Momo do in life? Even in the midst of crisis, there is a heartwarming message about the value of life that overcomes sadness. The audience is invited to visit the world of Momo, which shines like a candle in an endless darkness. The best cast members including Hee kyung Yang, Soo mi Lee, Jeong Taeck Oh are joined by Director Heo Seon Sunny Park, who is known for her delicate work for Agnes of God in 2018.

Synopsis

The story takes place in an old apartment building, located in a slum in Paris. Madame Rosa takes care of Momo and other homeless children. To use stairs to reach the seventh floor every day without an elevator is as difficult as the life they have lived in. However, the world presents something new every day to Momo. Small chats, which are Stories of love and dreams, with Madame Rosa instill hope into lonely Momo. One day, Madame Rosa’s secret is revealed and someone himself claims to be Momo’s father.

Original novel by Romain Gary (Émile Ajar)

Romain Gary, born Roman Kacew, was a French novelist, diplomat, film director, and aviator of Jewish origin. Gary produced a variety of novels while working as a diplomat, and received various awards, as well as some sharp criticism, for each work. Gary used pen names, including Shatan Bogat and Fosco Sinibaldi, and won his second Le Prix de Goncourt with La vie devant soi that he wrote as Émile Ajar. Gary became the only person to win the award twice, as it was prohibited to award Le Prix de Goncourt for multiple times to the same person. At the time, the judges did not realize that Émile Ajar and Romain Gary were the same person. The truth was revealed when Gary committed suicide and left a note in 1980.

Theatrical adaptation by Xavier Jaillard

Xavier Jaillard is a French writer, director, and actor. Jaillard established a theater while working as a journalist and teacher; since then, he has actively collaborated with other artists and become a playwright, director, and actor. Jaillard produced more than 100 TV series and films through his broadcasting company. Jaillard works as a radio DJ, writes novels, writes theatrical adaptations, and plays an active role in many other fields.

Directed by Heo Seon Sunny Park

Park directs the theatrical group Sagaetamsa. In 2008, Park decided to establish the group while working as a translator and director. Park is a renowned director who presents stories about the lives of the contemporary Korean women, focusing on narratives of women in fields that are often dominated by men. Regretful Woman, For All Wife’s Drama, Agnes of God are some of her works in theater.