French Literature Reviews - 2026
Th. Jolly, Maquiller les ténèbres
Theatre and Performance
Thomas Jolly
Maquiller les ténèbres
Interview conducted by Laure Adler
Foreword by Olivier Py
Editions Universitaires d'Avignon, June 2019
Collection Entre-Vues
Series Leçons de l’Université
64 pages – 7 €
ISBN 978-2-35768-067-8
« The true violence of tragedy is not so much killing and eating children. […] The true violence of tragedy is that we all remain in darkness. »
A true star of the 2018 Avignon Festival, Thomas Jolly discusses in this interview with Laure Adler his career and his perspective on the work of a theatrical go-between and actor. With enthusiasm and simplicity, he reflects on his theatrical journey, from high school to the courtyard of the Palais des Papes, and shares his vision of the stage through his productions. He defends his love for spectacle and his conception of tragedy.
What drives a human being to step outside of humanity and commit acts of violence against it? Mythology, knowing no bounds, allows the author to question his own limits and thereby unmask the fragility of the human condition. It is through staging these mythological "monsters" that Thomas Jolly is able to cultivate empathy in the face of the violence inherent in tragedy.
His theatre is about illusion, drama, and showmanship, but also about indulgence. It is the story of an unspeakable crime translated into the words, sounds, and images that only theatre can produce—that artisanal, enchanting theatre to which he is so deeply attached.
Published in the collection Entre-Vues by Editions Universitaires d Avignon, this volume captures a conversation between Thomas Jolly and Laure Adler, complemented by a foreword from Olivier Py. The book traces Jolly s artistic trajectory from his early days in high school to the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. Within the field of contemporary French theatre studies, such interviews offer direct insight into the creative processes of prominent practitioners. Readers interested in contemporary theatre direction and French stagecraft may find this volume relevant to their pursuits.
The discussion centers on the nature of tragedy, theatrical illusion, and the staging of classical mythology to explore the limits of the human condition. Jolly articulates his dedication to an artisanal form of theatre that translates complex human violence into striking visual and auditory experiences. Within the broader traditions of European drama and performance, his perspective underscores the capacity of the stage to foster empathy and reflection. The text highlights his distinct approach to spectacle, drama, and the enduring relevance of tragic storytelling in modern performance culture.