Jean Zay

« Jean Zay, l’homme complet  », the thunderstruck fate of an exemplary politician and a major figure of the Popular Front. Jean Zay, the great minister of the Popular Front, was imprisoned by Vichy during the war and murdered by the Milice in June 1944.

His account of captivity, the last journey of an exemplary conscience, casts a striking light on his era, his visionary actions and the tragedy of his fate. Success at Avignon 2022 and 2023. The show is supported by the Adami under its « Adami déclencheur  » scheme.

The show has received the « spectacle recommandé par la Licra  » label for 2022 and 2023, as well as the « Rue du Conservatoire  » label. All audiences, from age 13. Author: Jean Zay, adaptation by Xavier Béja. Direction: Michel Cochet. Cast: Xavier Béja. Running time: 75 minutes.

Press: Michel Cochet's spare staging is admirable. Xavier Béja captures his audience. A chameleon-like actor, he conveys the force of the story and embodies an endearing Jean Zay of exceptional personality. An unmissable play. - Toute La Culture.

Xavier Béja is impressive in his precision. Michel Cochet's sober staging is perfectly judged. A few archive images and video illustrate Jean Zay's past. They are closely linked to the musical atmosphere sought by Alvaro Bello. - Le Monde Libertaire.

Xavier Béja, an actor of great subtlety, wonderfully embodies Jean Zay. Do not miss this poignant show of a resurrected Jean Zay, a great figure of emancipation and social progress. An intense moment of theatre! SNES-FSU.

Xavier Béja's performance is deeply moving; Dominique Aru's visual design and Alvaro Bello's soundtrack are remarkable; Michel Cochet's direction serves both the political reminder and the tribute to virtue equally well. An indispensable show. - La Terrasse.

The actor Xavier Béja magnificently embodies a sensitive, endearing Jean Zay, full of thirst for life and freedom, with real precision.