He is the artistic director of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Rouen-born actor and director was chosen at the age of 42 to design the four opening and closing ceremonies, which will be broadcast worldwide.
On July 26, he will open the ball with a scenario, the secret of which he keeps. A big challenge for someone who has achieved so much Starmania And Romeo and Juliet.
Madame Figaro .- My reaction when I was asked to be the artistic director of the Olympic Games.
Thomas Joly: I felt a mixture of giddiness, honor and surprise, because I am from the theater and not from Paris.
What does my role consist of?
As the artistic director of ceremonies, I choose what is said artistically, but also the participation of artists, choreographers, guests… I will also be the director of some events. The ultimate goal. Celebrating four-time Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
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What can I discover about the event?
But we already know a lot. One of the opening ceremonies will take place on the Seine, where the athletes will parade in boats and cross Paris from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Trocadéro, the other will take place on the Place de la Concorde. As for the closing ceremonies, they will take place at the “Stade de France” stadium.
My connection to the Olympics before this adventure?
Like most games, the games meant the TV was on all the time during the holidays. Depending on the events, my family members took turns sitting on the couch. Followed gym and rhythmic gymnastics since I was a kid, also loved swimming, especially synchronized swimming. Actually, I was interested in artistic subjects. We won’t do it again.
Criticism that would make me happy about the ceremonies.
I would like all people to feel represented. The issue of diversity is at the core of the work I am doing now, I would like to show that we are united.
Diversity is at the core of the work I do now
Thomas Jolly
The most Parisian thing in me.
I arrived in Paris barely a year ago for the Olympics and I don’t shy away from a drink on the terrace in the evening after work and before the show. It’s in my DNA now. I really enjoy living here, but being from the West, I lack a bit of geographical horizons.
What do the Olympics teach me about myself?
Patience! And it’s the first time I’m doing a show that I won’t see until the big day, it’s great to work with plans, 3D, models, because we’re only going to try a few pieces. without music and without costumes. I also discover work in media and political noise.
What sport am I?
A fine swimmer at best. Let’s say, I can go to the pool 2-3 times a week… On the other hand, my practice as a theater actor requires a lifestyle close to that of an athlete.
I arrived in Paris a year ago for the Olympics and I don’t deviate from a drink in the evening on the terrace after work and before the show.
Thomas Jolly
Is it bad to talk about myself in promos?
No, I’m happy to appeal to a potential audience because there’s a lot of fantasy and mystery surrounding building a show. I like to tell behind the scenes…
Misunderstanding about me?
People talk about me when I focus on the main events, but I also enjoy theater workshops with children, seeing them master the text, defying their shyness. We imagine that I am a comet, while my life is more connected with the reality of this art and its transmission.
What do I think about when I look in the mirror in the morning?
I look at my worry line that appeared above my left eyebrow during the Olympics.
Looking in the mirror this morning, I see my worry line that appeared above my left eyebrow during the Olympics.
Thomas Jolly
What do I do when I’m not working?
I play video games. They give me a short-term goal: kill the monster, find the magic mushroom… I’m captivated by their artistic power. Music, story, graphics, everything is possible in games.
Source: Le Figaro
