In Marius, the protagonist feels the urge to escape his life in Marseille, yearning for fresh air and adventure. However, his father, César, who raised him and values hard work, and possibly his beautiful friend Fanny, keep him tethered. Marcel Pagnol’s nearly century-old work evokes the sun-soaked landscapes and the distinct accent of Provence. In Joël Pommerat’s adaptation, the lightness and innocence of the original give way to a more raw truth, influenced by Pommerat’s years of theatrical work in a French prison. While maintaining the Marseille setting, Pommerat adapts Marius to resonate with contemporary issues, particularly the unspoken violence in today’s world. His approach is to take creative liberties with the original while remaining faithful to its essence, highlighting the quest for freedom at the heart of the play.
In French.
