(2W, 1M) France, 2005: Zenab is an aspiring French-Moroccan artist, stuck giving tours of the room where Vincent Van Gogh died. When Vincent’s ghost begins to speak to her, she finds herself torn between her art and Avery, the American woman she’s fallen in love with. Meanwhile, race riots explode near Paris after two youths of color are killed in a police chase. Zenab joins the riots, easel in hand, to...
(2W, 1M) France, 2005: Zenab is an aspiring French-Moroccan artist, stuck giving tours of the room where Vincent Van Gogh died. When Vincent’s ghost begins to speak to her, she finds herself torn between her art and Avery, the American woman she’s fallen in love with. Meanwhile, race riots explode near Paris after two youths of color are killed in a police chase. Zenab joins the riots, easel in hand, to paint her own version of France—one that digs deeper than the postcard-perfect veneer sold to tourists. Based on the true story of Bouna Traoré, 15 and Zyed Benna, 17, whose deaths inspired weeks of sustained rioting across France, this play asks the question: what does it mean when your own country sees you as an outsider? [For perusal script, please contact author].
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F*ck la vie d'artiste
Recommended by
Cheryl Bear:
14 Apr. 2021
“
A ghost story of art and politics. The ability to be seen as one of the community is lacking and the need for expression is even greater. Well done. ”
Bridget Grace Sheaff:
1 Jul. 2020
“
No joke or irony, this is one of my top ten favorite plays in the world right now. The relevance to our current moment and the connection to the world of art and expression leave me breathless anytime I read it. I have always wanted to stage this play. I think Georgette is just a deft, compassionate, clever, and bold playwright. ”
Lojo Simon:
13 Jan. 2016
“
A love story, a heart-wrenching political commentary, a compelling melding of words and images. I highly recommend this small but powerful play. ”
Character Information
Zenab
20's,
French-Moroccan
,
Female
An aspiring painter, stuck giving tours of the room where Van Gogh died. First generation French, Moroccan heritage. This actor must speak French and some Moroccan Arabic Dialect (Darija), and is ideally of Moroccan descent.
Can be played by:
Age:
20s
Race/Ethnicity:
Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American
Gender:
Female
Vincent
20's-40's,
African American / Black
,
Male
The ghost of Vincent Van Gogh, re-imagined by Zenab, played by a black man. The same actor also plays "Voyou," a young French man of African descent who participates in the riots. This actor must speak French, and is ideally of Francophone African descent.
Can be played by:
Age:
20s, 30s, 40s
Race/Ethnicity:
Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
Gender:
Male
Avery
20's,
White
,
Female
Fresh out of college in the US, and teaching English abroad for the year. Tries to speak French.