F*ck la vie d'artiste

by Georgette Kelly

(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: F*ck la vie d'artiste

    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.

    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: F*ck la vie d'artiste

    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.

    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: F*ck la vie d'artiste

    A love story, a heart-wrenching political commentary, a compelling melding of words and images. I highly recommend this small but powerful play.

    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
    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.
    Character Age
    20's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    French-Moroccan
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Vincent
    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.
    Character Age
    20's-40's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American / Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Avery
    Fresh out of college in the US, and teaching English abroad for the year. Tries to speak French.
    Character Age
    20's
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Diversionary Theatre, Year 2019
  • Type Workshop, Organization DC Source Festival , Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) Conference (Winner Jane Chambers Student Award), Year 2014

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Hunter College Playwrights Festival, Dir. Jessi D. Hill, Year 2014
  • Type Workshop, Organization Eccentric Theatre Company, New York, NY, Year 2017

Awards

  • The Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship
    Semi-Finalist
    2014
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2017
  • New Play Festival
    Activate: Midwest
    Finalist
    2015
  • Jane Chamber Student Playwriting Award
    ATHE
    Winner
    2014