L’Homme qui rit

Published in 1869, The Man Who Laughs is the writer’s penultimate novel, undoubtedly one of his most unique and underappreciated works. A philosophical, historical, and dramatic work, the issue of social justice is central to it. Hugo’s genius lies in his ability to blend the epic and the pathos with poignant sincerity.
To recount the incredible fate of this young English lord—kidnapped and disfigured by child traffickers, then taken in by a philosophical and misanthropic street performer— Jean Bellorini assembles a chorus of actresses and actors, all of whom could “embody” the novel. The characters are then free to appear, born of the intangible and of dreams.

Stage props, special effects, music, and songs will all be brought into play—as a tribute to the theater—so that we never forget that appearances can be deceiving, that laughter is never far from tears, and that men can behave like beasts and wolves like sages.