The couple returned to Le Touquet where they trained fourteen years ago, already around literature. Actress and president of the association for the preservation of the collection of mime Marceau, one of her passions, the original Péronnaise – where her two parents still live – Valérie Bochenek and her companion Jean-Louis Debré, Gaullist and former politician, will sign their book “Behind the scenes, political side, theater side” (Plon editions) published last September.
This book is a double story written until last July around the theatrical adventure, its side effects and its educational encounters with audiences throughout France. “ Jean-Louis Debré evokes, without nostalgia but with a certain tenderness, some scenes from this ministerial and parliamentary life which was his in a presidential and governmental universe which seems very far from his conception of the relationships between the people and their leaders. », Presents the editor.
The theatrical show, only the couple is on stage with the musical complicity of the pianist Christophe Dies, unfolds the portraits of fifteen exceptional women of the 19the and 20e centuries, among the twenty-six portraits of their previous book released in 2013 “These women who woke up France”. The show has the same title. Three Mariannes appear in the background to symbolically illustrate the common history of the French Republic. Jean-Louis Debré willingly portrays men who have rather the bad role, “ the voice of the against » in the face of women's fight for their emancipation.
The first high school graduate and the pioneer of retail
Which woman are you talking about? Jean-Louis Debré: “ Our history was written by men and we have forgotten the role of women in the progress of freedoms and equality. A woman was at the origin of a revolution that no one knows about, the first high school graduate in France. Julie-Victoire Daubié who lived in the Vosges. She wanted to study but was not allowed to take the baccalaureate. She got it at 37 and opened the doors to higher education to all women. »
« We love them all, the women we talk aboutcontinues Valérie Bochenek. If I had to name one, it would be Marguerite Boucicaut, a young woman who lives in a hovel and keeps geese. His mother no longer has the means to raise him. Apprentice in a laundry and later with her husband, she will revolutionize the retail trade, inventing the Bon Marché department stores, the white month, contemporary marketing ».
« These women of the 19th centurye and 20e are at the origin of revolutions. We could also cite the first lawyer, the first female doctor. They were very tough fights that paved the way. All are Republicans and aspire to the same rights, for freedom and equality. », insists Jean-Louis Debré. Like the book, the show is also funny. “ The reminder of the republican idea is very popular », extends Mr Debré, “ in a gloomy, complicated and perspective-less period », adds his companion. “ But no women's magazine talked about either the play or the book. It's crazy », deplores Valérie Bochenek. The unclassifiable always bothers, another fight.
When will the show be in Picardy?
Initially, the artistic community did not want a politician on stage. Then word of mouth promoted success. Performed for three years, the show “These women who awakened France”, even nominated for a Molière award, has crossed the threshold of 200 performances and 25,000 spectators. From February 2025, it will again be given in medium-sized towns such as Aix-les-Bains, Marmande and Libourne. Until now, the show has been given very little in Hauts-de-France and not even at all in the three departments of Picardy. The performers, half of Picardy origin with Valérie Bochenek, would like to repair this anomaly with a regional tour in Hauts-de-France and performances for schools. Notice to amateurs.
