For its 39th edition, the Comédie du livre, 10 jours en mai invites this year the Prize of the Imagination. On the program, around thirty authors of science fiction, fantasy or fantasy, numerous authors winning prizes awarded in 2023, and major evenings.
As it approaches its 40th anniversary, the Comédie du livre, which recently became “Comédie du livre, 10 jours en Mai”, has begun a new transformation. Choosing to open up “to new literary and graphic universes and new audiences”, the event, which begins on May 10, is hosting this year, for the first time, the presentation of the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire. A prize with numerous winners which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. This is why the author who has the right to his carte blanche this year is a novelist of the Imagination in the person of Alain Damasio. In the same spirit, the publisher Bélial and more than thirty science fiction, fantasy or fantasy authors are among the guests of this 39th edition. For Régis Penalva, the artistic director of the Comédie du livre, the event once again responds to “a requirement for diversity”.
The 2023 winners
This diversity is enough to pick out a few elements of the program to see it through the meetings, readings, shows, screenings, debates, and the 80 different publishing houses that are invited. Big names in literature are obviously expected. The Goncourt 2023, Jean-Baptiste Andrea, offers two moments. One with the Japanese Akira Mizubayashi at 7 p.m. at the Opéra Comédie on Saturday May 18 and the other, the next day in the MO.CO lounge. to talk about its relationship to art. The same day Neige Sinno, Prix Femina et Goncourt des Lycéens, will give us a reading at 4:30 p.m. at the Maison des Choirs. During a meeting with the public, Mathieu Belezi, Inter Book Prize, will talk with the designer Kamel Khélif (Sunday May 19, 4 p.m.). For his part, the Icelandic Jón Kalman Stefánsson will participate in several events.
Big names
Among the popular authors, Titiou Lecoq will give a major interview on Saturday May 18 and Jean-Christophe Rufin and Olivier Adam theirs the next day. Jean-Baptiste Del Amo will give a musical reading at the Panacée auditorium at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 12. Let’s remain among the winners of the Prix Goncourt for the first novel with Émilienne Malfatto. La Montpellieraine, who also has the 2021 Albert Londres Book Prize in her pocket, is hosting two meetings (May 17 and 19) to Absence is a woman with black hair, an investigation that takes us to Argentina. A place will also be made for first-time novelists and young authors such as Juliette Willerval, Rémi Baille, Chris Vuklisevic.
Great evenings
The program of show evenings is obviously well-stocked. They are inaugurated by Léonor de Récondo for the musical reading of The Great Fire, to the sound of Vivaldi, Friday May 10 at 8 p.m. at the Maison des choirs. At the Opéra Comédie, on May 14 at 8 p.m., Mathias Malzieu, singer of Dionysos, will explore his literary work with The Extraordinarium. The next day, JP Nataf (ex-Innocents) sets to music Le Grand Secours, the latest novel by Thomas B. Reverdy. In closing Pascal Quignard and pianist Aline Piboule deliver Fauré or the last loveSunday May 19 at 6 p.m. at the Cité des Arts.
The book fair which brings together booksellers and publishers takes place once again on Promenade du Peyrou from May 17 to 19. Here again, diversity is essential, with general literature, comics or the children’s section. Enough to make this annual meeting a popular and friendly moment.
Carte blanche by Alain Damasio
Guest of honor of this Comedy of the Book, which takes a turn towards the world of The Imaginary, Alain Damasio has the privilege of being able to offer a tailor-made program. The one who in Silicon Valley, his latest work immersed in the disturbing world of Silicon Valley, will offer several discussions. May 18 with novelist Fabrice Capizzano, and May 19 with literature professor Yves Citton and Palestinian poet Karim Kattan. On May 18, the novelist will also premiere Sylvère Petit’s film at the Diagonal cinema at 8 p.m.: Living among the Living. On May 17, it’s time for sound creation with Phaune radio at Tropisme at 6 p.m. A prelude to 380 Voltes, musical riota poetic and political concert-reading conducted with Palo Alto scheduled at 8:30 p.m. and specially designed for the Comédie du livre.
