A child uncovers his father's body in an Emmaüs shelter, left with only a cryptic message. The play La mort du Môme explores grief, exile, and the death of childhood.
Child finds father's body in shelter
A child discovers his father's body in an Emmaüs shelter, a place where people in need find temporary housing. The only inheritance left behind is a sentence written on the ground, which the child cannot understand because the language is unfamiliar to him.Sentence holds a message
The sentence written on the ground translates to "Bury me where I have lived." It becomes a central element in the narrative, guiding the child's journey through the emotional and existential challenges of loss and identity.Play explores themes of loss and exile
The play, titled La mort du Môme, delves into themes of earth and exile, the fall of a father, and the reconstruction of family. It also reflects on the death of childhood, capturing the transition from innocence to awareness of life's harsh realities.Cast and creative team
The performance is created by Sébastien Kheroufi and features a diverse cast including actors such as Amine Adjina, Oulaya Amamra, and Reda Kateb. Children in rotation and a choir of residents contribute to the storytelling, enhancing the emotional depth of the production.Dramaturgy and artistic contributions
Louise Kretzschmar collaborates on dramaturgy, while Nacera Belaza provides the choreographic vision. Benjamin Lebreton designs the set, and Marie-Christine Soma and Diane Guérin handle the lighting. Isabelle Flosi is responsible for costumes, and other contributors include specialists in mask design, physical preparation, and choir coordination.Production and co-productions
The production is directed by Céline Martinet – Tapioca Production, with support from various institutions. The company behind the performance, La Tendre Lenteur, collaborates with multiple theaters and festivals, including the Festival d'Automne à Paris and Centre Pompidou.Support and funding
The play receives support from several cultural organizations, including Ateliers Médicis and the Académie de France à Rome – Villa Médicis. La Tendre Lenteur is conventioned by the DRAC and the Île-de-France Region, which provides aid for artistic and cultural activities.Performance details and content
The play contains explicit language and addresses situations of violence. It is scheduled to run for three hours and will be published by Éditions Espaces 34 in November 2026. The creation took place at La Colline – théâtre national in Paris, with performances in late 2023 and early 2027 at various venues across France.First appearance and publication
"La mort du Môme" by Sébastien Kheroufi first appeared on Sceneweb, an online platform for theater information and reviews.
