Cie Frenhofer's Longtemps, je me suis couché de bonne heure Explores Proustian Themes Through Playful Performance

Inspiration from Proust

The Compagnie Frenhofer's production Longtemps, je me suis couché de bonne heure takes its title from the first line of the first part of the first chapter of the first volume of À la Recherche du temps perdu by Marcel Proust. The title translates to "For a long time, I went to bed early," and it sets the tone for the production's exploration of memory and time.

Themes and Setting

The performance delves into themes of childhood, memory, lost time, and the gradual return of sleep. The child's room is the central setting, serving as a symbolic space for these reflections on time and personal history.

Artistic Approach

The production uses a variety of contrasting artistic styles, including puppetry, comics, and the critical theory of the Frankfurt School, to emphasize the power of imagination as a means of personal and collective liberation. This eclectic mix creates a unique and thought-provoking experience for the audience.

Creative Team and Production

The production is conceived by Flavien Bellec and Étienne Blanc of the Cie Frenhofer, with all three also serving as performers. It is produced by Frenhofer, Comédie de Caen — CDN de Normandie, and Le Volcan, scène nationale du Havre, as part of the OUEST, Pôle international de Production et Diffusion Normand. Comédie de Caen — CDN de Normandie handles the delegated production.

Support and Distribution

Development and distribution are managed by Noémie de Bersaques of Comédie de Caen and Romain Courault of le Bureau des écritures contemporaines. The production has received support from several partners, including Tanit Théâtre, Maison des Métallos, and various regional and national cultural organizations.

Performance Details

The production is recommended for audiences aged eight and older and lasts approximately one hour. It will be performed from 24 to 27 November 2026 at Théâtre des Cordes, CDN de Caen, and from 30 November to 2 December 2026 at Le Volcan, Le Havre. It will also be presented at the Festival Ad Hoc on 29 January 2027 at Théâtre de Lisieux Normandie.

First Mention

The article Longtemps, je me suis couché de bonne heure by the Cie Frenhofer first appeared on Sceneweb, a platform that documents and promotes contemporary performing arts.