The cultural landscape of Monaco is preparing for a poignant exploration of family, mental health, and the redemptive power of creativity this May. The Théâtre des Muses will host L’art d’être mon père, a solo performance that delves into the complex dynamics between a daughter and her father during a pivotal year of childhood.
Set against the backdrop of 1989, the production follows the journey of a young girl named Zoé during her final year of primary school (CM2). The narrative unfolds as Zoé’s parents separate, leading her father to seek a deeper connection with his daughter. His method is as ambitious as This proves unconventional: he volunteers to direct the school’s end-of-year play, a musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.
The play is not merely a story of school-day nostalgia but a study of the fine line between artistic genius and psychological instability. Through the lens of the rehearsal process, the audience witnesses a father attempting to instill a love for poetry and a profound sensitivity to the world in his daughter and her classmates. However, this mission is complicated by the father’s struggle with bipolar disorder, whose excesses and transgressions threaten to derail the entire production.
A Father’s Ambition and the Chaos of Creativity
At its core, L’art d’être mon père examines the tension between a parent’s desire to inspire and the reality of their limitations. The father is portrayed as an extraordinary director, driven by an urgent need to communicate the necessity of art in human life. By choosing Les Misérables—a story of struggle, redemption, and social injustice—the production mirrors the internal conflicts the father faces in his own life.
The narrative captures the fragility of the bond between Zoé and her father. While the rehearsals provide a sanctuary where they can spend time together, the volatility of the father’s condition creates a precarious environment. The play poses a central question: can the beauty of art survive the turbulence of mental illness, and will the spectacle actually take place?
The Art of the Solo Performance
The production is a tour de force for its lead, Julie Timmerman, who serves as both the author and the sole performer. In a demanding display of versatility, Timmerman portrays approximately ten different characters, weaving together an intimate and collective history. This “seule-en-scène” format allows the audience to experience the story through a fragmented yet cohesive perspective, shifting seamlessly between the innocence of the children and the instability of the adults.
Critics have noted the precision of Timmerman’s delivery. Laurent Bourbousson of Ouvert aux Publics described the actress as a “perfect conductor,” praising the freshness and well-balanced humor she brings to her personal history. The writing is noted for its ability to maintain momentum, blending moments of deep emotional “abysses” with bursts of light and laughter.
Navigating Mental Health through the Stage
By centering the plot on a father with bipolar disorder, the play moves beyond simple drama to offer a nuanced look at mental health. The production does not shy away from the “transgressions” associated with the condition, but it frames them within the context of a man who deeply loves his daughter and possesses an overwhelming passion for the arts.
This portrayal highlights the intersection of creativity and instability, suggesting that the same sensitivity that allows the father to appreciate poetry also makes him vulnerable to the extremes of his disorder. For the audience, the play serves as a reflection on how families navigate the unpredictable nature of mental illness while searching for stability and love.
Event Logistics and Attendance
The production will run for a limited engagement in May 2026. According to the Visit Monaco event calendar, the show has a duration of one hour.
The performance schedule is as follows:
- Thursday, May 21: 20:00
- Friday, May 22: 20:00
- Saturday, May 23: 20:00
- Sunday, May 24: 16:30
Tickets are available via the theater’s online booking system. The venue has advised that if online tickets are no longer available, patrons should contact the theater directly by telephone to check for remaining seats.
The upcoming performances mark a significant addition to the spring cultural program in Monaco, offering a blend of humor and heartache that explores the enduring influence of a parent’s passion on a child’s life.
For those attending, the next confirmed checkpoint for the production is the opening night on Thursday, May 21, 2026. We invite readers to share their thoughts on the role of art in healing family relationships in the comments below.