Monaco paid tribute to Jean Zay, a visionary politician and advocate for education and the arts, with a moving theatrical performance at the Théâtre des Variétés…
The play, Jean Zay, l’Homme Universel, captivated audiences, including 189 students from the Principality, with its poignant storytelling and historical significance.
Jean Zay, a left-wing politician of Jewish faith, served as Minister of National Education and Fine Arts under the Popular Front government before falling victim to anti-Semitic persecution. In 1940, the Vichy regime sentenced him to deportation, and he was ultimately assassinated by the French militia in 1944. His legacy, however, endures through his pioneering contributions, including the establishment of the CNRS, mandatory schooling until age 14, and even the creation of the Cannes Film Festival.
The play, featuring Xavier Béjat in the role of Zay, offered a deeply immersive experience, enhanced by video projections and evocative staging. Students were particularly struck by the integration of historical imagery, making the narrative even more compelling.
Following the performance, students engaged in a discussion with the production team, reflecting on Zay’s impact and the relevance of his ideas today. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about a historical figure often overlooked in standard curricula.
Later that evening, the performance was opened to the general public, serving as a powerful act of remembrance. Jean Zay’s ashes were transferred to the Panthéon in 2015, a testament to his enduring influence on French society.
Image: Monaco Info
