Christian Cazenave: From Dentistry to Directing at the Théâtre

Christian Cazenave, a retired dentist from Pau, France, has returned to his first love – the theater – this time as a director. His journey began with a childhood fascination sparked by a performance at the Comédie-Française, a memory that stayed with him despite forgetting the play’s title. After initially pursuing a career in dental surgery, Cazenave found himself drawn back to the stage, eventually leading to a fulfilling second act as a director.

A Return to the Stage

Cazenave’s re-entry into the theatrical world began in 1996, after a chance encounter with Stéphane Blancafort, an actor who learned of Cazenave’s passion for theater. Initially hesitant, Cazenave was eventually persuaded to participate in a theatrical reading, reigniting his dormant passion. He balanced his dental practice with acting roles and filming dates, often surprising his patients who discovered his second career.

Collaborations and Local Theater

Throughout his career, Cazenave has collaborated with numerous local theater companies and artists. He fondly remembers working with Frédéric Fuertes at the Art Scène Théâtre in Pau, and Violette Campo from the Théâtre les pieds dans l’eau in Mourenx, whom he describes as “someone who counts in the region.” He also acknowledges the contributions of companies like 1, 2, 3 Soleil and Richard Cayre.

Directing “Powder in the Eyes”

Cazenave’s latest venture is directing Eugène Labiche’s “Powder in the Eyes” (“La poudre aux yeux”), a play written in 1861. He believes the play’s themes of superficiality and the pursuit of appearances remain relevant today, particularly in the age of social media. He emphasizes the importance of the actors’ personal investment in the production, describing the process as a “collective function” and a “work of friends.”

A Focus on Character and Fun

Cazenave’s directing approach involves helping the actors deeply understand their characters, starting with their physical presence. He admits to playfully “torturing” them to encourage exploration, but emphasizes the collaborative and enjoyable nature of the process. He believes that if the actors are having fun, the audience will too. The production utilizes minimal set design, relying on the actors and the play’s wit to create an engaging experience.

Cazenave’s return to the theater as a director marks a new chapter in a career fueled by passion and a dedication to the art form.