“Push Yourself, Guys!” – A Stage Adaptation of Claire Bretécher’s comics Coming too Montauban in 2025
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A stage adaptation of the iconic comic works of Claire Bretécher, “Les Fraustrés” (The Frustrated Ones) and “Les Mères” (The Mothers), is scheduled to be performed at the Espace des Augustins in Montauban, France, on November 14, 2025. The show, titled “Poussez-vous, les mecs!” (“Push Yourself, Guys!”), promises a revival of Bretécher’s insightful commentary on French society and a tribute to her legacy as a keen observer of cultural trends.
About Claire Bretécher and Her Work
Claire Bretécher (1923-2020) was a highly influential French cartoonist and designer, best known for her satirical comics published in Le Nouvel Observateur magazine for over four decades. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claire-Bretecher Her work, frequently enough characterized by its sharp wit and meticulous detail, dissected the behaviors and ideologies of various social groups – from the bourgeois to the politically engaged – earning her recognition as a critically important social commentator. Roland Barthes, the renowned literary theorist, famously described her as a “sociologist.”
“Les Fraustrés,” first published in 1963, lampooned the anxieties and pretensions of the upper middle class. “Les Mères,” appearing in 1975, offered a satirical look at the changing roles and expectations of mothers in French society. Both series remain relevant today for their astute observations on human behavior and social dynamics.
The Stage Adaptation: Cecile Garcia Fogel and Flore Lefebvre des Noëttes
The stage adaptation is directed and performed by Cécile Garcia Fogel,an actress with experience in the works of Christophe Rauck [https://www.theater-contemporain.net/artistes/cecile-garcia-fogel/],and Flore Lefebvre des noëttes. The two actresses, long-time collaborators, will portray exclusively female characters, bringing Bretécher’s female figures to life on stage. The production will incorporate texts, interviews, and feminist songs to complement the visual narrative of the comics.
The performance aims to be more than just a recreation of the comics; it’s described as “an entertainment of the Spirit, a singular tribute” to Bretécher’s work. It seeks to re-ignite the thought-provoking themes present in her original creations.
Event Details
* Event: Poussez-vous, les mecs! (Push Yourself, Guys!) – A stage adaptation of Claire Bretécher’s “Les Fraustrés” and “les Mères.”
* Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
* Time: 8:30 PM (20:30)
* Venue: Espace des Augustins, 27 rue des Augustins, 82000 Montauban, France
* Tickets: Available for purchase online at https://ticketmaster-fr.tm7516.net/c/4251498/427761/7516?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.fr%2Ffr%2Fmanifestation%2Fpoussez-vous-les-mecs-billet%2Fidmanif%2F632375%2Fidtier%2F18864121
* Price: Currently listed as 0 euros (price may vary).
A Lasting Legacy
Claire Bretécher’s work continues to resonate with audiences for its timeless observations on society and human nature. This stage adaptation offers a fresh viewpoint on her iconic comics, promising an evening of insightful entertainment for fans and newcomers alike. The production provides an opportunity to revisit and appreciate the work of a truly unique and influential artist.