Oh, the influence of French theater in America is simply enchanting, and who better to speak about it than the gifted French actor, Simon Catillon! When I sat down with him, his passion for theater was palpable in every word. “French theater,” he said, “brings a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to American stages.” Indeed, the intricate storytelling, the deep exploration of characters, and the raw emotions that French theater is known for have added a whole new dimension to American theater. And actors like Simon Catillon, with their captivating performances, are leading this exciting cultural exchange! I am thrilled to exclusively introduce you to the inimitable Simon Cattilon, a true Renaissance artist in the world of entertainment. Simon is not only an actor, but also a director, a mime, a genius screenwriter, a puppeteer, and more, which makes him a complete artist in every sense of the word.
Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, but the main themes that emerged were his experiences in immersive theater, his love of classical theater, his passion for clowning and mime, and his upcoming projects in the theater of figure and cinema. His journey from Paris to New York was nothing short of extraordinary and I can’t wait to delve deeper into his fascinating story.
New York Art Life Magazine: One of the most fascinating aspects of your career is your extensive involvement in immersive theatre. You have played two major characters in live thrillers, captivating audiences with your talent and dedication. Your acting and improvisation as a detective in “The Live Thriller” and The Live Hold-up are truly masterful.
It was astonishing to see your versatility as an actor and your ability to engage with the audience on a whole new level.
Simon Catillon: My experiences in immersive theatre have undoubtedly shaped me as an artist and have given me a unique perspective on the power of live performance. Immersive theater is a type of live performance that differs from traditional theater by involving the audience directly in the experience, often blurring the lines between performers and spectators. With this form of theater, I can create sensorial empathy with the audience, allowing them to become part of the story or narrative being told. Any theatrical genre is based on creating emotions. And this is my main aim.
New York Art Life Magazine: We cannot help but associate Simon Catillon’s name with Parisian theater and your enormous contribution to classical theater as well. You co-wrote, directed, and played lead roles in “Enquête d’Amour” (Unusual Suspects), where contemporary theater mixes with classical theater with grotesque and surprising ideas, breaking classic patterns. Like Harlequin, a cocaine addict, and Lucrezia Borgia, a follower of the Marquis de Sade. Brilliant. This is the extraordinary French creativity. How has Paris influenced your creativity and artistic growth?
Simon Catillon: Paris occupies a prestigious place in the world of theater, with a history that reflects the city’s rich cultural and artistic traditions. Molière, Jean Racine, and Pierre Corneille, with French drama. The continuous inspiration that spreads modern and contemporary theatre: in the 19th and 20th centuries, with figures such as Sarah Bernhardt, Antonin Artaud, and Jean-Paul Sartre who contributed significantly to its evolution. And then again the new theatrical forms and philosophies, with the Theater of the Absurd, with playwrights such as Samuel Beckett and Eugène Ionesco. Paris’ theater scene is a testament to the city’s enduring love affair with the arts. This is my inspiration. Paris is the lighthouse that lights the way for new expressions. This is where I get inspired, both as an actor and as an author.
New York Art Life Magazine: But your ambitions couldn’t be contained within the borders of France. You yearned for new challenges and opportunities, which led you to make the bold move to New York City. Your unique blend of physicality and emotional depth captivated audiences and critics alike. You have utilized the vibrant backdrop of New York City to produce an intriguing series of shorts that you directed and where you starred as the lead. Your series includes titles such as “Lucien,” “Lullaby,” “Good Night Bob,” and “Battle Chips,” all of which showcase your unique storytelling ability and brilliant performances.
Simon Catillon: It’s truly challenging to create compelling narratives in the short time frame of a short film, engaging audiences with rapid but profound character development. My versatility as both an actor and director gives me the ability to shape my performances from both sides of the camera, resulting in emotionally resonant short films. While I am at the helm of most of my projects, I have also collaborated with other talented directors. Notably, I have worked with Atticus Boyle on standout pieces like “Chicken Town” and “Ramble.” These collaborations have allowed me to explore different styles and techniques, further expanding my range. The diversity in my body of work reflects my relentless pursuit of artistic evolution.
New York Art Life Magazine: Your first starring role as a lead puppeteer was in the play “Darko Lolo and the Road of Joy”, directed by Corinne Mighirditchian, a famous French actress and puppeteer. In this production, you captivated audiences with your ability to bring life and emotion to the puppets on stage. With your impeccable puppeteering skills, you create a mesmerizing experience for viewers, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
Simon Catillon: Since I was a child, I have had a true passion and attraction for the world of puppets. I have cultivated this passion of mine, making it a fundamental part of my artistic career. New York City is an extraordinary city that gives a lot of space to this fantastic world. With its diverse and vibrant performing arts scene, NYC is home to a variety of puppetry arts, including puppet theaters and performances that cater to both children and adults. This spring, I will embark on a new adventure in the world of theater. I will bring my experience in the world of puppetry to Broadway with a captivating puppet show. It will certainly be an experience not to be missed for theater enthusiasts.
New York Art Life Magazine: Actor, director, puppeteer, stunt performer, sword fighter, truly an artist of a thousand forms. You also are a renowned clown and mime artist, with your performances in “Lucien” and “A French Buskumentary”. With your exceptional talent and unique style, you bring characters to life in a way that captivates and entertains viewers of all ages.
Simon Catillon: The tradition of French mime and clown is a rich and storied aspect of the performing arts, with roots that stretch deep into European history. The tradition is most closely linked with the name Marcel Marceau. Marceau’s character “Bip” encapsulated the essence of mime: conveying complex narratives and emotions solely through gesture and expression. The French clown is typified by figures such as the white-faced, melancholic Pierrot and the more rambunctious and colorful Harlequin, both originally from commedia dell’arte but deeply ingrained in French culture. Both French mime and clowning, which I started at an early age, had a profound impact on my artistic education. In “A French Buskumentary”, I portray a lovable and bumbling clown who stumbles through life’s challenges with comedic grace. Meanwhile, in “Lucien”, I showcase my skills as a mime artist, using body language and gestures to convey stories without uttering a single word.
New York Art Life Magazine: In your work, you effortlessly blend your Parisian sensibility with the pure energy of New York. What is New York’s contribution to your extraordinary creativity?
Simon Catillon: From the moment I set foot in the Big Apple, I was fascinated by the energy and diversity that permeates every corner of this bustling metropolis. I am attracted to the vibrant theater scene and have been amazed by the talent and dedication of the actors and directors I have met. The vibrant energy of this city is simply contagious, fueling my artistic spirit and pushing me to new heights. New York City is a place where artists from all walks of life come together to create magic on stage. Theater in New York is like no other; it’s electric, it’s alive, and it’s constantly evolving. As Audrey Hepburn famously said, “New York is always a good idea,” and when it comes to theater, she couldn’t be more right.
New York Art Life Magazine: Thank you very much for accepting our invitation. So let’s close the interview with a warm: Au revoir.
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