Avignon 2025: Made in France – Smart & Impactful Comedy
“Made in France”: A Committed Comedy of Factory struggles
Table of Contents
- “Made in France”: A Committed Comedy of Factory struggles
-
- The Looming Threat
- Made in France: 100% Talent
- “Made in France,” written and directed by Samuel Valensi and Paul-Éloi
forget, featuring June Assal, Michel Derville alternating with Bertrand
Saunier, Thomas Rio alternating with Paul-Eloi Forget, Valérie Moinet,
samuel Valensi & Mélanie Centenero or Chloé Denis on drums, plays until
April 29, 2025, at the
Théâtre de Belleville. - Then from July 5 to 26, 2025, at 11. Avignon.
- “Made in France,” written and directed by Samuel Valensi and Paul-Éloi
- Review
-
- “Made in France”: Your Questions Answered About This Engaging Comedy
- What is “Made in France” about?
- Who is the central character in ”Made in France”?
- What themes does “Made in France” explore?
- Were and when can I see “Made in France”?
- Who are the key members of the cast and creative team?
- What is the importance of the drum kit in the play?
- How is comedy used in “Made in France”?
- What did the reviewer think of “Made in France”?
- What is La Poursuite du Bleu, and what is their commitment to their work?
- Summary of key information:
“Made in France” is the latest production from the talented company La
Poursuite du Bleu. The play follows Émile, who hopes to leave the detention
center were he has been residing. His day job involves cleaning a factory,
with the prospect of release for good behavior. However, the situation
takes a dramatic and uplifting turn.
The Looming Threat
this job is Émile’s way out, his only chance to reunite with his family.
Motivated, he arrives at the factory for his first day. Though, things do
not go as planned.

In contrast to the company’s previous show, the
drum kit of Mélanie Centenero or Chloé Denis takes center stage,
intensifying the dramatic atmosphere, echoing the rhythm of work, and
reflecting the growing anger within the factory, like hearts beating rapidly.
Geoffroy Adragna’s lighting enhances the ambiance, and
Samuel Valensi and Paul-Eloi Forget’s rhythmic and fluid staging,
assisted by Alice Helfing & alexandre Babey, uses a mobile set to draw the
audience into the movement.
Made in France: 100% Talent
Following “Coupures,” a satire exploring the public’s role in democratic
debate, La Poursuite du Bleu delivers strongly with this new creation. Its
strength lies in using comedy to defend a truly engaged message, ridiculing
certain societal functions with talent.

The entire team displays talent,especially the cast. Paul-Éloi Forget
plays Émile as naive, playful, funny, and touching. June Assal blends
into each of her roles, and Valérie Moinet impresses. Samuel
Valensi and Bertrand Saunier, known for their comedic talent,
complete the perfect casting.
“Eh bien madame, si le droit est contre nous, il faut le changer. Et c’est
pour ça que nous allons faire grève !”
Workers, journalists, company directors, and the minister of economy each
defend their interests, guided by varying motives. The play’s rhythm and set
movements evoke the image of water swirling before being swallowed,like
french industry being consumed by delocalization. It’s a high-quality,
funny, and bright work, entirely Made in france.
“Made in France,” written and directed by Samuel Valensi and Paul-Éloi
forget, featuring June Assal, Michel Derville alternating with Bertrand
Saunier, Thomas Rio alternating with Paul-Eloi Forget, Valérie Moinet,
samuel Valensi & Mélanie Centenero or Chloé Denis on drums, plays until
April 29, 2025, at the
Théâtre de Belleville.
forget, featuring June Assal, Michel Derville alternating with Bertrand
Saunier, Thomas Rio alternating with Paul-Eloi Forget, Valérie Moinet,
samuel Valensi & Mélanie Centenero or Chloé Denis on drums, plays until
April 29, 2025, at the
Théâtre de Belleville.
Then from July 5 to 26, 2025, at 11. Avignon.

Review
Brilliant!
In this fourth show, La Poursuite du Bleu examines the causes and
consequences of deindustrialization through comedy. The company’s
commitment is evident in its operation, deserving recognition.
“Made in France”: Your Questions Answered About This Engaging Comedy
This Q&A explores the compelling play “made in France,” a production by La Poursuite du Bleu, tackling themes of deindustrialization with humor adn heart.
What is “Made in France” about?
“Made in France” centers on Émile, a man seeking to leave a detention centre. His prospect lies in a factory cleaning job that promises release for good behavior. The play follows his journey as unexpected events led to a dramatic and uplifting turn of events, exploring the struggles within the factory and the larger issue of French industry being consumed by delocalization.It uses comedy to examine the causes and consequences of this challenging issue.
Who is the central character in ”Made in France”?
The central character is Émile, portrayed as naive, playful, funny, and touching by actor Paul-Éloi Forget. He seeks to leave a detention center and reunite with his family through a factory job.
What themes does “Made in France” explore?
“Made in France” explores themes of:
Deindustrialization: The play examines the causes and consequences of deindustrialization in France, using the factory setting as a microcosm.
Social Engagement: La Poursuite du Bleu uses comedy to deliver a message about societal functions, particularly focusing on workers’ rights and economic anxieties.
Hope and Upliftment: Despite the serious subject matter, the play promises a dramatic and ultimately uplifting storyline.
The Value of Work: The play explores how work and it’s difficulties and the affect it has on the worker.
Were and when can I see “Made in France”?
“Made in France” plays until April 29, 2025, at the Théâtre de Belleville in Paris. It will then be shown from July 5 to 26, 2025, in Avignon.
Who are the key members of the cast and creative team?
Director & Writer: Samuel Valensi and Paul-Éloi Forget
Cast: June Assal, Michel Derville alternating with Bertrand Saunier, Thomas Rio alternating with Paul-Eloi Forget, Valérie Moinet, Samuel Valensi
Drummers: Mélanie Centenero or Chloé Denis
Lighting: Geoffroy adragna
Staging Assistance: Alice Helfing & Alexandre Babey
What is the importance of the drum kit in the play?
The drum kit, played by Mélanie Centenero or Chloé Denis, intensifies the dramatic atmosphere. It reflects the rhythm of work and the growing anger within the factory,symbolizing the emotions of the characters and heightening the tension of the narrative.
How is comedy used in “Made in France”?
“Made in France” uses comedy as a tool to:
Engage audiences: It makes the serious topic of deindustrialization more accessible.
Deliver a message: Comedy allows the play to critique societal functions and defend an engaged message effectively.
Ridicule societal functions The cast uses comedy to ridicule certain societal functions with talent.
What did the reviewer think of “Made in France”?
The review is overwhelmingly positive, calling the play “Brilliant!” and awarding it a 9.5/10 rating. The reviewer highlights the talent of the cast and the company’s commitment to examining deindustrialization through comedy. The company’s commitment is evident in its operation, deserving recognition.
What is La Poursuite du Bleu, and what is their commitment to their work?
La Poursuite du Bleu is the talented company behind “Made in France.” The review emphasizes the company’s commitment to its operation,deserving recognition for its work. This suggests a dedication to both artistic quality and the social issues explored within their productions.
Summary of key information:
| Category | Details |
| —————– | ————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Play Title | Made in France |
| company | La Poursuite du Bleu |
| Themes | Deindustrialization, social engagement, hope, the value of work |
| Directors | Samuel Valensi and paul-Éloi Forget |
| Current Dates | Until April 29, 2025, at Théâtre de Belleville (Paris); July 5-26, 2025, at Avignon |
| Central character | Émile. A man trying to get out of a detention center and reunite with his family. |
| Review Score | 9.5/10 |
