French comic and cinema 'Magnificent Fabcaro' comes to Izmir

The Institut Français in Turkey is dedicating May and June to the acclaimed French comic artist Fabrice Caro with a series of events titled "Magnificent Fabcaro." The celebration brings the author's cult work "Zaï Zaï Zaï Zaï" to life through a live reading performance and showcases his new film, "Alter Ego," in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara.

Directed and adapted for stage and screen by the French duo Nicolas & Bruno, these works offer audiences an experience filled with absurd humor. A central focus of the events is the "Live Reading" adaptation of "Zaï Zaï Zaï Zaï," part of the comic's world tour a decade after its publication. The story comically depicts a writer's absurd nationwide hunt after being noticed by a cashier for forgetting his store loyalty card.

During the performance, Nicolas & Bruno will project comic panels onto a large screen, voicing all characters, while musician Mathias Fédou provides live music and sound effects. The performance is scheduled for June 14 at the Istanbul AKM Theatre Hall, June 16 at the Institut Français Izmir, and June 19 at Kült Teras in Ankara.

The film component of the program features "Alter Ego," a satirical comedy directed by Nicolas & Bruno that drew nearly 300,000 viewers in France. The film tells the story of Alex, whose life is upended when his new neighbor turns out to be his exact double. Starring Laurent Lafitte, the film will be screened on June 15 at the Izmir Alsancak Karaca Cinema and on June 18 at Kült Kavaklıdere in Ankara.

These collaborations between Fabcaro, known for extracting absurd narratives from everyday contradictions, and Nicolas & Bruno, who craft a unique comedic language, extend beyond this tour. The duo is also preparing to adapt Caro's 2006 debut novel, "Figurec," into a new feature film.