'Totally political' decision: Alexis Michalik denounces cancellation of migrant play by Castres mayor

The new mayor of Castres, France, has canceled the scheduled performance of the play "Passeport," which tells the story of an Eritrean refugee's journey. Florian Azéma, the RN mayor, stated that "public money" must be "spent correctly" and that the play did not align with his electoral promises.

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public money must be spent correctly

Michalik, a five-time Molière award winner, learned of the cancellation through audience members. He asserts that the previous municipal administration had approved the play's inclusion in the theater's program. "If that were not the case, it would not be listed in the theater's cultural programming," he told AFP, emphasizing that no direct discussion had occurred between him and Azéma.

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If that were not the case, it would not be listed in the theater's cultural programming.

"My play fills theaters all over France, so the economic argument cannot be invoked," Michalik argued. He believes the mayor focused on the play's subject matter, which he describes as a "rather positive" portrayal of refugees, their reception in France, Calais, and immigration generally. Michalik contends the mayor has not even read the script, which he characterizes as "very reconciling and benevolent."

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My play fills theaters all over France, so the economic argument cannot be invoked.

Michalik accused the Castres municipality of pursuing a "nationalist cultural policy, in a somewhat Trumpian way," and warned that such actions endanger "the freedom of expression of artists." He expressed concern that other theater companies might face similar cancellations, potentially jeopardizing their work.

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nationalist cultural policy, in a somewhat Trumpian way