From Molière to the present day: Teaching theater through melody, rhythm, and harmony

Interview with Jean-Jacques Lemêtre

Abstract

Jean-Jacques Lemêtre is the most well-known theater music composer in France. He collaborated for nearly 40 years with the renowned director Ariane Mnouchkine for the legendary stage productions of Théâtre du Soleil and continues to explore music through theater and film. He has given hundreds of lectures and conducted workshops worldwide, composed film scores, and recently won the Best Original Score award at Cannes for the film "ICI LE MISTRAL SOUFFLE FORT" directed by Sabine Jean. Jean-Jacques Lemêtre is also a passionate collector of musical instruments from around the world, amassing a collection of over 2000 instruments. Additionally, he is a luthier, artist-artisan, and the creator and inventor of dozens of new instruments. He has collaborated with numerous dancers, circus performers, therapists, educators, and musicians from both the Western and Eastern traditions. Having visited Romania multiple times, particularly at the Faculty of Theatre and Film at Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj, Jean-Jacques Lemêtre enjoys working with students, helping them discover their inner rhythm and the importance of being aware of their musical presence on stage. Teaching and sharing knowledge are among his current priorities, as reflected in the following dialogue.