Since it is about theater, the appointment of the new director of the TNN, following the end of Daniel Benoin’s mandate, who had been in charge for eleven years with an excellent record, could only follow a dramatic scenario.
Dramatic first by the unjustified desire of the same Benoin to reappoint himself for the fifth time (!). Dramatic also is the unconditional support of the deputy-mayor, Christian Estrosi, towards him, in opposition to the ministerial direction of “renewal and feminization.” Dramatic again is the clumsy attempt to turn it into a political case with excessive and sometimes off-topic controversies, resulting only in the derailment of actress and director Zabou Breitman’s candidacy (in association with the unmovable Daniel Benoin), who may have had a chance to succeed solo if proposed in another context.
Dramatic always is the “call to arms” of the Nice director against the Minister, an action that ultimately brought him the unpleasant surprise of discovering that not all his colleagues necessarily held him in their hearts! Dramatic finally, the clumsy attempt by Christian Estrosi to bypass the minister by addressing the Élysée staff directly for favorable arbitration, then withdrawing from the selection process only to return eventually, criticizing the choice criteria set by the ministerial bodies.
Final act: The Minister Aurélie Filippetti stood firm, ministerial authority and regulation in support, and the selection committee appointed (with the agreement of the Nice City Hall, the General Council, and the Regional Council) Irina Brook as the new director of the TNN starting January 1, 2014.
This decision will finally allow us to turn the page and focus more on the future of the Nice theater, which must perpetuate its first-class standing, than on individuals’ egos: Opposing through culture is certainly not the best of choices!
Eric Ciotti and Christian Estrosi express their wishes for success to Irina Brook
“We extend our congratulations to Irina Brook, theater and opera director, who has just been appointed by the Minister of Culture as director of the Théâtre National de Nice. Daughter of Peter Brook, one of the greatest directors and theater theorists of the 20th century, she has brilliantly followed in his footsteps, repeatedly earning recognition from her peers and the public.
We would like to commend the remarkable work done by Daniel Benoin, who led this theater for eleven years and placed it at the forefront of provincial theaters in terms of spectators, productions, and performances.
We hope that under its new direction, the Théâtre National de Nice will sustain this notoriety and write a new chapter in its long and rich history.
We welcome Irina Brook and extend our best wishes for success in her new role.”
In a more sober tone of satisfaction, the comment from regional socialist elected officials who naturally supported the ministerial action from the start:
“This decision, taken in full agreement between the State, the Region, the General Council, and the City of Nice, can only satisfy us.
It brings to an end months of difficult discussions and opens up a new perspective and ambition for Theater and Culture in Nice.
We wish Irina Brooks full success in her new responsibility.”
Christine Mirauchaux, Regional Councilor delegated to Culture, and Patrick Allemand, First Vice-President of the PACA Region
