The French actor, singer, and comedian visited Antoine Risso middle school on Tuesday, February 13th to meet with the ninth-grade students. Max Boublil, accompanied by Daniel Benoin, took the opportunity to give some advice to students preparing for the public speaking competition.
Engaged in a policy to combat illiteracy and promote culture in educational establishments, the City of Nice has been organizing meetings with renowned writers and professional actors for over ten years. These interventions take place in various educational, hospital, and correctional institutions, as well as within associative structures. The “Reading, Theater, and Writing for All” program allows students to meet a writer for the first time, discover their universe, and exchange thoughts on the profession of a professional actor.
Max Boublil was born in 1979. Versatile in nature, he works as an actor, comedian, singer, and director. He made his debut in the world of comedy through appearances in films, TV series, and commercials. In 2007, he gained fame thanks to a song that was both provocative and humorous, along with his noteworthy appearances on the show “Le Grand Journal.” Since then, he has continued to take on roles in cinema, further his music career, try his hand at directing, make numerous appearances on various shows, and perform live in one-man shows. Currently, he presents his show “Maximilien,” which he considers his most personal work yet. At the end of the meeting with the students, Max shares his views on the subject.
Why do you participate in this kind of event?
“When I was offered to do this, I immediately accepted! I love meeting young people, and being able to talk with them allows me to understand what’s going on in their minds. I’m getting a little older, and this kind of exchange rejuvenates me, it keeps me up to date. They’re young, but I found a great maturity in their texts, as if they were my age. Of course, I was pleased to be able to answer their questions, but I’m especially happy to hear their perspectives on comedy and life. We often hear old folks say there are only young fools, here’s proof it’s not true.”
Do you regularly have meet-ups with students?
“Thanks to Daniel Benoin, I’m spoiled in this area. He took me to a middle school yesterday, and today we’re doing it again. I find it great to share these moments with them. It’s important to stay connected to this youth, it’s super important. Moreover, I find it reassuring, it’s proof that we should believe in the future!”
Come September, theater courses will be mandatory in middle school, do you think this is a good idea?
“Yes, I saw that! All the better if it can inspire, create vocations, and at least connect with the French theatrical works. It’s a measure I quite like. On the other hand, they shouldn’t be put off by the subject, it depends on who they come across (laughs).”
And you, how did this profession come into your life?
“Initially, I was following a friend who was doing commercials and making money, so I thought why not. I admit, at first, I did it for the very wrong reasons, for the money. I really don’t recommend getting into it with that mindset, but in the end, it became a vocation and it allowed me to step into the field. Especially since there’s very little money to be made in this profession; if money is the motivation, my advice would be: go into real estate, it’s better!”
Always with a smile, Max Boublil reminds everyone of his upcoming projects. “Double Foyer,” that’s the name of his next film. It will be shown on the big screen starting February 21. In the meantime, Max is in the midst of performing his one-man show “Maximilien,” with the next date on February 16 in Nancy.
