Patrick Mottard to the Tune of a Zither in Nice

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Nice Premium: A book, a second play… Has Patrick Mottard been artistically busy these past few weeks?

Patrick Mottard: In fact, it’s the coincidence of regional and theatrical scheduling that has led to this congestion. I had finished the book during the autumn and the play in January.

NP: “On a Zither Tune,” why choose this title?

PM: It’s a reference to the famous musical theme from the film “The Third Man” by Carol Reed and Orson Welles, a theme played on the zither by Anton Karas. The answer to the following question will clarify this one.

NP: Can you give us a summary of your play?

PM: Characters from films by great directors randomly cross paths in Paris, Krakow, Berlin, or Mostar and, through their loves and individual destinies, tell us about half a century of European history. For instance, you see the heroine from “Hiroshima Mon Amour” meet the American writer from “The Third Man.” Or, Amรฉlie Poulain having a dialogue with an Almodรณvar character on the Mostar Bridge…

NP: The staging is by Henri Legendre. A few words about your partner?

PM: Henri Legendre, the director of the Alphabet Theatre, is a seasoned professional who has already staged plays entrusted to him by Arrabal, with whom he maintains a friendly relationship. He has also worked with Ismail Kadare. For me, it is a great honor to have such a man take an interest in my modest work.

NP: As an artist and city councilor, how do you view the culture in Nice?

PM: I’m far from claiming the status of an artist! That said, there is a real, thriving, abundant, and imaginative culture in Nice, and somewhat lagging institutional culture. I am relying heavily on Nice’s bid as “European Capital of Culture” to bridge this gap.

NP: Might your artistic involvement influence your political engagement?

PM: Not at all. There’s a time for everything. My “artistic investment” on these two projects is behind me. Confident in the talent of the director and actors, I simply have to wait for the outcome of the play, like an ordinary spectator. The same goes for Fragments of Nice, which is living its life in bookstores and many Nice homes. Currently, I am 98% invested in both national and local politics. When Jacques Peyrat is in charge, one cannot disregard the city’s affairs. By not running in the legislative elections, I chose to “keep house” and prepare for the city’s future.

NP: We cannot ignore the first round of the presidential election. Your thoughts on April 22, 2007?

PM: We’re seeing a neck-and-neck race, and citizens might be puzzled by the candidates’ personalities but passionate about this election. As for the results, I confidently await election night.

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