The Paris Olympic Games are set to break new ground with an innovative opening ceremony on July 26, 2024. The ceremony, directed by Thomas Jolly, will take place on the Seine River, showcasing twelve artistic scenes performed by three thousand dancers and actors. This event will be a departure from traditional stadium settings, offering a unique experience that highlights the historical and cultural richness of Paris.
Jolly assembled a diverse team to craft the narrative for this groundbreaking ceremony, including screenwriter Fanny Herrero, writer Leïla Slimani, historian Patrick Boucheron, and playwright Damien Gabriac. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in a ceremony that promises to be a blend of humor, emotion, and French cultural elements, aiming to engage a global audience.
The ceremony will feature a boat parade with national delegations, performances on the banks and bridges of the Seine, and even elements in the sky. Inspired by the 1989 Jean-Paul Goude fashion show for the Bicentenary of the French Revolution, the event aims to reflect France's values of freedom and global unity, contrasting with the grandeur of the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Patrick Boucheron emphasized that the ceremony will avoid national stereotypes and promote a message of global mixing and optimism. Leïla Slimani added that the narrative would be generous, filled with joy, movement, and sparkle, while also incorporating humor to play with global perceptions of France.
Fanny Herrero focused on the emotional variations and sequences within the twelve scenes, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience. Thomas Jolly expressed a desire to play with clichés without mocking them, drawing inspiration from popular French media like 'Emily in Paris' and 'Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain'.
Hugh Robertson, former British minister responsible for the London Olympics, praised the innovative approach of holding the ceremony on the Seine. He highlighted the importance of a successful opening ceremony in setting the tone for the following seventeen days of the Games. Despite political uncertainties, Robertson expressed confidence in the French security forces and the exceptional nature of the Paris Games.
