Daniel Auteuil is in Toulouse this Thursday, June 30 as part of the Marathon des mots 2022. The French actor will present his musical show “Déjeuner en l’air” at the Mazades theater at 8:30 p.m., during the course he performs several songs from his album “Si vous m’ known known”. Created in collaboration with Gaëtan Roussel, it largely takes up the texts of Paul-Jean Toulet, a French poet from the beginning of the 20th century. The Independent Opinion spoke with the actor-singer.

Why did you start singing?

I did not launch into song but into music and words. I had already started as a child, my parents were opera singers, I sang a lot in operettas etc. The novelty is to have put to music texts that gave me great emotion. I only knew how to translate this emotion through music. And I did it so late because that click happened now, I wasn’t available for it before.

can you see us talking about the poet whose texts you interpret, Paul-Jean Toulet?

It is a discovery by chance. I came across a book with a dedication from my mother inside. I am flabbergasted by the modernity of this 20th century writing, by what it says. It speaks to me a lot.

How would you define your album?

It is both pop and poetic. He looks like me. I hid all my life behind characters, and there are some songs that belong to me. For the first time, what I say is entirely part of me. It is a humbling bare. I know that’s what I had to do.

Did you present yourself more as an actor or a singer?

It’s the same thing. At the conservatory, singers and singers are taught to act. It is a continuity.

How do you represent yourself before each performance? Is the stress different from the one you feel as an actor?

Compared to the theater for example, it is the same. Just before entering, we say to ourselves “but what possessed me to want to do that?!” and then all of a sudden the orchestra plays the intro, we have to go on stage, so we go, we walk towards the microphone as we walk towards our destiny; and it is destined a joyous one that awaits us.

Do you have other musical projects?

I started to record a second album, but this time it will be my texts and my music.

And in the cinema?

A few months ago I was on the poster for the film “Adieu Monsieur Haffmann” by Fred Cavayé. In October there will be “The Toy” with Jamel Debbouze. And in August, I start a new shoot.

Have you ever been to Toulouse?

Yes I have been there several times. I shot André Téchiné’s film “My Favorite Season” there a few years ago. I know Toulouse and this beautiful region very well.

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