Toulouse.Thierry Crouzet: “Being in the air must inspire…”
After having written several books and plays including “La Cage” which works well, Thierry Crouzet publishes his first novel “Tour d’abandon”. A story whose plot is inspired by real events. Interview.
Hyperactive, Thierry Crouzet, born and grandiose in Bellefontaine, is a bulimic reader and writer. A few days ago, this Air France steward celebrated his fiftieth birthday and also released his first novel, “Tour d’abandon”, (Echo Editions). A quirky book inspired by a true story.
“Hands up, we’re not moving! “And they handcuffed me in front of my kids as if I were Pablo Escobar, Bin Laden, Doctor Mengele and Marc Dutroux together”. What is this first novel about?
A story inspired by real events experienced by one of my friends, an Air France steward. Returning from a trip, he was arrested at the airport on charges of domestic violence. Needless to say the nightmare. After reading the minutes, he was found innocent but victim, on the other hand, of a manipulative wife. He now has custody of his two children.
Why did you want to tell this sad story?
Simply because this topic is topical. Some time before, I had written a play on the subject, “How do we do with dust” to denounce the unsaid of the entourage on feminicides. I hesitated to write “Tower of abandonment”. Currently, society is walking on eggshells with this topic. And people get on fire very quickly… This novel is a bit like the story of the reversed domestic violence that exists but which is not in tune with the times because it is not very numerous, it is true. I am a fierce defender of the female cause. But I like justice. I wanted to say that you have to be vigilant and not be content with appearances that can shatter destinies forever. Even today, my friend pays heavily for this story. This novel was also an opportunity to talk about the profession of steward. There are many things to say about it.
You are a workaholic. A few years ago, you explained this frenzy by the fear of dying. What about today ?
With age it gets better. But it’s true for about twenty years, I was afraid of disappearing so I didn’t stop being active on all fronts. I’m the son of a worker and for a long time thought I was illegitimate as an actor, author and writer. It is hard to dissociate oneself from one’s social condition.
However, you have come of age from your promotion at Sciences-Po.
Yes. But you know even today my father is worried about me. For him, my writing activity is not a solid and safe job.
You wrote your first book at the age of 17, “And if God existed” with Frédéric Gorny, nominated for the César for his interpretation in “wild roses” by André Téchiné. Since then, there have been five novels and several plays including “The actors are tired” directed by Fabrice Azéma. Have you become a star at Air France?
Yes. Besides, every time I’m on board a plane, I sell about ten books to passengers. But I am not unique. At Air France, several colleagues create the screen. Following the example of Frédéric Chau, actor in “What did we do to God? “. Or even JeanFi Janssens, recruited in 2017 by Ruquier for the GrossesTêtes. Being in the air should inspire and stimulate the imagination…
What are your projects ?
For 2023, the play “A father and pass” must be played at the Hébertot theater in Paris, certainly with Stéphane Freiss. For 2024, I’m working with Elodie Menant, (two Molières) for the play ” Do I have an Arletty face ?”, on the partSuenodream in spanish.
Are you calm today?
Yes. As long as I write and make people laugh, I’m fine.