While the play “Passport” was to be performed in Castres (Tarn), the municipality led by the National Rally decided to withdraw it from the programming. A decision denounced by the Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard who, during questions to the government this Tuesday, June 16, gave her support to the director Alexis Michalik and strongly criticized the choice of the Castres town hall.
A deprogramming that is unpleasant. A great success in many French theaters, the play “Passport”, created and directed by Alexis Michalik, was to be performed in Castres (Tarn) in February 2027. This play illustrates the moving story of the journey of exile was the subject of a deprogramming at the beginning of June following the decision of the RN town hall. The Minister of Culture, Catherine Pégard criticizes this decision. Information relayed by our colleagues from Le Parisien.
Elected last March, Florian Azéma, member of the National Rally (RN) is at the origin of this cancellation. To defend himself, the councilor considers himself to be “in the right”, and considers that “public money” must be “spent correctly”.
As the controversy grew, Julien Odoul, a deputy from the same party, came to his defense: “The mayor of Castres did not cancel this document, he did not retain it,” he corrected. On the left of the political spectrum, Boris Vallaud, president of the socialist group in the National Assembly, and Thomas Portes, a rebellious deputy, denounced “censorship”.
The Minister of Culture supports the play
This controversy has been talked about even to the highest levels of the state. Catherine Pégard, Minister of Culture also took up the subject during questions to the government, Tuesday June 16 at the National Assembly. Questioned by the Macronist deputy for Tarn Jean Terlier, the minister expressed her “support, (her) solidarity, to Alexis Michalik, to the actors, to the teams who were rightly upset”
She also said she regretted a “decision taken without any consultation”. A speech applauded by left-wing parliamentarians.
“Like you, Mr. Deputy, I condemn this cancellation of a show for the sole reason that its subject is not in line with the political choices of the mayor of Castres” continued the Minister of Culture who deplores that this play has been canceled: “Alexis Michalik is a recognized artist whose play, created in 2024, is praised by the public and by critics. This work had not provoked the slightest controversy until it displeased the mayor of Castres.
“We must accept differences of opinion”
“Artistic creation is protected and enshrined nationally by a law passed in 2016.” The latter “provides that the State and local authorities ensure respect for artistic programming. It is a pillar of our democratic society”, insists Catherine Pégard. “Art proposes, can provoke reactions from the public and even cause a scandal.
In a society, we must accept contradiction and differences of opinion. I regret that the mayor of Castres makes a different choice, stigmatizes the work of artists. But deep down, are we really surprised this afternoon?” she asks.
Despite the controversy, the show, which benefits from favorable reviews, could be rescheduled in Tarn. A spokesperson for the departmental council even affirms that “the process is on track” assuring that it is a “very strong wish” of the president, the socialist Christophe Ramond.
published on June 16 at 9:12 p.m., Tristan Gorgeret / 6 Media
:quality(80)/outremer%2F2026%2F06%2F16%2F6a3188d97dee1469308206.jpg "In Newfoundland, the FFTNL focuses on art and culture to bring the Francophonie to life")
