Love Me: Fabien Ducommun Embarks on a Personal Journey at the Théâtre des Mathurins

What if a simple car journey became a mirror of an entire life? The Théâtre des Mathurins, located in Paris's 8th arrondissement, presents Aime moi, a captivating show starring Fabien Ducommun. Running from January 20 to February 18, 2026, the actor takes the stage solo, blending storytelling, music, and songs, accompanied by electric guitar virtuoso Jean-François Prigent. The performance weaves an intimate narrative with a sensory journey, inviting audiences to reflect on life's twists and turns through a poetic and immersive lens.

The theatrical piece unfolds as an immobile journey, a monologue punctuated by songs, inspired by a poetic road trip across the United States. Fabien, the central character, travels the country behind the wheel of an old Chevrolet named Princess, following a stroke of bad luck. What begins as an imposed trek evolves into an awakening journey, enriched by memories, symbolic encounters, and reflections on masculine identity. The show offers an immersive sound and visual experience, blending the visible with the invisible on this evocative odyssey.

A Streamlined Setup for a Fully Immersive Experience

The stage design embraces a purposeful simplicity: a stool, an electric guitar, and a plain grey backdrop. As the lights shift, this backdrop gradually transforms, unveiling mental and imaginary landscapes—stormy skies, hypnotic deserts, and spaces for personal projection. The presence of Jean-François Prigent, sometimes a confidant, sometimes a ghost of the past, or a silent witness, adds an ongoing auditory layer to this inward journey.

The musical component underpins the entire narrative. The songs performed — Love Me Tender, New York, New York, Nature Boy, among others — serve as triggers for memory. They punctuate the story, creating moments of reminiscence centered on family, an asthma attack, ambiguous desires, and past sufferings. "I never set out to tell my life story. It happened almost by chance, after recording ten covers of crooner classics," explains Fabien Ducommun.

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An Exploration of Masculinities and Hidden Corners

Through this performance, the artist subtly explores the construction of masculinity, familial legacies, and both real and idealized models of masculinity. The narrative recounts a search for love and light, without ever overly emphasizing their intensity. The goal remains one of simple sharing, delivering a deeply personal experience. "Why seek the spotlight when, paradoxically, we fear exposing ourselves to it?," he questions aloud throughout this introspective piece.

The sound design also plays a key role: frequencies, reverberations, and creative audio elements craft a floating, almost dreamlike atmosphere. This acoustic exploration seamlessly blends text, singing, and music into a cohesive whole, supporting a storytelling approach that moves forward naturally, without artifice.

A Parisian Revival Following Avignon

Following a debut at La Scala Paris and a standout showing at the Festival d’Avignon 2025, Aime moi is returning to Paris for a series of performances at the Théâtre des Mathurins. The production will then embark on a tour across Switzerland, including a stop in Montreux and additional cities to be announced. The play’s script is now available in print through the Éditions de L’Avant-Scène Théâtre.

Love Me presents itself as a hybrid theatrical experience, straddling the line between personal storytelling and collective exploration. It's a suspended moment to be shared alone, with a partner, or among curious spectators drawn to unique theatrical forms, in an atmosphere that's both understated and emotionally resonant.

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