Brel! The Show — Olivier Laureau

Music · French chanson · Gare du Midi

Delivering Brel without impersonating him: that is the whole challenge, and where most attempts fail. Olivier Laurent takes it on one December evening at the Gare du Midi.

There are two ways to build a Brel show. The first reproduces the gestures, the fixed stare and the sweat — and produces a copy. The second takes the lyrics seriously and delivers them without mimicry. The second is infinitely harder.

A repertoire that forgives nothing

Amsterdam, Ne me quitte pas, Le Plat Pays: these songs are so deeply tied to a single interpretation that the slightest deviation is audible. That is what makes the exercise precarious — and worth watching someone attempt.

The local tip

Come knowing the repertoire rather than discovering it: this kind of show is judged on how it shifts songs you thought were fixed. And if you are unsure, this is exactly the sort of evening where local word of mouth beats any review.

The most intimidating repertoire in French song.

The editorial team
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