English

If attachment to one’s cultural heritage can contribute to the definition of a personal identity, unconditional allegiance to any religion, voluntary submission to arbitrary traditions, the deadly pursuit of conformity to a norm, and blind identification with an ethnically pure but largely fantastical group are the starting points for the worst forms of identity extremism. Knowing where you come from to understand where you are going, yes. However, when the tyranny of one’s origin leads to a cult of the past, community isolation, and sectarian fanaticism, this obsessive focus on identity becomes a destructive process that can only result in self-annihilation through the annihilation of others.

To borrow a phrase from Georges Brassens, it is the moral duty of the humorist to mock « the blissful fools who were born somewhere. »

Today, the widespread availability of new genetic ancestry analysis technologies to the public can provide material for many comedies, especially when these DNA tests reveal unexpected connections.

Family Tree

Political theater can hardly rival the tragicomedy of power as it is daily portrayed, much like a serial, in the news broadcasts. In this realm, reality often surpasses fiction. But one can always attempt…

It is essential to acknowledge, moreover, that the foibles of the presumed elites who govern us and the excesses of power, especially when it is absolute, are inherently universal in that they are intrinsically linked to the weaknesses and flaws of human nature in general. While Jean-Pierre Martinez’s political comedies are most often inspired by the specifically French context, they often resonate with the unique situations of many other geographical areas. This is why they enjoy great success worldwide, as in each country, citizens recognize in these palace intrigues, autocratic abuses, or widespread corruption the characteristics of their own social and political environment.

Ecology can become the subject of tragicomedy when the folly of humans jeopardizes their very existence as a species. The theme of ecology is still relatively underexplored in theater as a genuine dramatic narrative. It is often addressed in an educational and moralizing manner in performances aimed at fostering a salutary awakening.

Jean-Pierre Martinez, in his theater works, tackles the impending climate apocalypse as a true tragedy in the literal sense. Just as in any tragedy, the protagonists are predeterminedly condemned by the dark forces eating away at them from within, and they hurtle towards their demise without taking any action to avert it, driven by fatalism or blinded by a sense of omnipotence.

For humanity, it’s another form of hubris to believe that it can overcome « nature » and drag it down with them. The foretold end of life on Earth won’t stop the world from turning. Humanity’s self-destruction won’t prevent life from thriving differently, or elsewhere.

Ecology is primarily a trial of humanity itself. Given its largely catastrophic track record, does humanity deserve to be saved? That is the true ethical question posed by the issue of the already-commenced climate apocalypse.

Surviving Mankind
Just a moment before the end of the world

A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

Translation by the author

Fred and Sam have always dreamed of participating in the Avignon Festival, and finally, that dream has come true. But in Avignon, dreams can easily turn into nightmares. Right after the first performance, a harsh review discourages the audience from attending this already troubled show. Facing impending disaster, these two endearing underdogs make a daring choice – one that involves great risk.
This play is a tribute to all those actors who toil in obscurity, yearning for a glimpse of the limelight, while also celebrating the remarkable power of passion that can elevate even the most profound failures into something extraordinary.

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorization is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorization to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM

A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

English translation by the author

10 to 13 characters (males and/or females)

10: 8M/2F, 7M/3F, 6M/4F, 5M/5F, 4M/6F, 3M/7F, 2M/8F, 1M/9F, 10F
11: 8M/3F, 7M/4F, 6M/5F, 5M/6F, 4M/7F, 3M/8F, 2M/9F, 1M/10F, 11F
12: 8M/4F, 7M/5F, 6M/6F, 5M/7F, 4M/8F, 3M/9F, 2M/10F, 1M/11F, 12F
13: 8M/5F, 7M/6F, 6M/7F, 5M/8F, 4M/9F, 3M/10F, 2M/11F, 1M/12F, 13F

The hospital was almost perfect… The crime too. A darkly humorous detective comedy.

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorisation is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorisation to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM

A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

Translation by the author

The time has come for Diana to introduce Khalid, her fiancé, to her parents. Annoyed by the patronizing attitude of his future in-laws, who appear excessively proud of their French lineage tracing back to the Middle Ages, Khalid teasingly challenges Diana to validate the authenticity of her ethnic heritage with a DNA test. The astonishing results of this test will set in motion a cascade of unforeseen events…

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorization is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorization to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM

A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

Translation by the author

This version has been written for 3 man and 3 women but several roles can be played by men or women. Other possible castings for this play include: 5M/1W, 4M/2W, 3M/3W, 2M/4W, 1M/5W

As the presidential election approaches, a party plummeting in the polls selects a designated fool to represent them, taking on the responsibility for the impending disaster. Simultaneously, they secretly promote an outsider candidate for their supporters to rally behind after their victory. However, the fool turns out to be unpredictable… and so do the voters.

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorization is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorization to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM

A sketch comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

English translation by the author

Many different characters (males or females)

Sketches… to die of laughter.

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorisation is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorisation to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM

A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

English translation by the author

Up to 24 actors (males or females)

In a café across the street from a hospital, a decidedly odd landlord serves and observes the fate of his customers looking for hearts to steal… for a transplant or even a relationship.

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorisation is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorisation to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM

A comedy by Jean-Pierre Martinez

English translation by the author

8 actors : 4 males and 4 females

Set during prehistoric times that might well be yet to come, Newanderthals and Bohosapiens live together in perfect harmony. But two human species… isn’t that at least one too many?

This text is available to read for free. However, an authorisation is required from the author prior to any public performance, whether by professional or amateur companies. To get in touch with Jean-Pierre Martinez and ask an authorisation to represent one of his works CONTACT FORM