Five exclusive live readings of “The Little Prince” to cheer up dreamers throughout the world

By Annick Dournes & Frédéric de Poligny 

The Little Prince

From 29 June to 3 July 2020 Michael Morpugo in collaboration with the “Institut Français du Royaume-Uni” and the “Antoine de Saint Exupéry Foundation” invites five prestigious guests to join him for five unique readings of ‘The Little Prince” on their social media. Don’t miss these exceptional rendezvous with Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale and release its magic inside you.

Antoine de Saint Exupery

“The Little Prince” is one of the best-selling and most translated books ever published. Since its first publication in 1943 in New York more than 200 million copies of this incredible book were sold worldwide through 400 different translations. It is the most well known and most read French “novel” of all times. This worldwide success originated in the book’s universal values including respect for Man and Nature, friendship, love or tolerance.

Kristin Scott Thomas

This year acclaimed author and play-writer Michael Morpugo proposes a new translation of this literary UFO that has had a profound impact on generations of readers. Actor Kristin Scott Thomas, poet and novelist Ben Okri, poet Jade Anouka, actor Ruth Wilson and Saint-Exupéry great nephew Olivier d’Agay will join him for this new interplanetary travel. A great opportunity to meet again the Rose, the Fox, the Snake, the Baobabs, the Vain Man, the Lamplighter, the Narrator… to fly back to Asteroid B-612, the Little Prince’s home.

The Little Prince and the Rose

This exceptional event marks the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII, and the 120th anniversary of the birth of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Each performance will be followed by a discussion on the enduring themes of this story including love, hope and friendship, as well as the poignant concepts of writing in times of crisis, giving a voice to those who do not have one, and the importance of cross-cultural relationships that inspire lasting creativity. Beyond each character the tale invites us on a quest to discover the meanings of life and human nature.

Ben Okri

In addition to the exceptional line-up of talent, His Grace, The Duke of Wellington will launch the first episode on 29 June 2020. Original illustrations by Saint-Exupéry will be presented, as well as live drawings by innovative calligrapher Alice Mazzilli inspired by the readings. Each episode will end with a live Q&A with the audience members.

Jade Anouka

THE LITTLE PRINCE: STORIES BY MICHAEL MORPURGO AND GUESTS DETAILED PROGRAMME:

Episode 1: Mon 29th June, 5pm with Kristin Scott Thomas

Episode 2: Tue 30th June, 5pm with Ben Okri

Episode 3: Wed 1st July, 5pm with Ruth Wilson,

Episode 4: Thu 2nd July, 5pm with Jade Anouka

Episode 5: Fri 3rd July, 5pm with Olivier d’ Agay

The Little Prince

More information and full programme at

www.institut-francais.org.uk / https://www.fasej.org/en/news

 Live on: Instagram – @lepetitprince @ifru_london

                 Facebook: @InstitutFrancaisLondon or @Thelittleprince

You Tube: FrenchInstitutUK

Text ©Annick Dournes

Photos courtesy of Succession Antoine de Saint Exupéry-d’Agay