On March 8th, the Alliance Française de Kansas City had the pleasure of hosting a very special cultural evening at the Musical
Theater Heritage.
Our community gathered to experience a powerful interpretation of Stupeur et tremblements by acclaimed author Amélie Nothomb,
brilliantly brought to life on stage by actress Layla Metssitane.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Consulate General of France in Chicago, through the Soutien au tissu associatif des Français à l'Étranger (STAFE) grant. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that connect and inspire French communities abroad.
We were delighted to welcome Layla Metssitane back to Kansas City for the second time in less than a year. Her stage presence, depth of interpretation, and sensitivity once again captivated the audience. Layla’s ability to embody Amélie Nothomb’s voice and convey the subtle nuances of the novel left a lasting impression on all who attended. Layla brought the novel to life in a truly remarkable way, infusing her own experiences and cultural perspective into the interpretation. For more than an hour, she delivered a powerful and captivating performance, drawing the audience into the story and highlighting the humor, tension, and emotional depth of Nothomb’s work.
Before the performance, we held a book club discussion on Stupeur et tremblements. Members shared reflections on the novel’s themes of identity, cultural differences, and resilience. This conversation set the stage for the evening, allowing participants to experience the performance with fresh insight and an even deeper appreciation for Nothomb’s work.
In
Stupeur et Tremblements, Amélie Nothomb narrates her autobiographical experience as a young Belgian woman working in a Japanese
corporation. The novel delves into the cultural misunderstandings and hierarchical challenges she faces, highlighting the contrasts
between Western and Japanese corporate cultures. Through her journey, Nothomb offers a satirical and insightful look at the
complexities of navigating a foreign work environment.
Amélie Nothomb is a Belgian author renowned for her distinctive storytelling and unique narrative voice, captivating readers worldwide
with her deep explorations of identity and human nature. Born on July 13, 1966, in Kobe, Japan, she spent her childhood and teenage years
in the Far East before moving to Europe at the age of 17. Since the publication of her first novel, Hygiène de l'assassin (1992), at
the age of 25, she has released a book annually, establishing herself as a prolific writer in contemporary. Her novel Stupeur et
Tremblements (1999), which offers a satirical look at corporate life in Japan, won the Grand Prix du roman de l'Académie française.
Layla Metssitane is a French-Moroccan actress and director who began her theater journey at fifteen with a workshop at the Centre
Dramatique National of Dijon. She has performed in various poetic, classical, and contemporary works, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream,
Le Partage de Midi, Phèdre, and Antigone. In 2007, she directed Palabre en Négritude, a play centered around Aimé Césaire, presented
in Fort-de-France and at UNESCO. In June 2024, AFKC was honored to host Layla Metssitane for the world premiere of the exhibition
"Des Fissures et des Mots" (Cracks and Words). This exhibition, part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, highlighted
unique works of art celebrating Paralympic athletes, capturing their courage, determination, and passion through a fusion of image and
word. Notably, in 2010, she adapted Amélie Nothomb's Stupeur et Tremblements for the stage, which has toured internationally since
2012. Layla Metssitane's adaptation of Stupeur et Tremblements has been lauded for its elegant interpretation and captivating
storytelling. The performance offers a profound exploration of cultural clashes and personal resilience, making it both moving and
thought-provoking.
Layla Metssitane has performed her adaptation of Stupeur et Tremblements in over 30 countries, with support from the French Ministry of Culture. Notably, she has brought this acclaimed one-woman show to audiences in Hong Kong, Pondichery, South America, etc Kansas City was the first city after a long time without playing.
The event was not only a cultural highlight but also a celebration of community. It reminded us of the power of literature and theater to bring people together across languages and cultures.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Layla Metssitane for her moving performance, to the Consulate General of France in Chicago for its generous support, and to all who joined us to make this evening such a success.
We want everyone in the greater Kansas City area who shares our passion for speaking, learning and playing in French to join our community
and enjoy our French programs and events. Become a member of Alliance Française de Kansas City
for exclusive offers, member events, discounts and more.