Jany Gastaldi, in the ORTF studios, in Paris, in 1971. KEYSTONE-FRANCE/GAMMA-RAPHO
Born in May 1948, the actress Jany Gastaldi, whom director Antoine Vitez directed fifteen times from 1971 to 1987, died on November 24, at the age of 76, from cancer.
The actress was rare on the stage. Since 2011 and her role as Philaminte in Learned womenby Molière (directed by Marc Paquien), she was no longer in demand. Some recordings of fiction for radio, a voice-over in 2024, in Palaisa montage of texts proposed by Matthieu Marie, that’s all. “For many of us, she was the Doña Sol ofto Hernani and the Doña Music of Satin shoe. Two unforgettable roles, testifies Marc Paquien. But the new generation of artists, who did not know her, had not seen her in the drama of Victor Hugo [1985] nor in that of Paul Claudel [1987]passed by her. »
What a shame to have deprived oneself of this singular voice with its sensual and singing phrasing, of this naughty look under the brown mop of hair, of this not very tall body, of a striking energy, of this intense and generous presence! Honored in 1990 with a Prize for best actress awarded by the Critics’ Union, Jany Gastaldi did not shy away from theater, contemporary or classic. In his biography, the names of authors speak volumes about an appetite for eclectic play. Michel Vinaver, Philippe Minyana, Botho Strauss, Jean Genet rub shoulders with the end of the end of the repertoire: Shakespeare, Beaumarchais, Corneille and also Marivaux, worked in 1973 with Patrice Chéreau, who directs her in The Dispute.
“Nature of a tragedian”
From 1971, in The WorldBertrand Poirot-Delpech underlined in a few tight lines the evidence of the actress’s talent. The debutante, only 23 years old, has just joined the sets of Antoine Vitez, who was her teacher at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art. Cast in the role of Hermione (Andromacheby Racine), it already reveals, according to Bertrand Poirot-Delpech, “the nature of a tragedian, both frail and tenacious, full of nerves and already very controlled”. Tragedian, it’s true, she was, but also mischievous, ironic, loving to laugh and to make people laugh. “We must not forget how funny she could be”insists Marc Paquien.
Also read the archive (1971) | Article reserved for our subscribers “Andromaque”, by Racine DIRECTED BY ANTOINE VITEZ
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With Vitez, the companionship is exemplary. She is part of all his adventures. Jany Gastaldi follows him to the Avignon Festival, where she covers three of the four plays by Molière that he unfolds in a legendary marathon (Dom Juan, The Misanthrope, The Tartuffe1978). Later, she participated in the (equally iconic) creation of the Satin shoe (1987). A journey through the night under the stars of the Court of Honor of the Palais des Papes, which sees her for the only time in her life tackling the prose of Claudel.
Beyond classical works, what contemporary plays or roles demonstrated Jany Gastaldi’s versatility and ability to engage modern audiences?
## Remembering Jany Gastaldi: An Interview
**Introduction:**
Today, we commemorate the passing of Jany Gastaldi, a renowned French actress whose career spanned over five decades. To shed light on her life, work, and legacy, we are joined by two esteemed guests:
* **Marc Paquien:** Director and longtime collaborator of Jany Gastaldi, who directed her in Molière’s *Learned Women*.
* **[Guest 2 Name]:** [Guest 2 Credentials], providing a broader perspective on Gastaldi’s impact on French theater.
**Section 1: A Life on Stage**
**Interviewer**: Jany Gastaldi was lauded for her captivating stage presence and versatility, performing in both classical and contemporary works. Marc, could you share your personal experience working with her and what made her such a unique talent?
**Marc Paquien:**
(Encourages discussing Gastaldi’s acting style, her connection with the audience, and specific memorable moments from working with her.)
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], Gastaldi seems to have found a particular affinity with classic French playwrights like Racine and Molière. What do you think drew her to these works, and how did she bring them to life for contemporary audiences?
**(Prompts discussion on the connection between classic works and contemporary audiences, Gastaldi’s interpretation of these classics, and her contribution to keeping them relevant)**
**Section 2: The Partnership with Antoine Vitez**
**Interviewer:** The article highlights the extraordinary collaboration between Jany Gastaldi and director Antoine Vitez. Marc, could you elaborate on the nature of their relationship and how it influenced Gastaldi’s artistic development?
**(Prompts discussion on the dynamics of their collaboration, Vitez’s influence on Gastaldi’s style, and the impact of their shared artistic vision)**
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], Vitez’s productions were often considered groundbreaking and experimental. How did Gastaldi’s talent align with Vitez’s vision, and how did their partnership contribute to the evolution of French theater?
**(Encourages discussing Vitez’s innovative directing style, Gastaldi’s adaptability to his approach, and the broader impact of their work on the theatrical landscape)**
**Section 3: Legacy and Impact**
**Interviewer:** Despite her later withdrawal from the stage, Jany Gastaldi leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Marc, what do you think will be her lasting impact on the world of theater?
(Prompts discussing Gastaldi’s influence on younger generations of actors, her contribution to preserving classic works, and the memory she leaves behind)
**Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], how do you think Jany Gastaldi will be remembered by the French public and the wider theatrical community?
(
Encourages a broader reflection on Gastaldi’s contribution to French culture, her place in the history of French theater, and the lasting impression she made on those who witnessed her artistry. )
**Conclusion:**
Jany Gastaldi’s passing is a loss for the world of theater. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her art have left an enduring mark. Through the memories shared by her colleagues and the impact of her performances, her legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and theater lovers.
