A Pedigree

The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF announced today an exclusive one-night performance of the Théâtre de l’Atelier production of Patrick Modiano’s acclaimed work, A Pedigree. Star of French stage and screen, the irresistible Edouard Baer will bring the words of French literary master Modiano to the American public on February 25, 2009, in this celebrated performance of the author’s deeply personal work.

Mixing autobiography and fiction, A Pedigree is a coming of age story set in France between World War II and 1966, masterfully chronicling Modiano’s early years and family "pedigree". Born to a Flemish mother and a Jewish father who met during the German occupation of Paris, Modiano relates his tangled and difficult family history alongside the history of a nation in upheaval. It is this highly dramatic family saga that resonates as the author comes into his own and embarks upon his literary career. A Pedigree has the unique capacity to illuminate the Modiano novels that preceded it and shed light on the influences that went into creating the artist.

A Pedigree was first performed at the Théâtre de l’Atelier for their 2007-2008 season, with Baer in the title role. Celebrated in France for his comedic roles, Baer is also a devoted reader of Modiano, having always felt a strong connection with the author and his work. It was this connection that led Baer to ask Modiano’s permission to perform A Pedigree on stage, and underscores the tremendous result. The prolific Baer inhabits the author’s profound and personal text, making Modiano’s tale his own. Whether reflecting on the hardships of his boarding school days, the disinterest of his parents, or the budding of a long and successful literary career, the gifted Baer uncovers a deep intimacy in Modiano’s words. Having received rave reviews for his performance of A Pedigree in Paris, Baer now brings the work to a new audience for its U.S. premiere.