Renowned writer Dany Laferrière, a member of the Académie française since 2013, has just been admitted to the twelve-member reading committee of the Comédie-Française, commonly known as the “Maison de Molière,” in tribute to the 17th-century playwright Molière.
The reading committee that Laferrière has joined is responsible for reviewing texts for possible inclusion in the Comédie-Française’s repertoire, which contains no fewer than 3,500 plays from French literature and beyond. The collection also includes works from foreign literatures, such as Greek tragedies and contemporary authors.
Founded in 1680, the Comédie-Française is the oldest active theater company in the world. Each season, it stages nearly 900 performances in Paris, across France, and internationally. On the Richelieu stage, the main venue among its three theaters, only plays from its official repertoire are performed.
The reading committee includes eight actors from the troupe who sit on the administrative board, among them dean Thierry Hancisse and general administrator Clément Hervieu-Léger, along with four external figures appointed for two seasons by the French Minister of Culture upon recommendation of the general administrator, forming a twelve-member body.
“From the green paradise of childhood readings in Petit-Goâve to the seat once occupied by Montesquieu and Alexandre Dumas fils, Dany Laferrière, an observer of the theatrical scene since his chronicles in 1973, brings to the committee his perspective and sensitivity, which have long been authoritative,” reads the statement announcing his entry into the Maison de Molière, noting that he now contributes his “unique voice” to the committee.
“[…] today, I am happy to go and greet, as a good neighbor, our Misanthrope,” Laferrière reacted upon his appointment, referring to Molière’s play first performed in 1666.
The author of L’odeur du café took part in his first meeting of the Comédie-Française reading committee on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He attended remotely, as he is part of a delegation accompanying Emmanuel Macron on an official visit to Tokyo and Seoul from March 31 to April 4.
Laferrière’s mandate on the committee is set for two seasons, although ongoing renovations at the theater could extend his tenure, according to reports citing his press officer Camille Robitaille.
