This conversation has been translated from French.
Vogue: For the first time ever, the Olympics opening ceremony is leaving the stadium setting.
[Athletes from each competing nation will process down the Seine on boats.]
Thomas Jolly, artistic director for the opening and closing cermeonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralymic Games, in Paris in July.
Thats a significant challenge, isnt it?
And what fabulous inspiration it is!
Which everyone can enjoy since you have chosen to start the ceremony at 7:30 p.m., local time…
A rehearsal for the opening ceremony on
Indeed, I am mindful of the ecological impact.
Moreover, the river is not affected by the artistic works.
We studied the areas where the fish spawn to avoid disturbing their natural habitats.
Jolly (in orange) with Victor le Masne, who composed the opening ceremony’s music; Brand, Creativity, and Engagement Executive Director of Paris 2024 Thierry Reboul; and President of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee (COJO) Tony Estanguet in May.
Nothing falls into the Seine.
Everything is respectful of the environment in which we are set.
I call this ceremonyla grande celebration de notre humanite partageethe grand celebration of our shared humanity!
A rehearsal for the opening ceremony on
A humanity that is constantly challenged and in need of comfort?
Every four years, the Olympic Games provide a snapshot of the world, as the entire world watches.
Its the only event on the planet that is followed to such an extent.
And that night is when we must celebrate it.
Just as France must uphold its three cardinal values: liberty, equality, fraternity.
For you, what is the greatest challenge of this ceremony?
The goal is for everyone to discover the spectacle simultaneously!
Thats what makes it so thrilling, in both the creation of concepts and processes…
This ceremony is pioneering with no model to follow, placing us in a realm of absolute creation.
Its impossible to get bored!
Moreover, the spectators present that night along the river will be spread out over six kilometers.
To achieve this, I have been working on the storyboard for the broadcast for over a year.
During this ceremony, what moment are you most looking forward to experiencing?
They are the main focus of the ceremony.
What would you like the spectators to feel during this ceremony?
On one hand, surprise.
For months, there have been many rumors circulating about this ceremony.
But I absolutely wanted to preserve the emotion of discovery, and so far, we have succeeded.
On the other hand, love.
Love for oneself and for others.
Reminding ourselves that we love each other will be comforting.
Lets not forget that Paris is the capital of love!
