Germaine Campion: A Forgotten Breton Heroine Takes Center Stage
Table of Contents
Rediscovering a Life of Resilience: The Story of Germaine Campion
The remarkable life of Germaine Campion, a woman whose early 20th-century struggles led to a profound dedication to helping others overcome addiction, is being brought to light in a new play titled I will tell everyone
. Written by self-taught artist and filmmaker Pierre Jégou, the play aims to capture Campion’s journey of hardship, hope, and unwavering energy.
Jégou, a native of Plougasnou now based in Paris, has long nurtured a passion for art, balancing painting exhibitions with his burgeoning interest in cinema. After creating several short films, he felt a calling to write and stage a play that would resonate with his Breton roots. This quest led him to the compelling story of Germaine Campion,a figure largely forgotten by history.
From despair to Dedication: Campion’s Tumultuous Journey
Born in Saint-Malo at the dawn of the 20th century, Germaine Campion faced immense adversity early in life, losing her parents and afterward battling alcoholism. Her descent into despair during the 1930s saw her struggling to survive in the bustling Les Halles district of Paris. However, a turning point arrived after the war when she encountered a priest who helped her find sobriety. This transformative experiance ignited a passion within her to assist othre women facing similar challenges.
In the 1950s, Campion returned to Saint-Malo and established a support group called Free Life
, dedicated to helping individuals overcome alcoholism. Her tireless efforts provided a lifeline for countless people seeking recovery and a path toward a better future. Today, alcoholism continues to be a significant public health concern, with recent studies indicating that approximately 14.5 million adults in the United States alone suffer from alcohol use disorder, highlighting the enduring relevance of Campion’s work.
Bringing campion’s Story to the Stage: I Will Tell Everyone
Jégou’s dedication to Campion’s story led him to conduct extensive research, delving into archives in Saint-Malo and interviewing those who knew her personally. The result is a powerful monologue,I will tell everyone
,which captures the essence of Campion’s life and spirit. However, finding the right actress to embody Campion proved to be a challenge until Jégou reconnected with Carole-Anne Junchat, whom he had met during the casting of his first short film. Junchat embraced the role, marking her debut in a one-hour to one-hour-fifteen-minute solo performance.
I will tell everyone, written by Pierre Jégou. (Photo: Aline Goyet)
my play tells a hard story, but it emphasizes hope, energy.
Avignon Festival and Beyond: A Call for Support
The journey to bring I will tell everyone
to a wider audience has been challenging. Following rehearsals and a residency in Saint-Malo to immerse themselves in Campion’s world, the play was showcased in Paris. Sylvia Roux, an actress, producer, and theater director, heard about the performance and offered Jégou the opportunity to present the play at her 3S theater during the prestigious Avignon Festival Off, running from July 5th to 26th.
Participating in the Avignon Festival, with six performances per week for a month, requires significant financial resources. To help cover the costs, a crowdfunding campaign has been launched. Jégou also hopes to bring the play to theaters across Brittany, further amplifying Campion’s story and legacy. Those interested in supporting the production can contribute to the online campaign, ensuring that this vital narrative reaches a broader audience.
