Meeting the French Writer: Armelle Barnier
In late November, in the TKO auditorium, a colorful and eventful play was performed: "Dear Parents," co-written by Armelle Barnier Patron. The author, not only of plays, honored us with her presence in Hong Kong, sharing her inspiring journey with our students who were not disappointed. Thanks to her, her good humor, and sincerity, our students were able to understand a little more about the process of creating a book (for children) and also discover various aspects of the writing profession, some of which are often unknown, as well as the challenges of this not always easy industry.
She has always loved writing and has never been discouraged: a positive message for our students who learn daily to master our language and perceive the difficulties in writing.
A wonderful encounter with a sincere artist, with a big heart and "very approachable," according to all the spectators present.
Encounter with students of CM1A, CM1B, CM1G et CM2A at Jardine's Lookout
She introduced herself to them by explaining her multifaceted career, always dedicated to words: author of children's books, writer of political speeches, playwright… This literary career unfolded after another in cinema, serving actors as an agent.
After introducing herself, she agreed to answer their many questions. Everyone was eager to know how a book is prepared, how a subject is chosen, or how a book project comes to fruition. They also wanted to learn about the life of this author, details about her literary tastes, and her judgment of her work, including her favorite creations and those that she was less pleased with, both while writing them and in hindsight.
This open and candid exchange allowed everyone to grasp the author's motivations in the writing process and understand the driving forces of the passion for writing that guided her choices in her professional life.
Armelle also met with the students of of Seconde from BPR
Armelle Patron, co-author of this family comedy with her brother Emmanuel, shared with the students insights into her family and childhood 100 kilometers from Paris. She talked about her mother, who joined a major ministerial office after the 1981 elections. Above all, she explained her eclectic artist journey, sometimes as a playwright, children's book author, writer of political speeches, and advertising slogans. She recounted with a lot of humor and self-deprecation her encounters in the world of entertainment and the Parisian scene.
In front of students discovering the basics of political science in their second year, Armelle humorously mentioned the three speeches she wrote for powerful figures, especially for a minister with whom she "didn't share the slightest political affinity." She described her struggles to find the right words during long hours of hesitation, only to be praised by the minister who commissioned the speeches.
Armelle also answered questions about activism, which she described as "the very essence" of her journey and her family, emphasizing the enduring commitment at the core of her life, even though she admitted that she no longer truly identifies with the new directions of the party in which she had long believed.
