Le Dernier Salut at Theatre National

In the twilight of their careers, three actors refuse to give in to programmed obsolescence. Facing retirement which rings the death knell for their theatre life, the trio declare a revolution, be it geriatric!

Are they past their expiration date? Too old to declaim love, death or hope, to serve Prévert, Rostand, Shakespeare?

In response to such inanity, they want to embark the public on an urban and poetic cavalcade. Their place has been taken in the name of budget cuts and flowering young talent. So be it! The street will be their stage, the alleys their stage sets. Outside a plebian bar or a luxury hotel singing, yelling and enumerating their memories, it’s the most beautiful show of their life that they want us to take part in. Why curb their freedom to act if their breath is whole, if the child still tosses and turns, ingenious and livelier than ever despite a spine teased by arthritis?

These three offer a sweet and soft lament on the quick, too quick passage of time. And in response to this realization they unite in a flood of enthusiasm, a cry of love to this craft which is best reflected in the dramatic power of the city.

Le Dernier salut is a return to the source, a long voyage that crosses real life. For once. Real life.