Theatre Raymond Kabbaz Presents The Los Angeles Premiere of the Play MONSIEUR IBRAHIM

Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz (TRK) is proud to present the Los Angeles premiere of the play Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran (Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran) written and performed by famous Franco-Belgian novelist Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, on May 6, 2018 at 7:30pm.

Published in 2001, Mr. Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt is a moral tale of self-discovery and maturity. It tells the story of Momo, a young Jewish boy, who sets out on a quest to find happiness with the help and teachings of his old friend, an old Muslim grocer, Mr. Ibrahim.

As this deeply funny and exquisitely crafted plot unravels, it reveals how we learn the most essential lessons of life and death when we expect them the least. Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt has given us an illuminating tale about suffering, love, compassion, and faith in both God and humanity. This story is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the grace and wonder that can be found in every heart.

In his touching, wry and bittersweet solo-performance, Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt tells with generosity the story of this child, who becomes an orphan too early and finds in Monsieur Ibrahim a protector, a teacher and a friend. More than just a story, Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran is a tale, full of simple and yet intelligent philosophical reflections.

Monsieur Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran is a powerful demonstration of the talent of Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, both as an author and as a narrator.

The book was adapted for film by François Dupeyron. Omar Sharif was awarded the César Award for Best Actor in 2004 for his portrayal of Mr. Ibrahim.

Paris in the 1960s. Thirteen-year-old Moses lives in the shadow of his less-than loving father. When he's caught stealing from wise old shopkeeper Monsieur Ibrahim, his discovers an unlikely friend and a whole new world. Together they embark on a journey that takes them from the streets of Paris to the whirling dervishes of the Golden Crescent.

The 90-minute performance without intermission will start at 7:30pm and will take place at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, the innovative performance space at Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, 10361 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90064 (310-286-0553). Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for students. Tickets can be purchased here: http://tinyurl.com/nj7aulr. A no-host bar will be available. To learn more about this event and Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, please visit http://www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com

This event is made possible with the support of the Alliance Française of Los Angeles, the Belgium Consulate in Los Angeles, and Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles.

This event is part of a US tour, which includes stops in New York and San Francisco.

Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, born on March 28, 1960, is a Franco-Belgian playwright, short stories writer and novelist, as well as film director.

Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt attended the prestigious École Normale Supérieure where he was awarded a doctorate in Philosophy and the top French teaching qualification.

Schmitt first made a name for himself in the theatre with Don Juan on Trial in 1991. During the 1990s, his plays brought him rapid success in several countries.

His second play, The Visitor, won three prizes at the Molière Award Ceremony in 1994. It was then that he decided to devote himself entirely to writing. In the early 2000s, he wrote several novels and short stories. Published in 2000, The Bible According to Pilate, a novel about Christ, which won critical acclaim and massive sales. Recently, he continues to write fiction and plays but focuses on writing screenplays. Odette Toulemonde (2007), a film about happiness starring Catherine Frot and Albert Dupontel encountered an international success.

In two decades, Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt has become one of the most widely read and performed French-language authors in the world. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, his plays have won several Molières and the French Academy's Grand Prix du Théâtre. His books have been translated into 45 languages, and more than 50 countries regularly perform his plays. His plays are constantly being put on in new productions and revivals in both national and private theatres throughout the world and are now part of contemporary repertoire. According to recent statistics (cf. column "Statistics"), he is now the most studied author in schools and colleges.

In 2016, Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt was unanimously elected a member of the Goncourt Jury, receiving Seat 2 in place of Edmonde Charles-Roux, and earlier, Jules Renard and Sacha Guitry.

Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt lives in Brussels. The Royal Belgian Academy of French Language and Literature awarded him Seat 33, previously occupied by Colette and Cocteau. All his French-language works are published by Albin Michel.

Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz (TRK) is a non-profit institution dedicated to the promotion of

art and culture in the West Los Angeles area. This 220-seat theater welcomes multidisciplinary and multicultural shows. TRK's mission is to be an Open Window on French and international cultures and to inspire and sustain a lifelong appreciation for the

arts. "The goal of our programming is to produce a range of live performances with an eclectic array of creative artists from around the world," says Pierre Leloup, Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz Director, "Our events bring diverse cultural traditions from across the globe to our stage, enriching the lives of our students and attendees from the greater Los Angeles area."

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