Thomas Jolly is the newest addition to the 2024 Paris Olympics ensemble. The renowned stage director rubbed elbows with several French theater greats, like Olivier Lopez and Jean-Pierre Dupuy when he just started. Best known for his visionary direction and extraordinary storytelling, he has donned several impressive hats in the past. His most recent work was Dusapin’s Macbeth Underworld at La Monnaie. 

Jolly has now been bestowed with the honor of being the creative director of the opening and closing ceremonies in Paris. The news of his appointment was so overwhelming, he couldn’t hold his tears in. With this responsibility, Jolly aims to bring his passion for the arts while showcasing the beauty of Paris to the world. How did Thomas Jolly secure his position on the Olympic Committee? 

Thomas Jolly’s emotional reaction to his appointment

The founder of La Piccola Familia has had an illustrious journey in theater, but his path to becoming the Creative Director of the 2024 Paris Olympics is nothing short of fascinating. In conversation with Vogue, Jolly sheds light on how this came about. “I’m not in charge of that,” he expresses. 

A specially appointed committee first came across Jolly after his double-page interview with L’Équipe came out. He was talking about an imaginative vision he had for a ceremony on the Seine. This prompted the executive director of the Games, Thierry Reboul, to give him a call. He was officially offered the role at the end of August 2022, leaving Jolly so overwhelmed that he was reduced to tears on a call with his mother. 

He believes the ceremony would help everyone perceive the true spirit of the French capital. With this vision in mind, he wants to ensure that there is “room for everyone in Paris.” Jolly continues, “Maybe it’s a little chaotic, it’s true, but that allows everyone to find a place for themselves.” His approach is in line with the overall inclusive approach in place for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Thomas Jolly will only consider the opening ceremony a success “if everyone feels represented in it.” But how does he intend to bring this vision to life? 

Jolly’s unique vision to encapsulate the essence of the 2024 Paris Olympics

Thomas Jolly will be doing something monumental – having the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics outside the main arena. He wants the ceremony to resemble a celebration that will showcase the cultural melting pot of Paris. His vision is to create an inclusive experience for everyone. 

For Jolly, it’s not about showcasing grandeur, but about leaving a lasting, yet meaningful impact. He intends to replicate the Parisian lifestyle by bringing elements that are both traditional and contemporary. To encapsulate this, the ceremonies will take place around historic landmarks in the city. The opening ceremony will be in the largest square in Paris, Place de la Concorde. However, the Parade of Nations is Jolly’s most ambitious vision, taking place at the Champs-Élysées. 

Tony Estanguet, President of the Organising Committee, believes Jolly is the right man for the job. He reiterated, “His extraordinary shows are proof that he knows how to break norms and take them to the next level. Thomas Jolly will be able to imagine unprecedented artistic concepts for the Paris 2024 ceremonies.” Thomas Jolly is setting high expectations for what’s to come.

His impressive vision promises to infuse the 2024 Paris Olympics with his unique theatrical excellence. By combining this with his need for social inclusivity, the opening ceremony will truly be a testament to the city’s spirit. Will Thomas Jolly’s inventiveness leave the world feeling enchanté? Only time will tell.