The Centre Culturel Jacques Franck is prepared to host Guillaume Meurice’s show “Vers l’infini (mais pas au-delà)” if the Centre Culturel d’Uccle confirms its decision to cancel the performance, the municipality of Saint-Gilles announced on Sunday.
The French comedian was dismissed from France Inter in 2024 following a controversial joke about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Originally scheduled to perform at the Centre Culturel d’Uccle during the 2024-2025 season, the show faced possible postponement. Co-written with astrophysicist Éric Lagadec, the performance blends humour and science, focusing on the theme of human folly.
The Centre Culturel d’Uccle had initially invited Meurice. Olivia Bodson, chair of its board, cited “risks of public disorder” and concerns over being politically labelled due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as reasons for the cancellation.
The decision has stirred controversy. Uccle’s Socialist Party views it as “unacceptable political interference” by Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR) in the artistic programming of the centre. Brussels MP John Pitseys (Ecolo) also commented, suggesting that while this is not censorship, it certainly seems to resemble it in taste, appearance, and especially in smell.
Now, the Centre Culturel Jacques Franck expresses surprise and offers to host the performance. Francesco Iammarino, Saint-Gilles’ councillor for Culture, reiterated that the French labour court ruled Meurice’s dismissal by Radio France was “without serious cause.” He emphasised that defending pluralism and democratic values is a fundamental principle of Saint-Gilles’ cultural policy.
The municipality of Saint-Gilles is therefore pleased that the Centre Culturel Jacques Franck is ready to welcome Guillaume Meurice’s show.
