Thomas Jolly, Artistic Director of the Olympics, Embraces Multicultural Religion
Thomas Jolly, the artistic director of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the organizer team issued an apology for the performance, stating, “There was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group.”
Thomas Jolly is a French actor and the founder of the French theater company La Piccola Familia, which he founded in Rouen in 2006.
Jolly gained significant fame in 2022 by creating a 24-hour play based on Shakespeare’s Henry VI trilogy and Richard III.
Moreover, Thomas is currently receiving criticism for his artistic direction of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, especially for a segment that parodied the “Last Supper.”
Thomas Jolly’s Grandparents Practiced Catechism, While his Parents Were Believed to be Jewish
Thomas Jolly, born on February 1, 1982, in Rouen, France, grew up in a family with diverse cultures and religious faiths.
Thomas’s grandfather used to give catechism classes to children in their house near Saint-Martin-du-Vivier, where he spent most of his holidays.
While Thomas himself did not receive religious education, he would listen to his grandfather’s teaching despite his lack of understanding.
C’est celui dont tout le monde parle à l’aube de #Paris2024.
Thomas Jolly a été choisi pour la direction artistique des cérémonies d’ouverture et de clôture, il nous parle de son inspiration, son parcours et sa façon de travailler dans Magistral·e, disponible dès aujourd’hui. pic.twitter.com/NQaOV03YHC
— CANAL+ (@canalplus) July 8, 2024
Meanwhile, his parents, printer father, and nurse mother were Jewish, making Thomas Jolly follow the multicultural religion.
Moreover, due to his multicultural upbringing, Thomas Jolly’s specific religion remains undisclosed, as he prefers to keep his personal life private.
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The French actor grew up in a free country, and he believes that everyone has the freedom to choose and follow their own path.
Furthermore, this philosophy of Thomas has led him to criticism for his artwork at the Olympics, with the media offering a range of comments.
Additional Information
- Thomas Jolly began his acting career in 1993 in Rouen, where he joined the children’s theatre company, “Théâtre d’enfants,” directed by Nathalie Barrabé.
- Jolly pursued a degree in theatre studies at the University of Caen, where he established a university theatre troupe and performed in several regional festivals.
- In September 2022, Tony Estanguet, the president of Paris, appointed Thomas Jolly as artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
