Tiphaine Raffier's 'L'hors-présence' Captivates Avignon with End-of-Life Drama

At the Festival d'Avignon, a thought-provoking play titled 'L'hors-présence' by Tiphaine Raffier explores how Western societies deal with death. Running for two and a half hours, it tells the story of Laure, a literature teacher in her forties battling a terminal illness, who wishes to die at home surrounded by her siblings. The family struggles with her care in a remote village, away from hospitals. Raffier uses a glass-walled stage and camera to create intimate moments, blending real life with myth. The play references the French Senate's rejection of a right-to-die bill on July 7, 2026, with an important National Assembly vote set for July 15. It features music from Verdi, Bach, and Dalida, and boasts a talented cast including Emma Bolcato and Teddy Chawa. While some critique the final act's length, Laure's powerful monologue resonates deeply, encouraging audiences to confront their fears about death.