Chocolat the clown, the first black stage performer in France, goes from anonymity to fame after forming an unprecedented duo with fellow performer Footit in the very popular in Belle Epoque Paris. But easy money, gambling, and discrimination take their toll on their friendship and Chocolat's career.
Acting
Omar Sy's physical comedy masks devastating vulnerability.
Production
Lavish circus recreations that reek of sawdust and champagne.
Director
Roschdy Zem
Omar Sy
Rafael Padilla, aka Chocolat
James Thierrée
George Footit
Clotilde Hesme
Marie Hecquet
Olivier Gourmet
Joseph Oller
Frédéric Pierrot
Théodore Delvaux
Noémie Lvovsky
Yvonne Delvaux
Alice de Lencquesaing
Camille
Alex Descas
Victor
Olivier Rabourdin
Firmin Gemier
Thibault de Montalembert
Jules Moy
Héléna Soubeyrand
Régina Badet
Xavier Beauvois
Jacques Potin
Christophe Fluder
Marval, the lilliputian
Antonin Maurel
The clown Ortis
Mick Holsbeke
The clown Green
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rafael Padilla was indeed the first Black circus star in France, though most French audiences today don't know his name.
Director Roschdy Zem, himself French-Algerian, deliberately cast Omar Sy to reclaim a story stolen by white performers for decades.
FR
