An Italian boy comes to life in Avignon

James Archibald, McGill University

jak.archibald(at)mcgill.ca

Abstract: This analysis of Philippe Besson’s novel, Un garçon d’Italie, and Mathieu Touzé’s adaptation for the stage explores the alternate visions of the two authors and their shared creativity in bringing the novel to the stage. The analysis focuses on the contrasting narrative and theatrical genres as well as on the imaginaries that exist in the authors’ minds as well as in those of their readers and audiences.