Seconds after the end of the "Synchronicity" sequence, in which dancers performed on the quays and in Notre-Dame de Paris, a hunchbacked figure appeared beneath the cross on the cathedral's spire. Laurent Delahousse, commentator for France 2, immediately recognized the reference to the character Quasimodo, protagonist of the famous novel Notre-Dame de Paris. In reality, it was Thomas Jolly, the creative mind behind the ceremony, who had donned Quasimodo's clothes for a few moments, recalling Alfred Hitchcock's fleeting appearances in his films, reveals Le Figaro. The cameo, a term designating a brief appearance in a film, rounded off a sequence that was both spectacular and poetic, with music by Victor Le Masne composed from the sounds of Notre-Dame craftsmen's tools.
Quasimodo, the central character in Victor Hugo's 1831 novel Notre-Dame de Paris, is the cathedral's hunchbacked and disfigured bellringer. Taken in and raised by Archdeacon Claude Frollo, Quasimodo develops great physical strength, but suffers from his appearance, which marginalizes him. His devoted love for the beautiful Esmeralda, a young Bohemian girl, and his struggle to protect the cathedral symbolize the themes of redemption, love and tolerance. Quasimodo's story highlights inner beauty and human dignity, despite appearances.
In May and June, dancers rehearsed and recorded their choreographies on the still-active Notre-Dame building site. The images of these artists suspended in mid-air, attached to scaffolding, were filmed at weekends, in the absence of the workers. The performance took place on the 40-metre-high footbridge leading to the choir roof. Designed and erected by Europe Échafaudage, this scaffolding served as the stage for this unique sequence. It was crucial that the performers were attached to precise points to avoid any risk of falling. Filming took place under the rigorous supervision of the Labour Inspectorate, which found no infringements.
French director and actorThomas Jolly has made a name for himself with his bold, innovative productions. Born in 1982, he founded the La Piccola Familia company in 2006. He has made a name for himself with landmark productions such as his version of Shakespeare's Henry VI, an eighteen-hour theatrical fresco presented at the Avignon Festival in 2014. As artistic director of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he combined tradition and modernity, paying tribute to cultural heritage while infusing a contemporary, poetic touch.
The lead roofing work is now complete, and the scaffolding remains in place. This magical moment, a perfect marriage of art and construction, left a lasting impression on site workers and spectators from all over the world. "The tribute was as beautiful as it was spectacular. Thomas Jolly and his team highlighted the exceptional commitment of the artisans and journeymen who, for the past five years, have been working tirelessly to rebuild the cathedral for its reopening on December 8," said Philippe Jost, President of the public institution in charge of rebuilding Notre-Dame.
In short, a fine reference and another memorable image for an opening ceremony that will live long in our memories.
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