NEW YORK – September 26, 2016 – After a successful first season that was embraced by Francophiles, Sofitel New York‘s Rendez-Vous Littéraires, a series of intimate conversations with well-known French authors, is set to return to Gaby Brasserie Française on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
With a commitment to providing hotel guests and local community members with culturally unique experiences, Sofitel New York is proud to host this special literary series that highlights French culture – one of the brand’s founding pillars, which also include gastronomy, design and wellbeing.
Olivier Barrot, French journalist and TV5 Monde personality, will return as the host of the series, which is conducted entirely in French, and will welcome Jean-Michel Ribes as the season’s first guest on October 25.
Tickets are $25 and include wine, hors d’oeuvres and a book signed by the author. Space is limited, so reservations must be made in advance with Daniel Harpaz at daniel.harpaz@sofitel.com or 646-251-9211.
Series lineup, in order of appearance:
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 – Jean-Michel Ribes – A man of many talents, Ribes is a playwright, actor, filmmaker and screenwriter, as well as the managing director of the Théâtre du Rond-Point in Paris. Marking his success in the industry, he was awarded the Grand Prix du Théâtre by Académie Française and the Molière Award for Best Playwright in 2002, and in 2007 he was bestowed the title of Chevalier in the Légion d'honneur.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 – Elisabeth Roudinesco - A psychoanalyst and noted historian of her trade, Roudinesco has been writing for over 40 years and has created works ranging from literary critiques of Antonin Artaud and Louis-Ferdinand Céline to biographies of Jacques Lacan and, most recently, Sigmund Freud, which was recently translated into English. Other notable works include Philosophes dans la tourmente, La part obscure de nous-mêmes – Une histoire des pervers, and Retour sur la question juive.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 – Alain Mabanckou – Born in the Republic of Congo and educated in Paris, Mabanckou is an award-winning writer best-known for his work on contemporary life in Africa and the African population living in France. He has written a number of novels and collections of poetry, and is a key figure of Francophone literature. He currently teaches at UCLA and the prestigious College de France. Some of his most recent work includes the novels Lumières de Pointe-Noire and Petit Piment, as well as the essay Le Sanglot de l'homme noir.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 – Raphaël Enthoven – A French philosopher and instructor, Enthoven has become well-known over the last decade for his radio and TV programs. His work includes Un jeu d'enfant: la philosophie, L'Endroit du décor, Lectures de Proust, and Matière Première. With his father Jean-Paul Enthoven, a noted columnist, he also co-authored an acclaimed Proust dictionary.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 – Maryline Desbiolles – Born in Savoy and raised in Levens, Desbiolles has spent a lifetime writing poems, short stories and other assorted works. She now lives at the border of France and Italy, and both countries have had a profound influence on her work. Most recently, she published a delicate portrait of Maurice Jaubert, a French composer famous for his collaborations with major directors, including René Clair and Jean Vigo.
About Sofitel New York
Sofitel New York, part of AccorHotels group, is a stylish Midtown hotel with a decidedly French accent in its contemporary décor, sophisticated artwork, brasserie cuisine and cosmopolitan service. It features 398 guest rooms, including 52 suites; function space that serves small to mid-sized events; and an outstanding brasserie, Gaby Restaurant. Sofitel New York is ideally located at 45 West 44th Street, affording easy access to Fifth Avenue and the Times Square theater district. For reservations, call 800-SOFITEL (763-4835) or visit http://www.sofitel-new-york.com/.
About Gaby Brasserie Française
Gaby is the outstanding brasserie and bar at Sofitel New York, named for a Parisian model who found her milieu in 1920s New York. Gaby serves classic French cuisine, and its bar is the place to be seen and the place to enjoy both creative and classical cocktails, fine wines and champagne. Boasting an archetypal brasserie setting by Paris-based interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, Gaby has its own entrance on W. 45th Street. It offers continuous service from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. For reservations, call 212-782-3040 or visit www.gabynyrestaurant.com.
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