Fox Theatre to celebrate Bastille Day July 14

To feature Les Miserables film, French lesson, commemorative photo

 

   Bastille Day celebrates the day in 1789 when a Paris mob and French troops stormed the medieval fortress prison that had become a symbol of the peasants’ suffering at the hands of an uncaring monarchy and aristocracy.
   For that reason, July 14, 1789, is considered to be the start of the French Revolution. It is observed with Europe’s largest parade in Paris, a week-long party in New Orleans and a large block party on 60th Street in New York City. Smaller celebrations are held around the world.
    In Avoyelles Parish, French colonists and immigrants marked the occasion with a church service and photographs of the participants.
    This year’s Avoyelles observance will add a program at the Fox Theatre on Thursday. The musical film Les Miserables will be shown to mark the French “Independence Day.”
    There is a $10 suggested donation to offset the cost of the French wine and gourmet cheese popcorn that will be served at intermission.
   The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., there will be a brief French lesson taught by Fox Board Member Polly Campbell, who also teaches French at Avoyelles Public Charter School. 
    She will lead patrons in conjugating two simple verbs and practicing simple phrases used in everyday conversation.
    A commemorative group photograph will be taken before the movie begins.
  “We are encouraging people to speak French in a relaxed, fun way,” Campbell said. “For example, to get their wine and popcorn, they will have to order in French and say ‘thank you’ and “your welcome’ in French.”
   She said all patrons with a background in French will be encouraged to speak in French during the event.
  Campbell said many who have talked to her about the planned event have remarked that they never get a chance to speak French. This will give them that opportunity, she added.
   The Fox Theatre is joining with CODOFIL to preserve and promote the French language in Avoyelles communities. 
  One of those joint efforts is the "French Film Series," which will bring French-inspired films to adults and children in the community.  Campbell said she hopes to have a children’s film as the next movie in the series. For more information, call 253-8105 or go online to marksvillefox.com.