Saintes-born actress Frédérique Roudier is preparing to share a deeply personal story with audiences in Saint-Jean-d’Angély this weekend. Her one-woman display, “Malgré la distance qui nous sépare” (Despite the Distance That Separates Us), explores the profound impact of her father’s stroke and the complexities of familial love in the face of adversity. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th, at 8:30 PM at the Amphithéâtre de la Fondation Robert.
Roudier’s play isn’t simply a recounting of events; it’s an exploration of the emotional upheaval that follows a life-altering event. She describes the operate as an examination of “the story of a life that disrupts several lives,” specifically focusing on the challenges and resilience required when a loved one experiences a stroke. “How do you confront this brutal transition from serenity to drama? How do you learn to obtain back up, to continue?” Roudier asks, articulating the core questions driving her narrative. “Through this story, I share filial love in all its strength, its pain, and its light.”
A Personal Journey to the Stage
The production stems from a deeply personal place for Roudier, who hails from Saintes. Her father, Michel Roudier, previously served as the director of the Gallia Théâtre, a significant cultural institution in the region. According to Sud Ouest, Roudier began writing the play in 2020 as a way to process her feelings and maintain a connection with her father following his stroke in October 2012. Writing became a form of therapy, a way to “heal by remembering.”
The performance isn’t solely an homage to her father, but also a platform to raise essential questions about conclude-of-life care and the right to choose. Roudier reportedly questions medical practices and the support available to families navigating similar situations, even touching upon the sensitive topic of euthanasia with “autodérision, sincerity, and sometimes anger,” as reported by Sud Ouest.
Supporting the Show and Future Performances
Tickets for “Malgré la distance qui nous sépare” are available for 10 euros, and reservations can be made by calling 06 26 09 06 59. Roudier is also actively fundraising to support a performance of the show at the 2026 Avignon Festival. A HelloAsso crowdfunding campaign has been established to facilitate cover the costs associated with bringing the production to this prestigious event; the link to the campaign is https://www.helloasso.com/associations/cie-frederique-roudier/formulaires/1.
The show has already been performed at the Théâtre Geoffroy Martel in Saintes in October 2025, as noted on Frédérique Roudier’s Instagram account. The upcoming performance at the Fondation Robert represents another opportunity for audiences to experience this moving and thought-provoking work.
“Malgré la distance qui nous sépare” promises to be a powerful and intimate theatrical experience, offering a universal exploration of love, loss, and resilience. As Roudier prepares to share her story, she invites audiences to reflect on the enduring bonds of family and the challenges of navigating life’s unexpected turns.
Following this weekend’s performance, Roudier’s focus will turn to securing funding and refining the production for its potential appearance at the Avignon Festival in 2026. The success of the crowdfunding campaign will be a key indicator of the public’s support for this deeply personal and impactful work. We encourage readers to share this story and support the arts.