Overview: A Funny, Melancholic Meditation on Choice
Julien Doquin de Saint Preux brings a lean, humane solo that blends sharp humor with a quiet melancholy as he examines the daily decisions that shape life. The show, titled Tergiversations d’un homme au ventre vide, began as a string of short texts intended for comedy clubs, but it grew into a full evening of storytelling and reflection under the guidance of director Frédéric Recrosio. At its heart lies a simple premise: the ordinary acts of living are constant choices, and doubt accompanies nearly every one of them.
From Comedy Club to a Theatre Piece
In conversations about the piece, the performer explains that the work evolved from a practical approach to touring and performing. The initial material consisted of light, modular texts meant for stand-up settings, but the narrative naturally shifted toward a core theme of ongoing doubt. Collaborating with Frédéric Recrosio helped reveal a unifying thread: the tension between what we want and how we live with uncertainty.
Autobiography, with Universal Echoes
While the show draws heavily on Doquin de Saint Preux’s own experiences, its appeal is universal. Audiences are invited to recognize the same doubts that accompany everyday life: what to eat, what to do, how to love, and what we truly desire in midlife. The piece trims grand metaphysical questions to intimate, almost domestic moments, creating a sense of shared humanity in indecision.
The Art of Digression
A defining feature of the performance is its willingness to digress. Rather than remaining tethered to a single theme, the comedian follows a word or memory to a new anecdote, then to another, composing a mosaic of scenes that feel spontaneous and real. This approach mirrors how real thought unfolds and gives the show its lively, human rhythm.
Live Dates and Reach
The show premiered in November 2024 at Théâtre Boulimie in Lausanne and soon expanded into a touring schedule across the Swiss Romandy region. In 2025 it returns to Romandy with performances starting on October 4, and planning extends into 2026. The live format emphasizes the immediacy of doubt, relying on the direct connection between stage and audience to preserve the moment’s honesty.
Why Watch This Show
For audiences craving comedy that does not shy away from melancholy, this solo offers a compassionate, witty, and insightful look at the forces that shape us. The piece uses autobiographical material to address questions many people face as they approach midlife, balancing humor with a candid sense of vulnerability. The dynamic between the performer and the audience fosters a sense of companionship in uncertainty, a rare and valuable experience in contemporary theatre.
The Creative Team
Written by Julien Doquin de Saint Preux and directed by Frédéric Recrosio, the show blends personal storytelling with precise theatrical craft. A spare stage and thoughtful timing maximize impact, delivering a lean, intimate evening that invites reflection as much as laughter. The format is well suited to the intimate rooms of Romandy theatres during the ongoing run from 2025 into 2026.
About the Performer
Julien Doquin de Saint Preux is known for his sharp observational humor and his capacity to inhabit moments of doubt with warmth. This project marks a bold step in his artistic journey, turning personal questions into a shared experience that resonates with diverse audiences across Switzerland and beyond.
