There are moments that make you feel like all the hard work is worth it. Seeing a Syos mouthpiece on stage at the Comédie Française is definitely one of those.
Yes, that’s right. One of our mouthpieces is currently being played by Christian Hecq on bass saxophone in the production of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, directed by Valérie Lesort and Christian Hecq. And I’m thrilled. Not just because I admire Christian’s playing (I do), but because the Comédie Française is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in France. Founded in 1680, it is basically the national theatre. To be part of that, even indirectly, is a big deal.
This version of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme is far from a traditional interpretation. First created in June 2021, it’s a whirlwind of theatrical energy set to lively Balkan music. The play, written by Molière in 1670 for one of the extravagant royal celebrations, makes fun of the obsession with status, style and sophistication. Monsieur Jourdain, a bourgeois dreaming of nobility, throws himself into fencing, dancing and philosophy with the energy and awkwardness of a curious child.
In this adaptation, Lesort and Hecq embrace the eccentricity of the character and the fantasy of the setting. The stage becomes a playground for imagination. From the absurd “Turkish” ceremony to the poetic madness of the final Mamamouchi scene, this is a show for all audiences. As the directors explain, Monsieur Jourdain is a man driven by dreams as pure as those of a child. That kind of energy is very familiar to us at Syos. We design mouthpieces with the same mix of playfulness and purpose.
Christian Hecq, who co-directs this vibrant production of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, plays the role of Monsieur Jourdain and brings his usual mix of comic precision and physical commitment to the stage. A sociétaire of the Comédie Française since 2013, he has built a remarkable career spanning burlesque, tragedy, puppetry, opera and film. His collaborations with Valérie Lesort have led to several acclaimed productions, both within and outside the Comédie Française, including 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Le Voyage de Gulliver, both of which earned multiple Molière Awards. His portrayal of Monsieur Jourdain earned him the Molière for Best Actor in 2023, confirming once again his unique ability to embody theatrical extravagance with nuance and imagination.
And behind the music in this production, on the low end of the register, you’ll find Christian Hecq with his bass saxophone equipped with a Syos mouthpiece. We’re honored to hear our work resonate in such a legendary space. If you happen to be in Paris, you should absolutely see this joyful and daring performance. If not, just know that somewhere in the heart of the Comédie Française, a Syos mouthpiece is singing along with Molière.
And if you’re curious about bass saxophone mouthpieces, we craft custom ones on request. You can find more information right here.
