Afternoon au théâtre

At The French Library Get Directions

Join us for a very special one-man show about Vincent van Gogh and the years he spent creating masterpieces in the South of France. Ted Zalewski invites us to a makeshift café at the Center where we'll become immersed in the life of the man who painted the most memorable sunflowers and café scenes in modern art.

Event in English.

To make the most of this experience, don't forget to sign up for the educational workshop for members immediately before this event!

Members+ 1 Guest/Member

$15*

*No refunds will be given for this event.

About Ted Zalewski

Ted Zalewski holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, Loyola University, and a combined degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Sloan School, MIT. A former secondary school and college educator, Ted has taught on the faculties of Lesley University and the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Author of biographies for young readers and one-person historical performances, Ted is the foremost interpreter of Theodore Roosevelt in America. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists.

About Vincent: A Portrait by the Postman Roulin

The scene is simple: Two chairs and a table, a baguette in a country basket, a bottle of peasant wine, two glasses, a corncob pipe. We are in a café in Auvers, France. The year is 1890. Joseph Roulin, the Postman, comes forward and sits in one of the chairs. For the next hour, the Postman captures the spirit of van Gogh the man and the essence of van Gogh the artist. The Postman, written and embodied by Ted Zalewski through extensive research into van Gogh’s life and letters, is filled with humor, passion, and joie de vivre.

Praise for Vincent: A Portrait by the Postman Roulin

"In the most natural style, Mr. Zalewski creates the atmosphere of a French cafe in 1890… he crafts a very human, very moving story…(our audience) raved about the experience…Mr. Zalewski was a joy to work with and a consummate professional." Terry Byrne, Boston Globe theater critic

"Bravo! for keeping us at the edge of our seats. Merci beaucoup! " Alliance Francaise de Providence

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Talks & Discussions

The Monuments of Paris: Rewriting Family History

An Author Talk with Violaine Huisman

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Join us for an evening with acclaimed author Violaine Huisman as she presents her new novel, The Monuments of Paris, a sweeping exploration of family, memory, and a little-known chapter of French history during the Second World War.

Talks & Discussions

Virtual Event: Ann Scott in Conversation

Presented in partnership with Harvard Bookstore

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Join us off-site at Harvard Book Store for a conversation with French author Ann Scott, winner of the 2023 Prix Renaudot, for the release of her cult novel Superstars.

Performing Arts & Screenings

Ciné Club Series: The Double Life of Véronique by Krzysztof Kieślowski

DISCUSSION WITH MICHAEL WARTOFSKY

Thursday, May 14, 2026

A story of two connected lives, The Double Life of Véronique by Krzysztof Kieślowski is a must-see for lovers of European cinema and great film music.

See All