In 2012 it will be 150 years since the publication of “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo. Not in Paris, as is often assumed, but in Brussels. Even the very first theatrical performance of “Les Misérables”, an adaptation of the book by his son Charles, took place in Brussels.
Besides these two premieres of “Les Misérables”, Brussels also played a crucial role in the life and career of Victor Hugo as a writer and thinker. Hugo’s plea for a United States of Europe further cements his connection with Brussels. In those days that idea seemed to refer to a Utopia, but, one and a half centuries later, Brussels is the capital of a unified Europe.
Les Misérables is one of the great classics of world literature. Victor Hugo’s masterpiece is extremely popular to this day, thanks to the musical version and the many film adaptations.
“Les Misérables” has been filmed no less than thirty times, and Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) is currently working on a new film adaptation with a distinguished cast.
On the programme
The 150th birthday of “Les Misérables” will be celebrated with a programme of numerous events, from literary to culinary. One of the first events will be the exhibition ‘Les Misérables 1862-2012’ in the Royal Library of Belgium. Letters, newspapers, caricatures and other valuable historic documents will be exhibited there from 20 January.
From March (the anniversary month), a number of museums will also prominently display documents concerning Victor Hugo. For example, in the Museum of the National Bank of Belgium it can be seen among other things that Victor Hugo was one of the most important shareholders of the National Bank.
A newly set out city walk, which can be taken either individually with the help of a route map, or together with a city guide, follows in the tracks of Victor Hugo through the heart of Brussels. The starting point is the Grote Markt, where Hugo had two residences. It then goes on to some classic locations, such as the cathedral and the Saint Hubert Royal Galleries, but also, for example, to the Belga Queen and some addresses of his lovers.
With Pro Velo you can then follow Victor Hugo by bicycle, for the author of “Les Misérables” has also left traces in Ixelles/Elsene and elsewhere in the city.
Also on the programme: the culinary banquet of “Les Misérables” in the context of Brusselicious, gourmet year. At the time, the publication of “Les Misérables” was such an overwhelming success that Hugo’s publishers in Brussels organised a huge banquet for the city’s most prominent citizens and journalists from all over Europe. True to history, dishes from Hugo’s era will be served up.
In addition, Cinematek will have a special Victor Hugo programme, and Brussels Town Hall will be the backdrop for a large symposium. In the Théâtre Royal du Parc, where Victor Hugo used to attend the theatre and shows, a new version of “Les Misérables” is planned for the autumn.
Numerous other activities are also under preparation.
