[PORTRAIT] Tristan Lopin, from social media to the stage

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The Editor

Tristan Lopin présentera son dernier spectacle, Irréprochable, le 2 avril à L'Olympia © Kobayashi

Tristan Lopin is a familiar face on social media, known for his clever sketches that spare no one, not even himself. But his humor doesn't stop there - on stage, he's just as hilarious. With a true passion for making people laugh, Tristan tackles current issues and topics that resonate with his generation, all with his unique dark humor. From celebrity gossip to climate change, loneliness to consumerism, and even mental health struggles like depression, Tristan fearlessly dives into it all. And now, after a successful tour across France, he's ready to showcase his latest show, "Irréprochable," at L'Olympia on April 2nd.


What does it feel like to be flawless Tristan?

What does it feel like to be flawless Tristan? (laughs) I used to play that role for a long time, but I named the show like that because it's no longer the case. When I was little, I was the smooth boy, who smoothed out edges, always well-presented, well-behaved... I freed myself from that about 3 or 4 years ago, late in life. I wrote the show after going through two complicated breakups that left me in total darkness, I went through a depression and I thought to myself "you spend your life trying to exist in the eyes of others even though it doesn't make you happy, maybe it would be even more fulfilling to accept that you can say no". This show, that's what it is.


Was his writing therapeutic then?

Yes, I always write because I have something that makes me feel alive. It's hard to say what drives me from within and that I need to spit it out. There are plenty of people who write about everyday life or lighter subjects and do it very well, but I need it to gnaw at me.

Their voice. I also felt it was important to educate the public in a different way than we do today. Humor is a way to turn things around in people's minds without being preachy or condescending. "I I always wanted to share stories through movies to create a connection with others. I've always had a special bond with humor as a way to convey a message. How did this all begin? What were your initial motivations for venturing into the world of cinema? As a child, I dreamt of becoming a film director. I wanted to tell stories through movies to connect with people. Growing up, I watched a lot of art-house and Iranian films with my intellectual parents. It felt like I was delving into stories that I wouldn't encounter in my everyday life. I was fascinated by the opportunity to explore different cultures and societal issues. Feeling misunderstood and struggling to connect with others, I believed that filmmaking would allow me to express myself in ways I couldn't in reality. When I realized the challenges of filmmaking, I turned to humor as a means of connecting with people, which led me to start writing.

Who are you?

Did this help you accept yourself?

Absolutely! It helped me embrace my independence and accept all the quirky aspects of myself, my past, and my quirks. Finding humor in everything also entails acknowledging that life isn't perfect, but we can still overcome its challenges. It's important to address serious issues, but it's equally crucial to demonstrate that many of us face difficulties and still manage to flourish. Sometimes, we can even find humor in the midst of it all.
© Kobayashi


So how do you get out of your room and onto the stage?

I'll be honest, it's so traumatic that I've kind of blocked it out, but simply, at some point you just decide that you're so tempted to try it. It's a mix of temptation and fear. In the beginning, every laugh is such a victory, an incredible dopamine rush, it feels so good. But fear is what drove me, like 95% of the time...


Is the future of stand-up to be politically engaged?

I think it's another form of humor that, hopefully, is destined to become more popular. But there's something for everyone. I like the idea that we're not moving towards a particular genre and that there's no one right way to do stand-up comedy, but it's really great that there are more and more people doing it because it's spreading joy. And a very important word, especially today. It is the least resistant, violent, and boring way to get these messages across.


Social networks have a lot to do with it. Do you feel like your job would be different without them?

Yes, because I became known thanks.Thanks to the visibility provided by social networks, I've been able to connect with a larger audience and reach people from all over. It has really changed the game for comedians in terms of engaging with their fans. Social media has allowed me to bring more people into the venue to enjoy my shows. But in my daily life, not much has changed without it. Just because someone has a lot of followers online doesn't mean they can fill up a venue - you need the right audience who will come and pay for a ticket to see the show. Social media can be risky too, it's not suitable for everyone and it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to become famous by producing low-quality content. Are you feeling balanced between your show, social media, and your work on France Inter? Yes, I think I have found a balance, but it's a delicate one. I will be wrapping up my show soon and I'm already thinking about how to renew myself. I had a sense of stability for a few years, but I'm always coming up with new ideas. That's what keeps me going.


Impeccable by Tristan Lopin
L'Olympia
28 Boulevard des Capucines - 9th arrondissement
April 2, 2024
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