The Age of Napoleon Podcast Prix Napoléon Special Episode
Jan 16, 2026
David Serero, an opera singer, actor, and director, shares his deep passion for Napoleon, sparked by his French education. He discusses the challenges of portraying Napoleon on stage, balancing his greatness with flaws. Serero highlights Napoleon's complex legacy for minorities, touching on reforms for Jews and Freemasons. The conversation dives into the lively programming of the Festival Napoléon, promoting inclusivity and international engagement. He emphasizes Napoleon's universal appeal, inspiring diverse fans worldwide.
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From Opera To Napoleon Festival
- David Serero began as an opera singer and actor before adapting Napoleon works for stage and recording his correspondence.
- He created the Festival Napoléon to celebrate Napoleonic culture through theatre, film, and conferences.
Napoleon As The Ultimate Self-Made Figure
- Serero was drawn to Napoleon as a self-made outsider who rose by merit rather than birth.
- That journey and meritocracy explain much of Napoleon's lasting appeal and mythos.
Building Napoleon From Letters And Mannerisms
- Playing Napoleon posed the challenge of no audio/video records, so Serero built a character from letters and mannerisms.
- He emphasizes Napoleon's hurry, authority, passion, and poetic letters to Josephine as performance keys.