L’Homme au cœur en fer forgé (The man with the wrought-iron heart) was selected by the panel for the Centre de la Marionnette de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (Belgium) and by Lansman Editions publishing house, in a writing contest on the theme of “First Time(s)”.

According to the indications given by the author, the play is a monologue that “could be spoken in a voice-over”. It features several puppets, representing characters of various ages. The text is organised in several parts which do not unfold in a linear sequence. The main character mentions other characters in his story, who seem to be projections of himself.

The man with the wrought-iron heart – now an old man – relates his story. He reminisces about his childhood, and thinks about the first time he played the piano – a moment which coincided with the death of his younger brother. It is now him who plays the piano for a child.