Aurélie Filippetti, Minister of Culture and Communication, was saddened to learn of the death of Richard Mitou, who was appointed jointly with Jean-Pierre Moure, president of the agglomeration of Montpellier a year ago to take the direction of the École Nationale Supérieure d'Art Dramatique of Montpellier.
With Richard Mitou disappears one of the most endearing and promising figures of theatrical decentralization.
Trained in the conservatories of Bordeaux and Montpellier and then in the research and creation workshop of Jacques Nichet at the Théâtre National de Toulouse, he was one of the most prolific animators and creators of his generation. We will remember for a long time the "Histrions", a text by Marion Aubert which he had directed and which was to reveal a whole collective of actors from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Art Dramatique in Montpellier.
Insatiable reader, unrepentant troupe leader, he was at the origin of many companies while pursuing his career as an actor. His generosity, his taste for sharing, transmission and his closeness to Ariel Garcia Valdes, naturally led him to apply for his succession.
His appointment as one of our best schools had been very good news for the entire profession.
We will miss his commitment, his energy and his keen sense of public theatre. Aurélie Filippetti sends his condolences to his family and to the teams and students of the National School of Drama in Montpellier.