FELICITATIONS

The folder was very thin. I sat at one of the long tables, the researcher’s lamp switched on to make reading and photography easy, and worked my way through the documents. Some were typed meticulously - I saw Andrée’s work in evidence there - others handwritten, and some impossible to read. The content is very matter-of-fact with no evidence of the emotions that must have raged in the singer as she faced down her post-Occupation critics and wondered what the cost of survival had been.

One postcard says it all. I have put it in the play. It is handwritten and reads simply:

'Edith Piaf

30.11.45

Pas de sanctions et Félicitations'

The final word has a capital initial as though this is the most important part of the message. Piaf’s career was not finished –  yet. She shone more and more brightly until she burned out completely 18 years later, a physical wreck and an international star.