Q

The Little Prince still resonates in a world yearning for solidarity

Studio Saint-Ex author Ania Szado and philosopher Thomas de Koninck on the ongoing cultural fascination with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "Le Petit Prince".
The big screen adaptation of The Little Prince adds a twist to the story by introducing a young girl who meets the aviator later in his life. (Paramount Pictures)

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry really was kind to children, says Thomas de Koninck. The philosopher and rumoured inspiration for Le Petit Prince was only a boy when he met the famous author and aviator, who took a genuine interest in children at a time when they were typically "told to shut up".

De Koninck and Studio Saint-Ex author Ania Szado join Shad to discuss why the magical children's story, published in 1943, stills resonates in 2016. 

"It's as fresh today as it was when it was published. It strikes very deep chords in human beings," says de Koninck. 

Szado also shares the story of the author's own mysterious disappearance at the age of 44, and how it fits in with Little Prince lore. 

National Ballet principal dancer and choreographic associate Guillaume Côté first met the Little Prince as a young dancer, while playing him in a ballet. His new project for The National Ballet brings the story back to centre stage. (national.ballet.ca)

WEB EXTRA |  Guillaume Côté on Le Petit Prince ballet

The golden-haired boy still inspires today. Three major adaptations — all unrelated to one another — have suddenly appeared this year: a major animated motion picturea new musical, and a full length ballet

The latter project, spearheaded by Guillaume Côté for National Ballet of Canada, is the first full-length Canadian ballet in a decade. 

Here's a great anecdote from Côté that we didn't get to play on air, explaining how his own life mirrors that of the Little Prince. 

Guillaume Côté of the National Ballet of Canada shares his personal connection to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic story.
 

The Little Prince appears once again. (Paramount Pictures)