Hold Up at the Théâtre du Gymnase: rap, dance and redemption in one evening

On May 21, 2025, Hold Up takes over the Théâtre du Gymnase in Paris. A musical comedy directed by David Desclos, featuring rappers from Secteur Ä, dancers and a host of emotions.

On May 21, 2025, the Théâtre du Gymnase will welcome Hold Up, a singular musical comedy imagined by David Desclos, ex-convict turned actor, already known for his autobiographical show Écroué de rire. With this creation, he continues his artistic exploration of the themes of marginality, redemption and the quest for reintegration, in a more ambitious form combining live music, urban dance and scenic narration.

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Hold Up would feature the journey of a man torn between his bandit past and his desire to free himself from it. The plot would evolve against a backdrop of committed rap, choreographed dance, humor and a love story, while addressing current social issues. This hybrid format would combine musical spectacle and social comedy, drawing on an eclectic cast.

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Alongside David Desclos, Hold Up would feature several major figures in French rap: Stomy Bugsy, Passi, Lino and Calbo (members of the Secteur Ä collective), as well as young artists such as Uzi, Igor LDT and singer Cali. StreetA 's dancers will add a constant visual and rhythmic energy to the stage. This combination should create a resolutely urban show, at the crossroads of theater, rap concert and choreographic performance.

Hold Up could appeal toa wide audience, sensitive to urban cultures, French rap, hip-hop dance, and stories of personal trajectories marked by resilience. It is also aimed at those seeking a hybrid, musical and direct theatrical form, in touch with social realities.

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This show would be less suited to fans of classical theater or purely narrative formats, as it would be rooted more in the energy of the stage, the force of rhythm and the multiplicity of artistic forms.

This article is based on information available before the show. It is not based on direct experience of the show.

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