Le Cercle des poètes disparus: the award-winning play is extended at Théâtre Antoine - our review

The magnificent play Le Cercle des poètes disparus can currently be seen at the Théâtre Libre until December 31. A victim of its own success, the play will then be extended at the Théâtre Antoine from January 4, 2025, with a new cast.

Adapted from Tom Schulman's cult American film, the play brings to life the story of John Keating and his students, directed by Olivier Solivérès . The new dates still feature the brilliant Stéphane Freiss in the role of John Keating. A charismatic, iconoclastic character, John Keating is interpreted to perfection by the actor. The cast of young actors, who remain unchanged, won't disappoint either: their performances are impressive.

The play was awarded 2 Molières at the 35th edition of the ceremony on May 6, 2024:

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• Molière for Best Direction in a Private Theatre Production: for Olivier Solivérès
• Molière for Best Male Newcomer: for the talented Ethan Oliel

Le Cercle des poètes disparus returns to the Théâtre Libre until December 31, then to the Théâtre Antoine from January 4, 2025, with a new cast .

Our review:

A marvel! In the magnificent Théâtre Antoine, the exceptional cast, brilliant staging and highly effective set design cut our time in half - and we wish it could last longer! Gérald Sibleyras 'French adaptation of Le Cercle des poètes disparus, directed by Olivier Solivérès, is a must-see.

The play kicks off with a musical pre-show, with the actors inviting the audience to dance on stage while the audience settles in, a lively and successful introduction. The show begins, plunging us into the world of an all-boys boarding school and introducing us to the famous Professor John Keating, cleverly seated in the audience. We quickly become attached to the young men whose story we follow, and are dazzled by the accuracy of the cast's performance. Stephane Freiss is exceptional in the role of the charismatic, cynical professor.Olivier Solivérès's staging is not only well thought-out, with rolling desks, but also dynamic and aesthetically pleasing.

This dramatic comedy features a cast of young actors, including Ethan Oliel, nominated at the Molières 2024 for the male revelation award, in the role of Niel. Ethan Oliel plays a young man who dreams of being an actor, but is trapped by his father in a medical career. The actor is breathtaking in his complex role, filled with joy and sadness. Hélie Thonnat (the endearing Tod), Audran Cattin (the rebellious Charlie, nominated for a Molières 2024 award for best new male actor ), Maxence Seva (Gary, the intellectual), Pierre Delage (the genial Meekx) and Maxime Huriguen (Richard, the lover) are all impressive.

We are guided throughout the play by the Latin expression Carpe Diem, and the wave of revolt initiated by Professor John Keating reaches us too. A brilliant and moving discourse on the meaning of life.

As the show draws to a close, the troupe triumphs before a full house on its feet, a triumph richly deserved.

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