Adapting a literary work for the stage requires us to rethink the work and recontextualize it within new spatio-temporal constraints. This creates a link between the writing of the past and that of today, sometimes between different languages and cultures. In and around Paris, many theaters offer new theatrical creations inspired by texts, novels, poetry and more...
What plays and shows to see this week in Paris?
This week, Paris offers an exceptional selection of plays and shows to suit all tastes. Take advantage of the capital's charm and long summer evenings to discover new creations. [Read more]
What a joy it is to see a book we've loved brought to life on stage! Every season , theaters in Paris and the Île-de-France region focus on adapting literary works. The richness of French literature opens up many possibilities for adaptation, and adaptors, directors and translators all seize the opportunity.
Seeing your favorite book come to life is an opportunity to re-discover it and perhaps understand the story differently. Theater offers a live experience, fundamentally different from reading a book, by seeing actors embody characters in flesh and blood, in real time. An emotional connection and immediacy is created with the audience. Each theatrical adaptation of a novel is a unique interpretation of the literary work, and plays with the senses through surprising scenographic and musical creations . Paris and the Île-de-France region offer a wide variety of plays, from classic to modern, so take advantage!
Classical plays to see now in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Numerous classical plays are presented in Parisian and Île-de-France theaters. An essential theatrical genre for lovers of culture and history! [Read more]Contemporary plays to see in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Numerous contemporary plays are presented at theaters in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Contemporary theater encompasses works created from the mid-20th century to the present day. An opportunity to discover modern creations, in tune with our times! [Read more]
You can find out more about not-to-be-missed literary adaptations for the stage here:
Peaky Blinders: The redemption of Thomas Shelby, the show adapted from the famous series
Peaky Blinders: The redemption of Thomas Shelby plays at La Seine Musicale from March 11 to 30. The show, adapted from Steven Knight's TV series by Benoit Swan Pouffer, has already attracted over 100,000 spectators! [Read more]
Guerre: le seul en scène based on Céline's book by Benjamin Voisin - our review
Céline's cult novel Guerre is adapted as a one-man show at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre. The play, starring Benjamin Voisin, runs until March 2, 2025. [Read more]
Les Gratitudes with Catherine Hiegel and Laure Blatter at Théâtre du Petit Saint Martin
If you haven't had the chance to see Les Gratitudes in theaters, the play returns to the Théâtre du Petit Saint-Martin from March 5 to April 27, 2025. The play stars Catherine Hiegel and Laure Blatter in a moving story, adapted from the novel by Delphine de Vigan. [Read more]
The Disappearance of Josef Mengele: the one-man show adapted from the novel by Olivier Guez
Attention book lovers: Olivier Guez's book The Disappearance of Josef Mengele will be adapted for the stage from January 24, 2024. Playing at La Pépinière Théâtre, the play tells the story of one of the greatest manhunts of the late 20th century. [Read more]
Absalon, Absalon! William Faulkner's play at the Odéon - Théâtre de l'Europe
William Faulkner's poignant novel Absalon, Absalon! is about to come to life at the Odéon - Théâtre de l'Europe. Adapted and directed by Séverine Chavrier, the play runs from March 26 to April 11, 2025. Tickets will go on sale shortly. [Read more]
Peau d'homme : Laure Calamy in the cult comic strip at Théâtre Montparnasse
From January 23, Peau d'homme, the iconic work by Hubert and Zanzim, comes to life at Théâtre Montparnasse in a creation by Léna Bréban. Starring Laure Calamy in the title role, this theatrical adaptation blends an initiatory tale, songs by Ben Mazué and choreography by Leïla Ka for a spellbinding new stage experience. [Read more]
Edmond by Alexis Michalik at the Théâtre du Palais Royal: our review
Edmond, Alexis Michalik's third play, premiered at the Théâtre du Palais Royal in 2016, is still running at the Théâtre du Ier Arrondissement. After more than 5 Molières awards, the play has been extended until March 30, 2025. [Read more]
François Cluzet in his one-man show Encore une journée divine
It's François Cluzet's big return to the stage! After a 25-year absence, the actor returns to the stage in Encore une journée divine, a one-man show based on the novel by Denis Michelis. The play runs at the Théâtre Bouffes Parisiens from January 25 to April 18, 2025. [Read more]
Orgueil et Préjugés... ou presque at Théâtre Saint-Georges: a modern twist on Jane Austen
From January 24, the Théâtre Saint-Georges welcomes an original adaptation of Orgueil et Préjugés, combining parody, music and caustic humor. A modern retelling in which five talented actresses and a musician plunge us into the whimsical adventures of the Bennet sisters, directed by Johanna Boyé. [Read more]
Dernier Coup de Ciseaux, the interactive play at Théâtre des Mathurins
Dernier coup de ciseaux has been running almost non-stop since its release in 2011. Written by Sébastien Azzopardi and Sacha Danino, the interactive play returns to the Théâtre des Mathurins from August 20, 2024 to June 28, 2025. [Read more]
Inconnu à cette adresse: the adaptation of the cult novel is extended at Théâtre Antoine
Kressman Taylor's novel has been successfully adapted for the stage by Michèle Lévy-Bram for many years. The play will run at the Théâtre Antoine from January 22 to February 16, 2025. [Read more]
Le Misanthrope: Molière's play at Théâtre du Ranelagh
Molière's Le Misanthrope, adapted and directed by Thomas Le Douarec, returns to Paris from October 19, 2024 at the Théâtre du Ranelagh. [Read more]
Les Liaisons Dangereuses: the novel adapted at the Comédie des Champs-Élysées
Les liaisons dangereuses, the epistolary novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, has been adapted for the stage in Paris! Until April 27, 2025, the play is playing at La Comédie des Champs-Élysées. Would you like to see a major work of French literature in theaters? [Read more]
12 Hommes en Colère: the play adapted from Reginald Rose returns to the Théâtre Hébertot
Missed it at the theater? Good news, the adaptation of Reginald Rose's cult film 12 Hommes en Colère returns to the Théâtre Hébertot from February 6, 2025. The spectator finds himself plunged into a delicate trial where twelve men must deliberate on the fate of an 18-year-old. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts October 28, 2024