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 to see this week in Paris? Plays and shows not to be missed
Plays and shows to see this week in Paris: comedies, dance, humor, magic, cabaret... Our selection of must-see events. [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!
Numerous classical plays are presented in Parisian and Île-de-France theaters. An essential theatrical genre for lovers of culture and history! [Read more]
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:
Alexis Michalik's Edmond returns to 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 returns on August 21, 2025. [Read more]
Next time you hit the dust, with Vassili Schneider, returns to Paris in March 2026.
After a sold-out run, "Next Time You’ll Eat Dust" returns to Paris at the Théâtre Montparnasse from March 31 to April 17, 2026. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Panayotis Pascot and directed by Paul Pascot, the play showcases Vassili Schneider, the recipient of the 2025 Molière Award for Best Newcomer. [Read more]
Cyrana: Jean-Pierre Jeunet directs a new production at Théâtre La Manufacture des Abbesses
Cyrana, a play written and performed by Juliette Wiatr and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, is running at La Manufacture des Abbesses in Paris from March 2 to April 11, 2026. [Read more]
The Three Musketeers at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal: an adventure for the whole family
Alexandre Dumas's famous fresco comes back to life at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal from October 11, 2025, in a lively, family-friendly adaptation by Jean-Philippe Daguerre and Charlotte Matzneff. [Read more]
Louisa & the Four Daughters March: A Musical Theater Production at Funambule Montmartre
From March 7 to May 10, 2026, the Funambule Montmartre Theatre will unveil the little-known story of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women. Through an original production blending theater, song, and live piano, this musical journey explores the life of a fiercely independent woman as captivating as the heroines she created. [Read more]
Once upon a time… the show: Maestro at the Renaissance Theatre
Once upon a time… the show, a stage adaptation of Albert Barillé’s beloved series, will be performed at Théâtre de la Renaissance in Paris on April 22, 23, and 24, 2026, starting at 2 p.m. [Read more]
Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Illusionist: a show full of magic and adventure
Arsène Lupin arrives at the Théâtre des Variétés in "Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Illusionist", a family show combining theater, magic and adventure, from October 5, 2025. [Read more]
Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Grand Point Virgule
Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles, is on at the Grand Point Virgule through June 28, 2026, an investigation that blends the supernatural with rigorous deductive reasoning. [Read more]
Molière’s Tartuffe or the Hypocrite performed in its original version at La Grande Halle de la Villette
Tartuffe or The Hypocrite by Molière, directed by Ivo Van Hove, will be staged at La Grande Halle de la Villette from May 21 to July 11, 2026. [Read more]
Dernier coup de ciseaux: interactive detective comedy at the Théâtre des Mathurins
Discover "Dernier coup de ciseaux," an interactive detective comedy by Sébastien Azzopardi and Sacha Danino, at the Théâtre des Mathurins until June 30, 2026. [Read more]
Diderot en plein cœur: comedy at the Théâtre Les 3 Clés
Discover Diderot en plein cœur, a comedy inspired by Diderot, at the Théâtre Les 3 Clés in Paris, running from January 20 to April 14, 2026. [Read more]
La Promesse de l'Aube, the adaptation of Romain Gary's novel at Théâtre de la Contrescarpe
Tigran Mekhitarian's adaptation of Romain Gary's La Promesse de l'Aube opens on October 2, 2025 at Théâtre Le Contrescarpe. [Read more]
What to see this week in Paris? Plays and shows not to be missed
Classical plays to see now in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Contemporary plays to see in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
