Historical play guide

Mémoires d'Hadrien at the Théâtre de Poche-Montparnasse: a plunge into the soul of an emperor

Jean-Paul Bordes plays Emperor Hadrian in this adaptation of Marguerite Yourcenar's novel. An intimate, philosophical meditation on power, art and memory, to be seen at Théâtre de Poche-Montparnasse until May 18, 2025.

Un an avant 92 - Chronicle of a lie: a play about collective memory at the Manufacture des Abbesses

La Manufacture des Abbesses presents Un an avant 92 - Chronique d'un mensonge, a sensitive fiction performed from April 24 to June 1, 2025. In a small northern town, cash floats disappear, leaving invisible but lasting traces...

Jerusalem at the Théâtre des Mathurins: a play about exile and shared memories

Calling all lovers of historical plays! The play Jerusalem is presented at the Théâtre des Mathurins in Paris from September 17 to December 31, 2025. A tale of memory, identity and transmission through history.

Un Démocrate: Freud, propaganda and power at the Théâtre de la Concorde

The play Un Démocrate invites you to delve into the story of Edward Bernays, to be seen from April 10 to 26, 2025 at the Théâtre de la Concorde.

Le Dernier Cèdre du Liban at Théâtre de l'Œuvre: an intimate quest at the heart of history

Le Dernier Cèdre du Liban plays at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre from September 18, 2025. A play by Aïda Asgharzadeh (author of Les Poupées Persanes) that combines a quest for identity with political memory.

Les Petits Chevaux: a quest for identity at the heart of history

A family investigation reveals the fate of Lebensborn children at Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens until April 22.

An Irish Story: back at La Scala Paris

An Irish Story returns to La Scala Paris from April 2 to June 23, 2025, a play by Kelly Rivière that takes us into the mysteries of her family.

De la servitude volontaire: La Boétie resonates at the Théâtre Essaïon

Jean-Paul Farré takes to the stage at Théâtre Essaïon with "De la servitude volontaire", an adaptation of Étienne de La Boétie's famous text, until April 27, 2025. A fascinating plunge into the mechanisms of power and submission.

Scarlett O'Hara: Vivien Leigh confides in the Théâtre de Poche Montparnasse

Until May 4, 2025, Caroline Silhol plays Vivien Leigh in "Scarlett O'Hara", a show inspired by the British actress' last press conference. A gripping portrait of a tormented star.

The Iron Mask and the Musketeer: delving into one of history's greatest mysteries

Until April 6, 2025, Théâtre Guichet Montparnasse is hosting "Le Masque de Fer et le Mousquetaire, ou le secret de Saint-Mars", a one-man show by Donat Guibert that revisits one of the greatest mysteries in French history.

The Collectionists: when Paul Durand-Ruel revolutionized Impressionist art

Immerse yourself in the destiny of Paul Durand-Ruel with Les Collectionnistes, a play by François Barluet, directed by Christophe Lidon, at Théâtre Montparnasse until May 4, 2025.

Marie-Antoinette in ballet: the last Queen of France recounted in dance at the Opéra de Versailles

Classical dance takes up the destiny of Marie-Antoinette, an emblematic figure in French history. Through a narrative ballet, the life of the last queen unfolds on stage, between pomp, revolution and tragedy. A work where history meets grace.

Renaissance Aesthetics: the adaptation of Peter Weiss's novel at the Théâtre National de l'Odéon

L'Esthétique de la résistance, the novel by Peter Weiss, is to be discovered or rediscovered at the theater in an adaptation by Sylvain Creuzevault. Playing at the Théâtre National de l'Odéon, it runs from March 1 to 16, 2025.

The Prize: Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner face off in a gripping historical confrontation

Cyril Gély's historic play Le Prix is staged at the Théâtre Hébertot from January 22, 2025. On stage, spectators will have the chance to meet Pierre Arditi and Ludmila Mikael, in the roles of Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner.

Frida: the play retracing the life of artist Frida Kahlo

Frida, written and directed by Paõla Duniaud, retraces the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. A victim of its own success, the play has been extended at the Manufacture des Abbesses until November 30, 2024.

Merci Alice, the play about the creator of the first Women's Games

Merci Alice! plunges viewers into the story of Alice Milliat, a feminist and top-level athlete who fought to create the first women's Olympic Games. On the eve of the Paris Games, it's an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Olympic Games.

L'Incroyable Epopée de François 1er, a comedy at the Théâtre de la Contrescarpe: prolongations

Immerse yourself in the burlesque history of a French king with L'Incroyable Epopée de François 1er, a historical show at the Théâtre de la Contrescarpe, until June 24, 2024.

Montaigne, Les Essais, the extended one-man show at Théâtre de Poche Montparnasse

"Montaigne, Les Essais" runs at the Théâtre de Poche Montparnasse until June 8, 2024. The one-man show is an adaptation of Montaigne's Les Essais, performed by Hervé Briaux.

Rose Valland, the extraordinary story of espionage at Théâtre La Boussole

"Rose Valland - Sauver un peu de la beauté du monde", based on the true story of spy Rose Valland, is extended until April 27. The play is on at Théâtre La Boussole.

Sisters Emmanuelle and Mathilde Seigner at the Théâtre de la Madeleine, with Bungalow 21

The two Seigner sisters, Emmanuelle and Mathilde, will star together in "Bungalow 21", a play by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt. For their first stage collaboration, they will slip into the shoes of Marilyn Monroe and Simone Signoret. A play not to be missed, from September 14, 2023.