L'Annonce faite à Marie: a chamber opera of mysticism and introspection at the Théâtre du Châtelet

From January 28 to February 3, 2026, the Théâtre du Châtelet plays host to "L'Annonce faite à Marie", Paul Claudel's work revisited as a contemporary opera by Philippe Leroux and Célie Pauthe. Between faith, intimate turmoil and musical experimentation.

At Théâtre du Châtelet, from January 28 to February 3, 2026, L'Annonce faite à Marie takes on a new form: that of a chamber opera set to music by Philippe Leroux, on a libretto by Raphaèle Fleury, and directed by Célie Pauthe. Inspired by Paul Claudel's iconic text, this contemporary version explores the spiritual, amorous and metaphysical dimensions of a mystical family drama.

Plays to see this winter in Paris
Take advantage of winter evenings to discover the must-see plays in Paris. Dramas, comedies, classics: you name it! [Read more]

Conceived from the outset by Claudel as an "opera of words", the piece combines sung voices, spoken text and the author's synthetic voice, broadcast over a loudspeaker. This hybrid approach, supported by theEnsemble intercontemporain and electronic processing at Ircam, restores the text's inner power. Far from focusing on a linear narrative, this creation questions the faith, guilt, purity, renunciation and moral tensions of its characters in a visual setting evoking medieval illuminations.

Le Soulier de Satin: Paul Claudel's play at the Comédie Française, big winner at the Molières
Rediscover Paul Claudel's Le Soulier de Satin at the Comédie-Française, a theatrical fresco combining love, faith and spiritual quest, from December 21 to April 13, 2025. An adaptation lasting around 7 hours, directed by the talented Éric Ruf, winner of no less than five Molières awards. [Read more]

Philippe Leroux 's music emphasizes the clarity of the text, while drawing on subtle autobiographical elements: Claudel's own calligraphy was used to generate rhythms and harmonies. Paying homage to a theater inhabited by language and the sacred, this version of L'Annonce faite à Marie reconciles spirituality and modernity, while leaving room for doubt and sensitivity.

This article is based on information available prior to the performance. The show has not been viewed.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.