Actor and playwright Michaël Hirsch is bringing his latest solo show, Y’a de la joie !, to the Théâtre de l’Œuvre in Paris. Due to overwhelming audience demand, the run has been extended until June 25, 2026. Written and performed by the artist himself, the production is directed by Mikaël Chirinian, with lighting design by Laurent Béal. Following works like Pourquoi ?, Je pionce donc je suis, and Le Montespan, Michaël Hirsch continues his theatrical journey into existential questions, blending humor, personal storytelling, and reflections on the pursuit of happiness.
The show revolves around a personal challenge the performer has set for himself: dedicating a year to rediscover the joy of living. The performer shares his journey, trying out various routes to happiness—exploring the promises of self-help philosophies and the contemporary obsession with well-being. This experience serves as the starting point for a narrative filled with encounters, readings, and experiments. On stage, the actor crafts a story blending personal anecdotes, reflection, and playful language, rooted in the traditions of storytelling theatre and solo comedic performance.
Directed by Mikaël Chirinian, this production guides audiences through a deeply personal journey, emphasizing the narrative and imaginative aspects of the script. According to the artistic team, the set design symbolizes a progression toward joy—a journey rather than a fixed state. Laurent Béal’s lighting enhances this theatrical architecture by highlighting key moments and shifting atmospheres. The overall approach blends literary humor, direct engagement with the audience, and contemporary theatrical elements for a dynamic and immersive experience.
With this third one-man show, Michaël Hirsch continues to build on his career as a writer-performer. His work is marked by a keen attention to language and the paradoxes of everyday life. Y’a de la joie ! explores the societal push towards happiness, all while adopting a sensitive and accessible approach. The show fits seamlessly into the programming of Théâtre de l’Œuvre, a Parisian venue renowned for its focus on contemporary theater and innovative works by author-performers.
This show is primarily aimed at audiences interested in narrative one-man shows and fans of comedy performances that blend wit with literary storytelling. It may also appeal to those curious about hybrid forms that combine humor with narrative theatre. However, it isn't primarily designed for very young children or audiences seeking humor based solely on stand-up routines or a series of quick sketches.
Y’a de la joie !, written and performed by Michaël Hirsch and directed by Mikaël Chirinian, is coming to the Théâtre de l’Œuvre in Paris. The show runs until June 25, 2026, with multiple performances scheduled between March and June.
This article is based on information available online, as we have not yet attended the show mentioned.
One-man and one-woman shows to see in Paris now and in the coming months
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Dates and Opening Time
From March 10, 2026 to June 25, 2026
Location
Théâtre de l'Œuvre
55 Rue de Clichy
75009 Paris 9
One-man and one-woman shows to see in Paris now and in the coming months
